Chapter 25 #2
Through the sea of black suits, I spy Penny entering the room, wearing a tight, white dress. Her dark hair falls over her shoulders in waves, and I envy how she lights up the room just by being in it. I place my empty champagne glass on the table and make my way to her.
“Hey.” She smiles at me. “Is Franklin here?”
“He is.” I point in his direction. “I missed you and Zara at the game.”
“I’m sorry. Last minute decision to miss it and help Gigi at the art studio.”
While I love my job, I miss hanging out with my sisters-in-law when we unite to help each other. “I heard she is overwhelmed with commissions.”
“The business is thriving, and her receptionist doesn’t work weekends, so I helped in her studio and out on the floor while Zara managed some of the accounts.”
“I assumed Zara was busy at the hotel.”
“She had extra staff today.” She gives me a coy smile while touching her hair. “About the other night. Are we forgiven?”
No. Yes. “Your little scheme worked, but you’re both never to be trusted again.”
She giggles and swipes two champagne glasses off the silver tray a waiter holds. “Thank you,” she says and hands one to me.
“Wait.” I take another. “I need both.”
She cocks her head. “I thought we won.”
“We did.” I lean closer to her ear. “BJ’s parents are here. They’ll arrive soon to meet the suits, so I’m readying my nerves.”
She places an arm on my forearm, giving me a pitiful look. “Meeting you all was so nerve-wracking. You were all kind to me, but it was hard to understand why you’d accept someone like me into a prestigious family.”
“Someone like you? Um… you’re perfect for my brother. And if Franklin chose you, then we were happy because that man is so hard to please in his perfect freaking world.”
She giggles. “Nonetheless, it’s hard when you want a family to accept you for you.
” She wraps a hand around my waist and kisses my cheek.
“They’ll love you. Not only because you’re the only woman BJ has ever wanted but also because you are one of the best humans I know.
Something you understand in seconds after meeting you. ”
I lay my head on her shoulder. “Thanks, sis.” God, I love saying that after growing up in a family of brothers.
She pats my back. “I’ll clue Franklin in, so if you’re looking anxious, I’ll send him over. He’ll talk nonstop about the team’s direction, how BJ has helped secure the finals, and all the stuff I have to listen to post-games.”
I laugh. “At least it will distract them from how I hurt their son.”
Penny looks me in the eye. “But you didn’t. He ran and destroyed what you had. You only wanted him to man up.”
“It’s more than likely not the story they heard. They would have only heard about his heartbreak and being outcast and traded.”
“A trade he initiated,” she whispers. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. Hold your head high and be happy to see them. It’s difficult to be angry with happy people.”
“This is true.” My shoulders relax somewhat. I finish the last of my champagne and place my glass on the table.
“So the plan is to speak highly of their son and tell them how glad you are that he came back to play with the LA Sharks and what an amazing player he is. All praise and positivity. Then I’ll send Franklin over to reiterate the joy, and you can speak quietly with BJ.”
“Got it.” I smile at Penny. “Thank you.”
“It’s what sisters do, Lottie.” She loops her arm around my elbow. “Now, shall we inform Frank of our plan before they arrive?”
“I’ll leave it to you. There are sponsors who require my attention while my mood is positive.” I look at her still-full champagne glass. “You’re not drinking.”
“I’m not in the mood. She hands it to me before making a beeline toward her husband, who is talking to Walter. Oh, God, please don’t say anything in front of that man. She leans into Franklin and speaks, and then Walter gives her a nod, walking away.
Look at that. Maybe I need Penny on the board to support me.
“Hello, Charlotte.” My body stiffens at the Australian accent.
I turn around and look directly into the eyes of Brandon’s mother—blue eyes like his and blonde curls, now peppered with gray. Her tanned face and arms are from sunshine and not any beauty spray. The lines have deepened around her eyes since the last time.
“Mrs. Johns.” I lean in and hug her. Surprisingly, she tightens her arms around me. “It’s wonderful to see you again. I mean, how many years has it been?”
“About five. Too long, anyways.” She steps back, holding both of my arms. “Let me see you.” She smiles brightly. “You’re as beautiful as I remember. No wonder our son is smitten by you.”
Her comment shocks me, and I’m sure my face shows it. “Thank you. You also look fabulous. I hope you enjoyed the game.”
“We always enjoy seeing our son play, but as you know, most games are watched on the television. We only made it to the East Coast once a year over the last three years. We were thankful for him to come home each year. Two years ago, we decided to have a white Christmas, and I have to say that it was my favorite. A nice break from the heat this time of year.”
“BJ told me about Christmas in Australia,” I say quickly rather than talk about his time on the East Coast. “I’ve never experienced a hot Christmas, and it’s hard to imagine swimming in the ocean or swimming pools at that time of year, and some years, so hot you don’t want to eat anything,” I say with amazement.
She places a hand over mine. “Perhaps next year, you’ll accompany him?”
