Los Angeles
The beautiful sunny Mid-February afternoon sun and breeze together made it a perfect afternoon in Los Angeles. But Chad and I weren't out enjoying this sunny weather. We decided to take advantage of it at the local park, scrimmaging to practice our skills.
I felt tired and annoyed as I raced back down the court after Chad stole the ball from me again. This one-on-one pick-up game was just not going in my favor. Chad easily dominated the court with his smooth moves and quickly racked up the points. In the meantime, I barely managed to dribble on the court without risking a turnover.
Swish
Nothing but net.
"Hoops, come on, you have to get into it." Chad grabbed the ball and tossed it to me. "You take it out this time."
I blew out a tired breath and sighed. Ignoring the sweat that drenched my body, I started dribbling the ball again. I tried finding my rhythm with each dribble, but I couldn't feel it. I barely got two steps before Chad stole it and raced off again. Letting out a frustrated groan, I took off after him up the court. I stopped halfway and watched Chad make a perfect lay-up for two more points.
I didn't bother to figure out the score. It was embarrassing enough, knowing that Chad had made every single basket he attempted, and I had yet to even try one. Frowning, I signaled to Chad that I was done as I headed for the benches.
I could hear him behind me as I dug through my bag for a couple of water bottles. Chad caught the one I tossed in his direction and took a seat next to me. The whistling of the trees caused by the late winter breeze was the only sound between us as we rehydrated.
"So, what's the plan for my Godson's birthday next week?" I asked Chad after we rehydrated.
"Taylor told me that Ryan got tickets to C.J.'s favorite kid show live." Chad handed me a towel. "The show is at the local theater here in L.A., and the tickets are for the day before C.J.'s actual birthday. Taylor said they could come down a couple of days early and spend about a week here."
I could tell from the excitement in Chad's voice that he loved the idea of being able to spend an entire week with Taylor and C.J. Chad had been over the moon when Taylor told him she was pregnant the summer before our junior year of college. He even considered giving up the offer he got from the NBA the week before to be close to them. But Taylor wouldn't hear of it and even threatened to break up with him if he dared to give up on his dream.
Needless to say, Chad didn't give up, and they found a way to make it work. But I know Chad still misses his family and wishes he could be around more often. He takes any moments he can get with them, and if Taylor weren't coming down for C.J.'s birthday, Chad would have taken the week off to head up to them.
"Thanks." I took it after setting my water aside. "C.J. must be especially excited to see you."
Chad shook his head. "C.J. doesn't quite understand that the show and I are here in L.A. He just knows that we're both far away, and to see either, travel is required."
"Sounds like you'll have a really excited two-year-old on your hands next week." I deduced, trying to hide the envy in my voice.
"I'm counting on it," Chad admitted with obvious pride in his voice.
Chad's eyes sparkled as we continued to talk about C.J. It was evident that right now, talking about his son was his favorite part of the day. Chad pulled out his phone and showed me a recent picture Taylor had sent him. Taylor had my number and would sometimes send me photos or videos too.
"He's grown so much," I noted, looking at a photo of Taylor with C.J. "He's looking more…."
BBBRRRRRIIIIINGGGGG
My phone interrupted our conversation. I apologized as I dug in my bag for my phone.
Mom
I blinked at the name flashing across my phone screen. A low groan escaped me as the dread simmering in me surfaced. Since Gabriella and I broke up, my mom had become somewhat of a matchmaker. She had a list of women to tell me whenever she called. The longer I went without a date, the longer the list would be. How she could set me up on dates when she isn't here in L.A. with me was something I'll never understand. As time went on, the matchmaking antics from my mom got worse. Slowly I started avoiding her calls and checking in less to avoid mom, the matchmaker. Now every time I see her number or my dad's, I dread picking up the phone to hear mom try to set me up again.
"Hi, mom." I cleared my throat, bracing myself for the inevitable.
"Troy." My mom sang out. "Finally, I got a hold of you."
I ran my hand through the hair. "Yeah, I've been busy. Sorry."
"Too busy to take two seconds to let your parents know you're OK." Mom lectured with her best mom voice. "I know your dad, and I raised you better than that."
