Someone to Love Me by Nicole S. Rouse

Author:Nicole S. Rouse
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Urban Books
Published: 2013-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

“Flight attendants, prepare for take-off,” the captain said, and Jerome snapped back into the present.

The engine revved up, and Jerome sat back in his seat, closing his eyes until the aircraft was in flight. Hindsight was always 20/20. He and Taylor should have spent their last night together in the living room, although there’s no guarantee the outcome would’ve been any different. He was ashamed of what he’d done, but couldn’t wait to get a glimpse of his daughter.

Located in North Philadelphia, only a short walk away from Temple University’s main campus, Jerome walked into the Engineering and Science High School. The school looked very different from the days he’d visited with his Murrell Dobbins team. He hardly recognized it when he pulled into the parking lot. Originally an elementary school, Engineering and Science was now a magnet school for students interested in science and technical fields. It felt good to know that his daughter was smart. Back in the day, not just anyone could attend the school. Students had to apply and be accepted. He couldn’t imagine that they’d lowered their standards.

Jerome found it hard to believe that Joi had bad grades, as Taylor had said during their brief phone conversation. Coaches usually demanded more from their players, especially coaches at magnet schools. It could be that Taylor exaggerated. From what Jerome remembered, she’d always been a bit high-strung.

Engineering and Science resembled a private college campus. A great deal of money had obviously gone into renovations. The gymnasium was a far cry from the old-fashioned court he used to play on. The new one actually had a place for people to sit.

Preferring to stand, Jerome positioned himself close to the main doors. He had made it in time to see most of the first half, and the Engineers were already up by twenty-five points. Wearing dark glasses and a long coat, he felt more like a private detective or talent scout. Amidst the crowd, Jerome scanned the audience quickly for a Taylor and Lance sighting, but there was no sign of them. Relieved, he concentrated on the game.

In a number three jersey, Joi bounced the basketball near the sideline. Even without her last name ironed on the back of her shirt, Jerome could’ve easily identified her.

With four seconds left on the shot clock, Joi charged to the basket and was fouled. Next to Jerome, a young student shouted, “That’s the way to do it, Boss!”

Behind the student another child yelled, “You show ’em, Boss!”

Jerome smiled. Imagine that, my daughter’s the Boss. Only the good players had nicknames. In his day, Jerome was called Smoke because it was said that he’d leave his opponents choking on his fumes.

By the fourth quarter it was clear the Engineers were going to win, so Jerome left before the final buzzer. He had to meet his brother at the Chipotle on City Line Avenue.

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