AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We played together as kids.
Now she comes to my college games, wearing my jersey.
Losing my shot at playing professionally? I don’t know what that would do to me. Part of meneedsto know if I could make it. If I have what it takes.
And it would be a bitter irony, losing basketball—which makes me happy—because of a woman who gave me life but then offered nothing but misery.
My phone buzzes again. I pull it out of my pocket, glance at the screen, and answer.
“Hey, Finn.”
“Hey! How’s Richmond?”
“Fine, I assume. I’m in Pembrooke.”
I continue staring out at the basketball court that’s been my happy place for as long as I remember. I don’t have a spot like this on campus. The basketball gym in the sports center is state-of-the-art. Everything is new and shiny and clean.
This court fits me better.
Cracked asphalt. Faded lines. Ragged strings hanging from the hoop.
“You are?” Finn’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Uh-huh.”
“Come to Arlington!”
“What?”
“It’s Friday night and classes haven’t started yet. There are about a hundred different parties happening on campus tonight. Come here! It’s the least you owe me after ditching all summer.”
“I was at camp.”
“Whatever. I’m serious. Come here! Harrison is here.” Finn says that like it’s some sort of enticement, which isn’t the case.
But even considering Baker’s company, I’m tempted.Verytempted.
Partying with Finn sounds way better than moping here or having to face Sydney at the condo.
I’ll find out if I’m a match before potentially involving her, I decide. If I am a match and go through with the transplant surgery, I’ll have to tell her. And if I’m not a match, then Sydney can choose if she gets tested or not.
“I’m leaving now.”
Finn is still celebrating when I hang up.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
HOLDEN
The drive to Arlington University takes just over an hour. I’ve been here a handful of times, the last visit more than a year ago. Between basketball and Cassia, there’s not much motivation to leave Richmond when I’m there.
Finn is waiting for me outside the frat house he’s lived in since freshman year.
I park my truck on the street and climb out, stretching. Rip the Band-Aid off the crease of my elbow and toss it in the footwell before slamming the door shut. There’s a tiny red dot visible over the vein. I stare at it for a few seconds, half-expecting a trickle of blood. Nothing happens.
Finn grins as I approach. “Gonna be a great night.”
“Fuck yeah,” I respond.
