Chapter 56 Riggs
FIFTY-SIX
RIGGS
The locker room explodes as we all enter and start jumping up and down. Water bottles are being dumped and sprayed all over, soaking every player and all the coaches. It’s surreal to be a part of something I’ve wished for since I was a child.
After a few minutes, Coach has us all settle down on a bench near the lockers so he can address us. A huge grin fills his face, and I’m so happy for my uncle. He deserves all the accolades and praise coming to him for his flawless coaching during the tournament.
“Gentlemen, I have two words for you…”
He pauses for a moment before screaming,
“FINAL FOUR!”
And the celebration continues.
I’m the last one ready, and as I walk out of the locker room, Everett Mills intercepts me. My heart races, hoping he’s not about to beat me for hurting his daughter, but when he smiles at me, I calm down.
“Riggs, just the man I was looking for. You played a great game tonight, son.”
He calls me son, and it hits different. He realizes what he said, and his face falls for a moment.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think.”
I stop him quickly. “No, Mr. Mills, don’t apologize. I just haven’t heard anyone call me that since my dad passed.”
He nods, weighing his words before he says them. “How are you really doing?”
I don’t know how to answer that. My first reaction is fine, which is code for anything but. I can’t lie to this man, though. Not only is he my basketball idol, but he’s also Reagan’s dad. I respect him immensely, and if I ever get a second chance with his daughter, I want him on my side.
“Some days are good. Others are horrible. I have been putting everything I have into basketball and focusing on the team.” I have given him the truth, mostly. My thoughts often get stuck on Reagan, but my actions are still mostly focused on basketball.
He contemplates what I said before answering.
“Listen, son, I told my wife I wouldn’t intervene, but I’m tired of seeing my daughter hurting.
And I don’t blame you for that. You’re clearly hurting too.
So learn from me before it’s too late. Don’t waste time and never hold back.
Trust me. I wasted enough when I was dating her mother.
Almost lost her. Love is the most important part of life, even more than ball.
” He slaps me on the back and walks off.
I stand there feeling like I was just slapped in the face. I have always believed that basketball must come first, always. Everett Mills just shattered that idea.
The next day, I find Jordan after practice.
“J, can we talk for a minute?” I ask. My nerves are ramping up.
“What’s up, man?” he asks with a curious look on his face. I think he knows what is coming, so I just rip the Band-Aid off.
“I want to date your sister.” It comes out so fast that I’m not sure he even heard me.
He starts laughing at me. “I know, man.” Okay…laughing is a good sign, I think.
“Look,” I say, “she means a lot to me. I’m not asking permission, but I want you to be good with us being together. I mean, if she wants to be with me. I promise I’m in this for the long haul. She’s it for me, J.”
His eyes widen at that last part. I knew he had an idea that I liked her, but telling him how deep my feelings go wasn’t necessarily part of the plan. Oh well, it’s out there now.
“Riggs, man. I don’t really know what to say. I mean, I knew you liked my sister, but this is beyond what I was expecting.” He has more to say but thinks better of it.
“I know. It’s different with her. I can’t explain it. I just had to tell you, so you knew that this is real for me.” The moment I say it, the weight I’ve been carrying around partially lifts from my shoulders.
“Look, you don’t need my permission, but if you did, you’d have it. You have my blessing, all of it. You are a good man, and I know she likes you, too. But I just gotta warn you: you hurt her, I'll kill you.”
“About that, honestly, I’m surprised I’m still breathing after the way I was when my dad died. Why are you so good with everything?”
“Riggs, my sister is the most important person in my life. As much as I wanted to hurt you for what you did, she would never forgive me if I had. I know that despite it all, her feelings for you haven’t changed, and obviously yours haven’t either.
“You’re going to have to do something besides just telling her how you feel. You need to show it. Because your words have been painful lately, and I don’t know if she trusts them.”
It hurts to hear that, but Jordan is right. She has continually shown me how she feels, and I can reciprocate it. I’m just not sure how.
“What can I do to show her? I’m up for anything,” I tell him, regretting it instantly when I see a smile eerily similar to the Grinch fill his face.
“Anything? I have the best idea.”
“I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” He laughs at my answer and shakes his head.
“Not if you get the girl in the end.”
He’s right. I will do anything for Reagan Mills, and now is the time to show her.