Page 58 of Fast Break
I’m so focused on JT that I don’t notice someone slipping into the seat beside me until the very last second. I glance over to find a man watching me curiously, something familiar about his eyes.
“You must be Quinn.”
“I am.”
“I’m Alec,” he continues with an easy familiarity, holding his hand out for me to shake. “Trey’s dad. And JT’s uncle.”
“Oh. Nice to meet you,” I reply a little more warmly.
“It was good of you to bring JT out to the game tonight,” he continues, moving his focus back to the court. “We’d be struggling out there without him.”
“He’s playing great,” I offer. I’ve never really done the whole sports banter thing, and I hope JT’s uncle is not expecting a technical exchange on the game.
“Trey told me what happened tonight,” Alec grumbles. “JT’s dad is my brother. They’re not … the easiest to deal with.”
“I’m getting that impression.”
“JT doesn’t have the easiest time of it at home,” he says, an air of caution in his words. “We try and be there for him when we can, but David and Pen can be very inflexible and singular minded. I know it doesn’t seem it, but their intentions are always good, I need you to understand.”
I nod, not sure what to add to the conversation. I don’t want to lay into JT’s parents even though I think they probably deserve it. I don’t care about their ‘good’intentions either if JT is always the one suffering in the fallout.
“Things won’t be easy,” Alec continues. “You know, if you and my nephew continue …” He doesn’t provide any further clarification, but his words tell me he knows enough about me and JT.
“I know,” I tell him, fixing my eyes back on the game where JT is heading to the free-throw line. “He’s worth it though,” I add because I need JT’s uncle to know I’m not walking away from him just because things might not be easy.
Alec looks across at me, appreciation in his gaze. “We agree,” he says. “And I’ve gotta say I’m glad my nephew has someone like you in his corner. He needs it.”
Alec’s words hit me somewhere in my gut and I shift in my seat. I’ve never sought out other people’s good opinion, but I have to admit I like having the approval of someone so important to JT. I know I’m not going to get it from his parents but it’s nice to know there are still people who love him regardless.
“And listen, we’d love the chance to get to know you better,” Alec continues, oblivious to the way his words have affected me. “My wife Billie just adores JT. She is desperate to meet you.”
“I didn’t realise any of JT’s family actually knew about us,” I have to admit.
Alec chuffs. “Yeah, sorry if I came across a bit full on. We can be a bit over the top in our branch of the Sterling family but it comes from a good place.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind being open about me and JT, but I don’t know how he feels about it.”
“Well, JT knows what we’re like. Fits in really well with us too for that matter.”
“I’m glad he has supportive family like you.”
“Yeah,” Alec agrees, expression clouding. “I have a feeling he might be needing us even more when word gets out about you two. But I don’t want you to worry about that. We’ll handle the family. Just know that JT has the love and support of the rest of us behind him.”
“Good to know.” We’re silent for a few minutes as Trey and JT team up to do some more impressive damage to the opposition and I find myself smiling. They really are good together, like they know each other’s game so well it’s almost impossible to defend against.
“I’ll let you watch the game in peace,” Alec says, shooting me a smile before returning to where he is sitting with a group of team parents. I watch him leave, feeling a pang that JT’s parents aren’t over there with them, cheering on their boys on court. He deserves better.
And I’m going to be the one to make sure he gets it. I’m going to make sure he has someone in his corner for every game he plays for the rest of his life.
The Sterling boys decimate the opposition and the Dukes walk away with a good win. I’m happy because winning makes JT happy and tonight has made me realise just how important that is to me.
JT is hot and sweaty, his face still pink from the game as I make my way down to the court, friends and family celebrating the win with the team.
“Well done,” I say to him, pleased to see the way his eyes light up when he looks at me.
“Couldn’t have done it without you,” he answers. Trey is suddenly there between us, one arm draped around both our shoulders, like we’re best friends all of a sudden.
“The Dukes are ever in your debt, Dayton,” he says, big grin bouncing between us. I make a noncommittal sound, not really caring for the Dukes’ gratitude—other than that of their number one player. I can think of about seven ways he can show his particular gratitude to me. “You have to come celebrate with us tonight, yeah?”
