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In a totally teasing tone, since we’re sure to have many opportunities to go out after games this season, I point at him as I back away. “I’m holding you to it, Harrington,” I warn.
He just laughs and shoots me the middle finger.
Damn, I love these guys.
I have no siblings, so they really are like brothers to me.
And just like with real family, I’d do anything for them.
A short while later, Finn, Arden, and I are at an upscale steakhouse in downtown Atlanta, enjoying delicious filet mignon and lobster tail dinners.
The restaurant is all dark wood and Tudor trimming, accentuated by soft lighting. We’re seated at a table in a back corner, affording us some much-appreciated privacy.
Though it isn’t overly busy tonight, we’ve already received our fair share of stares and murmurs of “Wow, those guys play for the Thunder,” especially as we were being led by the hostess back to our table.
But now there’s no one around us.
That’s how we like it. We can relax and be ourselves, which usually includes a lot of joking and teasing.
There’s even some good-natured ribbing about Arden finally making amends for his flubbed goal in the playoffs.
Setting my fork down and wiping my mouth with a cloth napkin, I say to Arden, “Guess this means you’ll be retiring your practice net and street balls, huh?”
Arden spent the early part of his summer practicing just about every imaginable shot out in his driveway, using his trusty practice net and numerous street balls. I know, as I was there to witness a few of those drills.
Dipping a piece of lobster meat into a small metal cup of warmed butter that’s next to his plate, Arden scoffs. “Aw, fuck you, man. I put that net and those balls away months ago.” Looking a little sheepish, he adds, “After I met Willow, I quit spending so much time making up for that fucked-up shot.”
In a serious tone, I say quietly, “She really has been good for you, Arden.”
“She has,” he agrees as he pops the lobster into his mouth.
Finn chimes in, “Hey, speaking of Willow. How’s it going with you two living together?”
Arden nods and swallows, then he says, “It’s fantastic. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
After taking a sip of water, I say, “Yeah, and now you’ll have another person in the house—Ellie. So much for that lonely life you were once leading. Things sure have changed, man.”
Sighing, Arden says, “True. A lot is different…and all for the better. But as for Ellie moving in, she’s being her usual stubborn self.”
Arden rolls his eyes, and Finn asks what I’m thinking, “How do you mean?”
I’m curious to hear his answer. I mean, if his sister isn’t staying with him, where is she planning on living?
Shaking his head, Arden says, “Ellie told me she’ll stay at my house a couple of days, but she won’t live there. She claims she’s not sure how long she’ll be in Atlanta, but I’m thinking at least three months. Anyway, she doesn’t want to be a ‘third wheel’ during that time.” He rolls his eyes again. “Those are her words, not mine. I’d never think that, nor would Willow.”
“Where’s she going to stay, then?” I ask.
Leaning back, Arden says, “She’s talking about living in an extended stay hotel. And honestly, I fucking hate that idea.”
Hmmm, my house is in suburban Atlanta.
It’s nice and roomy too.
And no one lives there but me.
My place is located at the end of a windy lane in a secluded neighborhood, but I’m still close to all of the conveniences, like shopping, restaurants, etc.
Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “Your sister can stay with me, if she wants.”