I smile again, relieved the conversation is going well. “Maybe. Unfortunately, games take place over Christmas.” And your son might still be playing in the NBA. “But I hope to come visit one year.” I realize my assumption. Brandon Johns and I have a future.
I look away with embarrassment, only to meet the glare of her husband’s narrowed eyes as he comes to join us. My heart rate speeds up, knowing conversation with him won’t be as easy. “Good evening, Mr. Johns.” I hold out my hand, and he shakes it, but I flinch at the tight grip.
“Hello, Charlotte.” He holds my gaze, and a few seconds of silence follows. In the silence is a thousand words. The ones screaming at me said we will talk, but now is not the place. “Thank you for the tickets. We enjoyed the game.”
Stick to the plan. “It was a great game. Brandon starred, and I believe he had another triple-double.”
He nods. “He did.”
“Byron also had a fabulous game,” Mrs. Johns adds, and I’m spared of talking about stats with her husband.
“Byron and BJ together are a formidable force, and you can see why we were eager for BJ to come home to us. With him, we have a higher chance of winning a championship.” Mrs. Johns agrees, but then I realize my mistake of mentioning him coming ‘home’ because his shoulders stiffen.
He opens his mouth to speak, and I ready myself for words that will hurt. Only a hand slips around my shoulders, and I’m enveloped in the woody aroma that has always calmed and excited me equally. I inhale a calming breath as soft lips kiss my cheek.
“Sorry I’m late,” he whispers in my ear.
I have never been so relieved to see him.
I pull him closer to me, not only for the sake of his parents to see I care about their son or to be safely wrapped in his arms. Years ago, we made the mistake of hiding our love.
I know the answer to my mother’s question.
Yes, he is worth the risk. So, I am done hiding.
Done taking it slow. Tonight, I don’t care about anyone’s opinion, including corporate sponsors, my family, or his.
I simply look into the eyes of a man who has always loved me. “We were just talking about how good it is for you to be home and playing with us again.”
Brandon’s eyes widen. This is not his home, but when it comes to basketball, it is and always will be.
Los Angeles nurtured him from a college student to a professional athlete, and he has always played his best basketball here.
It isn’t an insult to his parents. It is the truth about Brandon’s career over the last decade.
When Brandon is here, I also feel more grounded. When we’re together, I feel my home is with him, staring into those big blue eyes that could be anywhere as long as I’m with him.
His brow pulls tight and yet his lips curl into a smile. “What is it?”
I shake my head. “Nothing,” I whisper.
His smile fades. “Did I miss something?”
I squeeze his hand. “I no longer want to go slow,” I whisper. “I’m all in.”
He moves his lips closer to my ear. “About fucking time.” I giggle and look at his parents, who are carefully watching us. I clear my throat, and he turns to his parents. “Sorry. I told you how this woman distracts me, and when I’m with her, the whole world fades away.”
Jesus. We are being rude. “Why don’t you introduce your parents to some of the important people here? I’m sure they want to meet your family.”
He laughs. “You’re the most important person here, Lottie. You’re the governor. And you’re the only corporate person I care about.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Johns,” Franklin says as he stands beside me, holding out his hand. “It’s wonderful to see you both again.” I look over my shoulder and find Penny standing alone. She nods.
“Excuse me a moment.” I leave Franklin to rave about Brandon to his parents. “What did you say to Frank?”
“His father wasn’t smiling, so I thought if anyone could make him smile, it’s my husband because he’ll make them both so proud just for giving birth to their son.”
I giggle. “This is true. While it wasn’t going bad, it wasn’t going great, either. At one point, I think BJ wanted to whisk me away and not care his parents are even here.”
“Then it was good timing. He needs to show them this is the right team for him and how much he is loved by everyone.” She looks over my shoulder. “Mission accomplished. Mr. Johns is already smiling.”
“What is BJ doing?”
“He has his head down, looking rather sheepish.”
“God, Frank must be boasting about him.”
She laughs. “Without a doubt. Convincing people is what he does best.” She rubs her belly. “Including me.”
I look down at her slim figure in a white dress. “Wait… it’s why you didn’t finish your drink.”
She nods and gives a subtle smile. “Yes. A charade since I’m only six weeks, so we haven’t told anyone yet. No more champagne for me.”
I lean in and hug her. “Congratulations,” I whisper.
“It’s not ideal with this baby so close in age to Carson Jr. Only time is ticking for me, so we decided to try immediately in case it took me a while to fall.” She gives me a look. “We didn’t need to try for long.”
“Okay, please don’t paint me a picture of my brother.” She laughs. “Zara is going to have her hands full as an aunt.”
“So will you.”
I look across the room and find Brandon. “Hopefully, one day, I’ll have children of my own.” I squeak when I’m pulled into a tight hug.
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all week.”
“Don’t get too excited,” I murmur. “BJ’s plan was to return to Australia when he finished playing ball.” I turn and meet her surprised look. “So where does that leave us?”