I chuckled, picturing her with her hands on her hip as she gave me a disapproving look, just like when I was a kid. I apologized, and we continued to catch up for a couple more minutes.
"So, is dad still determined to be a coach until Aspen graduates?"
Mom sighed, "try more determined than ever. He said it's Bolton family tradition, and he won't even consider retirement until your sister graduates."
"Sounds like dad," I remarked with a smile. "Hang in there, mom. You'll both retire before you know it, and then you'll be bugging each other trying to figure out what retirement looks like."
"Oh, I already know what retirement looks like." There was excitement in her voice. "Bunch of grandkids gathered around us as they call us grandma or grandpa. Us spoiling our grandkids every chance we get."
I attempted to follow mom's logic as I took a drink from my water bottle. "Mom, you and dad have one granddaughter. There probably won't be that many more when retirement rolls around."
"Not true." I could hear mom munching on something. "If your dad doesn't retire early, a lot can happen in ten years. Sonny is already married, and for all we know, she could already be pregnant. I doubt you and your brother will still be single. Between the three of you, we could already have like five or six."
I slowly swallowed the sip of water I took, racking my brain for a way to explain it to her. "In theory, mom. Not reality."
"And with a little bit of romance in your lives, a theory can become a reality." Mom reasoned, "Which is why when we come down for Spring Break, I'll be sure to have a list of potential girlfriends for you to choose from. And I already have some potential for your brother here."
I spit out the gulp of water I took, causing Chad to turn in my direction. "Here, Spring Break?" I screeched out between coughs.
"Yeah, that's why I called. Your dad and I decided to take a family road trip during Spring Break. All your siblings already said yes. The destination…your place in L.A. We can even attend some of your games. That's not going to be a problem, is it?"
"No." I lied, ignoring the fact that this had a bad idea written all over it. "Mom, you know what, I have to go. Coach is calling me. I'll talk to you later."
I hung up before she could say anything and dropped my head into my hands. My life is a never-ending living horror tale. There is terror at every turn.
"Hoops, what happened?" Chad took a seat next to me. "What's with the kill me expression on your face?"
"Because if someone doesn't kill me, then I'll kill be the one killing my parents," I mumbled out.
"What?!" Chad exclaimed, confusion written on his face.
I relayed to him my conversation with my mom, starting with me not calling more often and ending with my parent coming down to L.A. By the time I was finished, I just wanted someone to shoot me. Being dead had to be better than living in this fiasco nightmare I call my life. Anything had to be better.
"Basketball was the one thing I was good at," I mumbled. "Now I can't even play without being the family disappointment. I'm pathetic."
Chad shook his head. "That's it. Basketball boot camp starts now." He demanded, dragging me onto the court and tossing the ball in my direction. "We are not stopping until you find your spark and confidence again."
"No, I really….."
Chad let out a loud whistle stopping me. "17-55, now." He barked like he was my coach.
I shook my head, giving him a no-way look. Chad refused to take no for an answer. He kept chanting at me until I finally gave in and started doing 17-55s. I silently prayed that this training would help my game as I ran down the court.
Two hours later, I tumbled into my apartment and stumbled into my room. After two hours of Chad's basketball boot camp, my energy was completely drained, and every part of me ached. Feeling tired and sore, I didn't bother to remove my clothes or pull the cover off before flopping onto the bed. When I shut my eyes, sleep started taking over until I drifted into dreamland.
I wasn't sure how long I was out before the doorbell woke me with a startle. Pain shot through my entire body the moment I shot up, causing me to let out a groan. Sitting at the edge of the bed, I gave myself a moment to wake before glancing at the clock.
6:30.
Who could it be at this hour?
The doorbell rang again. This time it was longer accompanied by an impatient knock. Whoever it was at the door was getting impatient and won't be leaving so easily.
"Coming," I called out as I slowly trudged out of my room.
Every movement made caused my sore muscles to scream at me. I moved as fast as possible, getting there just as another knock came. I barely got the door open ajar before a young woman in her early twenties pushed her way in and jumped into my arms.
"Oof." I groaned out.
"Troy, thank goodness you're OK." She kissed my cheek before wrapping her arms tightly around me in a hug. "I was so worried when you didn't answer your phone or text."
