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Halfway through the first quarter, Byron and Brandon play as though they have been part of the team for years, not like it’s their first season playing in the NBA. Byron has six points, and Brandon has four and another four assists.
Brandon steals the ball and throws it to Byron.
Charlotte leans forward in her seat.
Byron dribbles past one player, then another, and sends the ball into the air. We don’t notice Brandon zipping behind the defense. He leaps into the air, grabs the ball, and, in the same action, slams it into the basket.
The crowd roars.
Charlotte jumps to her feet and woo-hoos, clapping excitedly. Her face tells me everything as she watches Brandon sprint to stand beside his opposing player, ready to defend him. Charlotte cheers for the team, and her brother, but mostly for the guy who has her heart.
The Hendricks family applauds passionately.
“That was awesome,” I yell at Franklin.
Franklin’s smile is broad. “BJ and Byron know what the other is thinking.”
Oh shit.
I bet Byron doesn’t know what Brandon isthinkingabout his sister…
* * *
November…
Thanksgiving this yearis at The Hendricks. My parents are also invited.
Mom and Dad spent the night at our Crystal Cove beach house because I’m not sure they’re ready to witness how we live in Franklin’s penthouse. Small steps, and hopefully, they’ll appreciate how hard he works and not that he is surrounded by extravagance in a place he only lives part-time.
It’s been seven months since Mom’s hip replacement, and she is moving as though she is ten years younger, handling the staircase in our beach house with ease.
Franklin drives us in his Bentley after giving Royce the day off. Dad and Franklin take the front seats while Mom and I are in the back. The men are talking about the upcoming game on Friday night.
Mom fidgets with the sleeve of her blouse. It’s new, and the material is riding up her arm.
“It’s pretty, Mom.” I reach for her hand and squeeze it.
“I don’t feel pretty.”
“Hey.” I squeeze her hand. “To me, you’re always beautiful. I’ve grown to respect our bodies and love the skin we’re in.”
Mom’s lips turn up into a smile, only it doesn’t reach her eyes. My words are the same words she used to say to me.
“I’ve listened to all your advice over the years, though I’ve found something you said to be different for me.”
Her brow furrows. “What’s that?”
“No one person makes someone happy.” I set my gaze on Franklin. “He is my world, and everyone before him is insignificant.” I stare at him with so much love in my heart.
“I understand, though you have happiness through other streams… your work, friends, and love of the beach.”
“All true, although I’m happier if I’m doing those things with Franklin. I’m happiest when I’m with just him. He completes me.”
She lifts my hand and gives it a little bounce as though she understands. “I’m glad you’ve found your soulmate.”
I’m still grinning when we pull into the circular driveway of Carson and Sophia’s grand home. A gentleman greets us, and once we are out of the car, he drives Franklin’s Bentley to a special parking area beneath the house.
Franklin leads the way, nodding to the staff as we pass.
