Chapter 233: Miami Game
Monday, January 23rd, Evening
As the day came to an end, Ashlyn was glad for the gym that James had built. Ashlyn sent down all four kids, after the school day, to work off some energy. It's four this week since its Ashlyn's week with Brett.
Currently, Brett was settling in with the boys, which also meant she would also spend time with Maeghan. This pause gave Ashlyn time to debate what she wanted to drink while watching James' game. It also allowed her to pull out a box and leave it on the counter.
Shaking her head, Ashlyn closed the door to the cupboard where they kept the wine. She swore to herself not to drink during James' games. Instead, Ashlyn walked over to the fridge and grabbed several water bottles. Ashlyn next headed to the living room and settled in for the game.
Brett entered the living room; seeing the TV was on, she positioned herself not to see the TV. Ashlyn looked up at her oldest daughter.
"They're all settled in?" Ashlyn asked.
"Well, as much as I could, they want to listen to their dad's game," Brett said.
"They can," Ashlyn said.
"I know, I reminded them of the rules, too," Brett said.
"Hopefully, they know the rules; they're also good at following them," Ashlyn said.
"Unlike me," Brett said.
"Well, you're the oldest, and you had all the mistakes made on you," Ashlyn said.
Brett shrugged, "Sometimes, I remember being the only child and miss it," she said.
"Why would you say that?" Ashlyn asked.
"I rarely have alone time, having seven brothers and sisters," Brett said.
"At least you're the oldest; I was the baby," Ashlyn said.
"Auntie Vannah?" Brett asked.
Ashlyn nodded, "Yeah, Auntie Vannah," she said.
"I miss her," Brett said.
"So, do I," Ashlyn said with a nod.
Brett nodded.
Ashlyn nodded, "Well, come sit, let's talk," she said.
"Talk or get lectured?" Brett asked.
"I can't; you're watching TV, and I'm grounded," Brett said.
"Is Momma Chase here? I'm not going to rat you out, and I'm sure you won't," Ashlyn said, "So, come sit, let's talk."
"Okay," Brett said, skeptical, but walked over to a nearby upholstered chair and took a seat.
"How were remote classes today?" Ashlyn asked.
Brett shrugged, "Like normal classes, just at home," she said.
"I saw Be Heard today," Ashlyn said.
"Really, I've not been staying too up to date, you know, being grounded and all," Brett said.
"Brett, don't be a smartass," Ashlyn said.
"Sorry, which episode was it today?" Brett asked.
"Nineteen," Ashlyn said.
"Nineteen? I didn't think they made that many episodes," Brett said, "Oh," Brett said, and then her eyes lit up, "Oh…"
"I saw what you said about me," Ashlyn said.
Brett nodded nervously, "Yes?" she asked.
"Do you believe what you said in the interview?" Ashlyn asked.
"I do," Brett said, not sure where this is going.
Ashlyn smiled, "I'm flattered," she said.
"You're welcome," Brett said.
"It's okay," Ashlyn said, "I was your age once too."
Brett nodded, "So, who is Daddy James playing tonight?" she asked.
"They're in Chicago," Ashlyn said.
Brett nodded, "I wonder if Kay's at the game," she said.
"James probably called to see if she wanted to go," Ashlyn said.
"Yeah, but, she's been, kind of reclusive since the accident," Brett said.
"Well, she had a lot going on then," Ashlyn said.
Brett nodded, "I guess she did," she said.
"Speaking of the Scott side of the family, I've noticed you've been picking on Sawyer," Ashlyn said.
"I wouldn't say pick on, lovingly tease," Brett said.
"Either way, you shouldn't tease her," Ashlyn said.
"She's an odd duck," Brett said.
"You could be considered an odd duck, too. Brett, it's just a point of view," Ashlyn said.
"Well anyway, I think she just needed a different perspective," Brett said.
"You two use to be so close, almost like sisters," Ashlyn said, "As well as Kay and Ellie."
Brett shrugged, "Well, she distanced herself when she quit basketball," she said.
"You don't think that was hard for her? Or has been hard on her?" Ashlyn asked, "Believe me; I know what she feels. When I quit, I felt the same way. There will be a day when you have to walk away."
"She doesn't show it," Brett said.
"She's a Sawyer and a Scott; if two groups of people need to have counseling on how to share their feelings, there's not many more," Ashlyn said.
"She never said anything about it to me," Brett said.
"See the previous statement; she's both a Sawyer and a Scott," Ashlyn said.
Brett nodded, "It was all of a sudden, she gave up basketball," she said.
"Well, she needed to do it, but it was just as the world was turn upside down; I don't think she's ever coped with it," Ashlyn said.
"So, what can I do?" Brett asked.
"It's called empathy, Brett," Ashlyn said.
"Okay," Brett said.
Ashlyn sighed; Brett can be hard-headed. She often wondered where her oldest daughter got it from. So, Ashlyn decided to change the subject.
"I was supposed to tell you this morning, but the snow made it moot," Ashlyn said.
"What's that?" Brett asked.
"There's a box on the counter; it's yours," Ashlyn said.
"Okay," Brett said, got up, and walked to the counter. She opened the box and went through it. "Is this my stuff?"
"Yes," Ashlyn said.
"That means," Brett said.
"Momma Chase told me you were to be released this morning," Ashlyn said.
Brett picked up her smartphone and looked it over. It probably needed to be charged. Next, she reached into the box and picked up her car keys.
"Thanks, Mom," Brett said.
"You're welcome. This week, a lot of families will be coming into town. So, there's going to be a lot of family events," Ashlyn said.
"Who's coming into town?" Brett asked.
"Kay's coming from Chicago. Angela and the Greenwich group is coming in, as well as Trin, Wyatt, and Fallon from New York," Ashlyn said.
"No, Candi?" Brett asked.
"I haven't heard," Ashlyn said.
Brett nodded, "I'm going to my room," she said.
"Okay," Ashlyn said; Brett picked up the box and went upstairs.
Ashlyn watched the game. The game took place in Chicago, and the Heat wore their away uniforms. Ashlyn thought she saw Kay in the crowd, but they didn't put any graphics saying it's her. When the game ended, Miami won 100-80; James had a double-double, scoring twenty-six and had eleven assists. This result made Ashlyn smile.