I tried to pull her off me, but my sore muscles were not making it easy. "Sorry, Sharon, I didn't have my phone on me." I apologized as she invited herself in.
She headed straight for the kitchen before I could stop her. Closing the front door, I was right behind her. Everything I was saying to her went in one ear and out the other as she made herself at home. I felt like I was talking to a brick wall as she went through my cupboard.
"You can't be serious; all you have in here are carbs." Placing her bag on the counter, she went straight for the fridge.
I rolled my eyes in annoyance. An evening with Sharon was the last thing I needed in my life. We went out a couple of times several months ago; now she thinks we're soulmates. But getting her to understand that were barely friends is basically mission impossible.
"Sharon, what are you doing here?"
"You're really living in carb city." She tossed some precooked noodles on the counter. "Gross, haven't you ever heard of a salad? There's no way I can eat any of this when I move in, and if I'm not eating it, neither are you."
I blinked, wondering if she'd lost her mind. Picking my jaw up off the floor, I pulled her to a stop. "Sharon, what do you mean living here? I never agreed to live together."
She looked me up and down and scrunched her nose in disgust. "There's no way you're wearing that to the party. I can't have my boyfriend looking so drab when I'm going to be the life of the party."
She flipped her hair, and I caught a whiff of her peach shampoo and her perfume. Taking a long look at her, I noticed that she did look more dolled up. Her make-up was heavier than usual, with her hair professionally curled. The black sparkle dress she had on matched her black six-inch heels. All the jewelry she had on was just as sparkly as her dress and shoes. For a moment, I thought she was going to put on a light show with all her sparkles.
Sharon pulled me towards my room, ignoring the fact that I never agreed to go to any party. She tossed every article of non-approved clothing onto my bed into a keep-and-toss pile. I felt a headache coming on as I watched her clear my closet, oblivious to the fact that I was present.
"Sharon, you're seen my wardrobe before. I doubt there's anything new that I can wear to a fancy party." I grabbed a shirt that Gabriella gave me our Freshman year of college from the toss pile.
She ignored me and kept tossing out the clothes. "You seriously need a new wardrobe. Oh, wait…" She held up a suit that I've only worn a handful of times. "This could work."
She shoved the suit with matching pants at me and pushed me towards the door. Stumbling forward, I sighed, wondering what had happened to my life. When I returned dressed, Sharon had a pair of black dress shoes ready for me.
"Exactly where is this party?"
"Beverly Hills." She answered. "Now get your shoes on. We're running late as it is."
I barely got them on before she yanked me towards the door. She quickly grabbed her purse and phone from the counter and called her driver to pull the car out front. I'll never know how she moved so fast in those heels, nor did I want to know. I only hope I had enough sanity to make it through the party.
Party goers were all coming and going as we pulled up. Thankfully most of the other partygoers were still coming, so we weren't the last ones. So, I was saved from dealing with Sharon's wrath before we even got to the party. Sharon gave the driver some instructions as we got out.
"Let's go." She slipped her hand into mine and headed for the red carpet.
"Ms. Sir." A man greeted us, tipping his hat.
Sharon smiled at him. "Hi. We're here for the Randell party."
"Course, just head to your left and be sure to show your invite to the guards or give your name. Thank you." The man instructed us.
"Thanks," I replied before Sharon dragged me off.
There were guards on either side of the door checking invites. A group of people was waiting for the guards to let them in. Once someone got approved, a guard would remove the rope just long enough to let the person through. Off to the side, another group of people had yet to go in or wanted some air. Another guard was keeping his eye on them.
"I'm so out of my league," I muttered in a low voice as we waited for the guards to let us in.
Music blaring from the inside made it impossible for Sharon to hear me. She just went on texting away on her phone. She only pulled her attention away when the guards asked to see the invite or give her name.
"Sharon Wells, I should be on the list."
The guard did a quick check on his list. "Ms. Wells, this your friend?"
She pulled me closer to her. "Yup, my boyfriend, to be exact."
The guard nodded and removed the rope. "Welcome. Enjoy the party."
"We will," Sharon assured them. "Thank you."
