Page 27 of Scoring the Player
“Oh non…”
And it felt like I was running out of time. It’s not like I expected Blue to be waiting up at night for it. But still, it’s felt like the kind of thing that loses its steam the more weeks pass by. “It’s the fourth quarter, and I’m down like twenty points. Got any game-winning pep talks in the chamber?”
He hummed. “Start from the beginning.”
We traced the steps that led to the taste that haunted my tongue before he offered, “When I design a garment, execution involves countless choices. Everything from the fabric, closures, and threads takes hours of consideration. They have to work on their own and in relationship to the other elements.”
“So instead of focusing on the recipe, focus on the ingredients?”
“Oui. Deconstruct and assess each component. Don’t be afraid to follow your inspiration, even if it goes against the grain.”
“Hmm. Maybe I’ve been playing it safe,” I admitted as I picked up the cake and dropped it into the garbage.
“La nuit porte conseil.”
I slept on it like he instructed, and in the morning, I hit the ground running.
I step backas Dad snaps pictures.
“Your mother will kill us if we don’t get one from every angle.”
“Have you heard from her? How’s her spa weekend going with Aunt V?”
“Spoke to her on the way home. They were headed to get facials. She sounded relaxed.” He lets out a breath. “But I still received three text reminders to take pictures of the cake.”
I chuckle.She sent me one too.
“How’s your brother? I tried him this morning, but his phone’s off.”
“You sure it’s off?” Wiping icing off my hands, I grab my phone from the counter and hit call on my brother’s contact.
“So stubborn,” I grouse as an automated voice confirms what Dad said. I hang up and dial the phone company, pin the phone to my ear, and retrieve my credit card from my wallet.
“He gets it naturally. At least he agreed to live with you. It only took years of convincing.”
“We have an agreement, though. He’s visiting his Marine friend in Minnesota.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m sure he’s okay. I’ll try him again tonight. Help me box this?”
He nods. “You know, if you and Arnaz start dating, I’ll see my youngest more.”
“I visit almost every other month. Gimme some credit.”
“Alright.” He pats my back. “Your old man is still holding out hope we can open a bakery here together.”
“Think we’re good enough?”
“Would you look at this masterpiece? With your tenacity, what can’t you do?”
He gave me the same answer when I asked if he thought I was good enough to join the league. Then he hit the courts with me at the crack of dawn to practice, shuffled me to camps and tournaments. Tenacity aside, he and Mom are part of the reason I made it.
I rub my palms on my jeans.
“You’re up,” I whisper to the cake before I seal the box. “Help me score a first date with Blue.”
CHAPTER 7
