For Love & Basketball by Nicole Vidal

Author:Nicole Vidal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: basketball, single mom, police officer, matchmakers, past trauma, small beach town
Publisher: Nicole Vidal

Chapter Fifteen

Alannah

Nearly dressed for work, I knock on Caden’s door. I’m greeted with an unceremonious groan. “Time to get moving.”

“We don’t do anything on the first day, plus it’s Thursday. I’ll go on Monday.”

I push open his door a bit. “Not happening. It’s your senior year.”

He pulls the pillow over his face. “That’s why you should let me!”

I take a seat on the edge of his bed, which I don’t make a habit of doing anymore. “I know it’s going to be tough seeing her each day again, but school isn’t optional.”

He pushes to sitting and throws his arms around my neck. “How do you always know what I need to hear?” A few days after camp, Caden shared his breakup with me in more detail. He’s spent time with his friends but hasn’t really looked to move on yet.

With a wink, I reply, “It’s a gift. You’ve got thirty minutes tops.” I finish dressing in a hurry and start the brewer in the kitchen. Each morning before work, Callan and I share a cup of coffee.

Callan: Morning, gorgeous. Can you open the door?

Confused, I make my way to the front door. Callan approaches loaded down with boxes of goodies crafted by Kelsey.

I swing the door open. “Morning, babe. Are you feeding an army?”

He kisses me lightly as he steps inside. “Sort of. They’re for Caden.”

I peek in the box after the coffee finishes. The donuts are decorated with a wildcat logo and “senior year” in school colors.

“I didn’t forget about you.” Callan hands me a chocolate croissant.

As if the donuts for Caden weren’t enough for me. “You’re the best!” I put the pastry in the microwave to warm.

“Only for you and Caden.”

As if he summoned him, Caden shuffles into the kitchen, grumbling, “Morning.”

“Morning. I brought breakfast for you and a bunch of your friends,” Callan informs him, opening the top box.

“These are awesome!” Caden rounds the island and hugs him. “Can I have one now and then more later?”

Callan laughs. “Yup, I brought three boxes.”

With permission, Caden inhales half of a donut in one bite. When he polishes off that one, he asks, “Will you help me put them in the car?”

“Sure.”

They leave the kitchen with the boxes as I bite into my now warm, flaky pastry. The two of them have grown closer since camp. I’m glad. Callan works hard to strike the best balance between father figure and friend. It’s heartwarming to watch them bond. Both rejoin me in the kitchen. Callan drains his coffee with a long gulp. Watching his throat work has inappropriate thoughts spinning in my mind for the time of day and present company. Who knew that would get me going? Certainly not me. Thankfully, Callan doesn’t catch me ogling him.

“I gotta go, Mom. I’ll be home after school.” Caden gives me a side hug and throws his backpack over his shoulder.

They fly through their practiced and recently expanded handshake before he rushes out the door.

“I need to go too. I’ll be back after shift.

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