The party was already in full swing, with people dancing to the music blaring in the background when we got in. I got very uncomfortable when I saw everyone around, and my long night became much longer. Sharon was in her element, though, and didn't take notice of my antsiness. It didn't take long for her to spot familiar faces by the snack table and drag us in that direction.
"Hey, ladies," Sharon greeted the girls. "Thanks for the invite. This party is great."
"Sharon, hi. Glad you can make it." One of the ladies pulled her into a hug. Sharon let go of my hand for the first time since we arrived at the party.
The other lady gave me a once over and smiled. "You're cute. Really cute." She didn't bother to hide her interest as she pulled me towards her. "I love cute guys."
"Not so fast, Katie." Sharon pulled me back into her arms. "Troy's my boyfriend."
I didn't even bother to try and correct her.
"So you're the Troy Sharon mentioned so much," Katie replied. "I'm Katherine, but you can call me Katie. That's my sister, Amelia."
"Milly." She shook my hand. "Sharon tells us you're a basketball player."
I nodded, "yeah, I play for the Lakers. That's actually why I moved here to L.A."
Amelia handed me a drink. "So you weren't born here in L.A."
I shook my head as I took the drink from her. "Thanks. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I moved out to California for College."
"What about your other teammates; do you think any of them are available?" Katie asked between sips of her drink. "How about Danforth? He's pretty cute. You think maybe you can set us up."
I went into a coughing fit, nearly choking on my drink. Sharon immediately set her drink down and gave me her attention.
"Oh my goodness! Troy, what happened? Are you OK?" She started spit-firing questions as she rubbed my back.
I nodded, getting her to stop. "Sorry, the drink went down the wrong pipe. Anyway, Chad isn't available."
Amelia looked sternly at her sister like she was ready to deck her. "Sorry, Katie can be a bit boy crazy. She's always asking people if they have guys to introduce to her."
Katie shrugged, "the only way you'll ever get anywhere is if you put yourself out there. One of these days, I'll hit a homer for sure."
The current song ended, and a slow song came on. Sharon's eyes lit up as she grinned from ear to ear. "I love this song; come on, Troy, let's dance."
I didn't get a chance to protest before she dragged me onto the dance floor. As we danced to the music, I felt like I had two left feet. Nearly stubbing her toes for the hundredth time since we got on the dance floor, I had enough.
"Sorry, Sharon, I've never been much of a dancer. I should stop before I injure you." I dropped her hands and started to leave.
Sharon chased after me and pulled me to a stop. "Troy, you don't have to be good to dance. Just listen and move to the music."
She pulled me back to the dance floor and placed my hand on her waist. She tilted my head, so our eyes locked, and instructed me on how to waltz to the music. I've only ever waltzed with Gabriella. It felt strange to be waltzing with someone else. My heart ached as memories I thought I had long forgotten of Gabriella flooded back into my mind.
I started to fantasize about having Gabriella in my arms again. It felt like she was right there in my arms with her radiant, passionate, and loving smile. My mind returned for a moment to our Senior Prom in high school.
The feeling of Sharon's hot breath as she whispered in my ear reminded me of reality. Sharon took no notice of our awkwardness as she held on tighter. The tightness and heaviness in my chest intensified, making it harder for me to breath when she proceeded to lay her head on my shoulder.
"Sharon, this is too awkward." I pulled her away. "You're not my girlfriend; we barely know each other."
I quickly left her on the dance floor before she could respond. I wasn't sure if she was following, though I hoped she finally got the message. All I wanted was to get home.
"Troy, wait up," Sharon called after me. She caught up to me outside and tugged at my arm, causing me to stop. "What's wrong?"
Is she really that dense?
I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall. It felt like nothing would get through to her unless she was told what she wanted to hear. Talk about selective hearing. Breathing out a frustrated breath, I gave up trying to explain to her.
"I had a really long day of training." I explained, "I'm too tired to enjoy the party."
"I'm sorry I dragged you out tonight. I should have asked first." She kissed me before continuing. "I'll be fine here on my own. Go home and get some rest. I'll call you later."
She went back to the party, and I went home. I knew it wouldn't be the last I saw of her. I was just glad to finally be free from her, at least for the time being.
