Page 53 of Loving the Legend
“Yeah, luckily, he can’t taste anything. It’s pretty bland.”
“I was right about you,” she says, climbing back to her tiptoes to kiss my cheek.
I grin as she turns and walks into the house.
“I’ll make lemon honey tea and look for medicine,” she tells Sid.
Sid palms my shoulder. “Sorry, man! You’re stuck with us now. Once Lily King loves you, you’ll never escape. I hope you like cable knit sweaters and socks.”
I grin. “Can’t ever have too many mom types in your life.”
We both turn to the sound of Leslie pulling into the driveway.
I turn to give Sid a dap, but he pulls me into a hug. “Thanks again.”
“No doubt. Rest up.”
As we pull away, I tell myself not to turn back, but I cave right before the hedges block my view. I grin at the sight of Sid leaning against his door, gazing at the retreating car.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ifly into Newark Airport on a red-eye on the day of my parents’ death anniversary and cab over to Adam’s house in New Jersey. With the NBA’s hectic schedule, I won’t always be able to fly in on the actual anniversary, but I’ll always make my way the minute I get a break. I’m grateful that it worked out this year. Adam and I need this. The door opens from the inside as I turn my key into the lock. A handsome, tall man with pale brown eyes, jet-black curls, freckles, and dusky skin peers back at me. He’s pulling his coat over a fleece sweater.
“Hey,” I greet him.
“Hi, Ty, I’m Ishan.”
I shake the hand that he extends.
“Your uncle is still, er, in bed. I work at the fire station,” he says, rubbing his neck.
Damn, Unc! You still got it.
“Nice to meet you, Ishan. Are you leaving on my account?” I lean back against the door frame as he slides past.
“I’d much prefer to stay and get to know you, but my shift starts in half an hour. I hope to get the chance next time you’re in town.”
He looks up at my uncle’s window.
“I’m crazy about your uncle,” he says, beaming. I’ve always known my uncle was a catch. Setting up his dating profile solidified it. His phone blew up in the first couple of hours. His schedule makes it hard for him to settle down. Dating another firefighter makes sense.
“I look forward to it,” I reply.
“See ya later,” he bids as he turns towards his car.
I dust the snow off my boots on the doormat, then enter the house.
The familiar scent of cedar fills my nostrils. Home.
Adam is awake when I exit the shower.
“Hey! You made it,” he says, rubbing his eyes.
“Morning, Unc. It’s good to be home.” I envelop him in a hug.
“The house hasn’t been the same since you left." He kisses me on the cheek.
“I’ll visit more. You know I’d kill for you to live in LA, but you love your job too much.”
