Page 16 of Love & Streetball

I kicked off my shoes, removed my socks and laid down. Mama would fuss if she knew I was in my bed in my outside clothes. It would be just for a moment. I was about to shower, find something to eat, and start on this essay paper for English class.

My phone buzzed.

Unknown number: No thanks needed. You busy?

Me: Yeah, sort of. I just got home.

I sat up because if I continued to lie down, I’d fall asleep. I stood and began peeling out of my clothes until I was in my panties and sports bra.

Unknown number: Want to hoop? Just me and you. I’ll come scoop you.

I nibbled on my dry, bottom lip. Mama told me I wasn’t to leave this apartment, but hooping with Kane was tempting. I mean, he did buy me a new basketball. I was ready to test it out. Mama would be at work until the morning. What she didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt.

Me: Okay, Just for a lil’ bit.

6

Slim sat straight up in the passenger seat. She’d sat the ball I’d bought and dropped off to her before the last bell rung at her school on the floor of the car. Her arms were crossed over her chest. She looked awkward and nervous. I snickered as I jumped onto the freeway.

“What’s funny?” Slim quizzed, her brows furrowing.

“You. Why you sitting straight up like that?”

Slim shrugged. “I don’t know. This car is so nice.”

“Appreciate it, but you can sit back. You won’t hurt it,” I teased, hitting the exit toward my side of Love Grove.

Hesitantly, Slim sat back.

“Where are we going?” she asked, staring out of the window.

“To a court on my side of town. You coo’ with that?”

“I guess,” Slim muttered.

“I’m a knock that chip off your shoulder,” I jested.

“And I’m a knock you in the teeth,” she countered, causing us both to chortle.

“Damn you’re mean.”

She shrugged again and said, “Focus on the road. My mama doesn’t even know I left the apartment. I’d hate to have to end up at the hospital she’s working at.”

I laughed. “I got you.”

Ten minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of the community center. It was a world away from the cracked asphalt and rusted rims of the courts in her neighborhood. The nets here were pristine with freshly painted lines, and the lights were already on.

I killed the engine. “C’mon,” I said, pushing my door open. “Let’s see what you got when it’s just me and you.”

Slim grabbed the ball and followed, her sneakers scuffing on the smooth pavement. She still needed new shoes. I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries and creep her out by buying her shit, but Slim’s shoes were about to start talking. The material was falling apart. I know her toes had to be hurting in those shoes when she played ball.

“This place is nice,” she uttered.

“Show me your J,” I said, gesturing to the hoop.

Slim didn’t hesitate. She took the shot smoothly. The ball swished through the net without even kissing the rim. She peered at me, a flicker of pride in her eyes, but it was gone as fast as it came, replaced by that hard mask she wore.

“Nice,” I admitted.