Chapter Twenty-Nine

Blake

" C an I get the steak, medium, with a loaded baked potato and broccoli on the side?" I ask the waitress as she takes our order at Novo. My stomach is growling, but I'm more focused on what's going on with Willa. She's sitting next to Russell and across from Moose.

"It was amazing watching what was going on from up there. Now granted, I haven't been to many professional games before. I've sung the national anthem, and then left after about a quarter. So I can't say I've ever been able to feel that electricity, but I can't wait to do it again."

Moose takes a drink from his beer. "We're excited for you to be there again. I don't know if you've seen all the videos and stuff."

"Uh yeah." She laughs as she hands her menu up to the waitress. "Grilled chicken with broccoli and the Caesar salad, but be sure to bring me a dessert menu when we're done. That's what I'm here for."

That's what we're all here for.

"Sure thing." The waitress smiles down at her, seeming as enamored with her as we are.

"There're always videos after I've been somewhere, and I knew there would be a ton after I decided to show up tonight. I don't tend to post them myself, but I let everyone else do what they want to do. I can curate my own social media, but I can't curate anyone else's, so I just have fun with it. I'm going to live my life regardless, and they are going to say whatever they want regardless, so I may as well not worry about it anymore." She shrugs "But I can't wait to see what people said about me being there. I'm sure there will be a huge difference of opinion."

I put my arm around the back of her chair, pulling her close. She tilts her head, resting it on my shoulder. I take the moment and drop a kiss on the top of her blonde hair. Softly, I say in her ear. "Thank you for coming."

"You don't have to thank me. It was fun. I can't wait to come to another one. Maybe I'll even travel to an away game and see what that looks like."

I lean in, my lips brushing against her ear. "It's definitely not as fun as our stadium. The Warriors have the best fans at home, and I stand by that."

"I'd have to agree with that. They were up and jumping every single time someone made a catch, block, or just when there was a good song playing on the overhead speaker. It was so exciting." She grabs a piece of the bread that's been put down in front of us, and breaks it apart, before putting half back. "Moderation." She winks before starting to butter it, and continuing. "That must be what it's like when others go to my concerts."

"It's exactly what it's like. You get swept up in the excitement of everyone around you, and you're trying to figure out if everyone is feeling as good as you are, or if you're the only one having some sort of out-of-body experience as you're listening to the deepest lyrics." I stop for a second, taking a drink of my water. "Then you realize that everyone is having the same type of experience as you and that you're all in it together."

She rolls her lips together. "I keep telling you there's a poet in you, and you keep telling me there isn't, but...some of the things you say, Blake. They're beautiful."

I duck my head, not comfortable with the praise she's giving me. Too often, I've been called out for being a jock or someone who didn't have a brain. "Nah, that's you, not me. I'm just an athlete who's been hit in the head a few too many times."

Her fingers grab hold of my chin. "Don't say that. You're a special guy, and if no one else has seen that before now, that's on them and not you, Blake. You like to act like you've got everything under control, that you never have any bouts of low confidence, but I see you." Her blue eyes are incredibly bright as they move, searching mine. "I see the person you are behind the bravado. I understand that you have to have it. I have it too."

"You're right." I clear my throat. "It's hard to be the life of the party and then ask people to take you seriously."

"No, it's not." She shakes her head. "If the people in your life aren't taking you seriously when you ask them to, then they aren't respecting you."

She does see—sees it fucking all, and it's the scariest thing that's ever happened to me. There's no one else who's ever managed to see this much.

I don't realize I've said those words out loud until she speaks.

"Then the other people weren't looking, Blake."

A couple hours later we've hit the dance floor, and she's got her ass stuck to my crotch. My arm is around her waist, holding on tight as we grind against one another. Bret and CeCe are dancing not too far from us, and my sister-in-law's laughing like she's had a few. At some point, Mom took Jovi home, and I have a feeling that if these two are going to conceive another baby, it's gonna happen tonight.

Glancing over, I see Kevin standing as if he hasn't a care in the world on the edge of the dance floor. I know at the same time there's a bunch of other security guards in the room, but even I can't tell which ones they are. They're good, and although I know I can take care of Willa, it's nice to know there's backup here in case it's needed.

"Look at Kevin." Willa giggles. "Trying to act inconspicuous, but instead, he looks like everybody's dad."

"Leave him alone. He's doing his best." I laugh along with her.

"His best at standing out as my bodyguard."

I snicker, but it's fun to hear her having a good time. There's a tap on my shoulder, and when I turn, I see one of my high school teammates. "Demun, how're you doing, my man?"

We exchange a handshake and a half hug. "Good, working at the Range Rover dealership. I've sold to the manager of this place. I came to drop off his license plate, and saw you."

"Kinda late to drop off a license plate, but I know how good y'all are over there."

"Yeah." He rolls his eyes. "Had to wait until I officially clocked out to run the errand. You know how it is. Anyway, just wanted to stop and say hey. Good game today. We had it playing in the lobby."

"Thank you. You'll have to come hang out in the suite soon."

"For sure, for sure."

Willa's hand squeezes around mine, and I realize I haven't introduced the two of them. "Demun, this is Willa."

"Nice to meet you." He flashes a bright white smile at her.

"You too. I think you sold me the Escalades I have. I normally don't forget a face."

"I did." He beams. "I just don't like to assume that people remember me when we meet. Sometimes I make an impression; sometimes I don't."

"No, you were super nice, and you did everything I asked. I've sent friends to you."

"I know." He nods. "I appreciate that."

If this isn't two parts of my life crossing in a moment I never expected, I don't know what is. "Do you want me to leave y'all alone?" I joke.

She rolls her eyes. "No, but I do appreciate when someone goes above and beyond to help me get what it is I need. He's very good at his job, and people need to know when they're good at their jobs, right?"

"They do," I agree.

Demun gives her a smile. "I still thank you, and I'll let y'all get back to it. I'll see you later, Blake. Next game, I'll be there."

"Let me know. I'll save you a seat in the suite."

Willa is smiling up at me when my eyes go back to hers. "It's so weird that we know so many of the same people, but we've never met each other, isn't it?"

"It is, but I think it just goes to show that you can run in the same circles, and until it's meant to be, you won't meet the person you're supposed to be with."

Her blue eyes sparkle. "Maybe you're right. I guess we'll see."

I guess we will.