Page 92 of Rebound

“How could I not?” I ask. “Even though you’re shit at basketball. You really are. You’re like the worst basketball player I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how you made the girls’ team in high school. They must have taken everyone who showed up.”

She lets out a loud wail and flies into my arms. I wrap them around her and kiss the top of her head. “She loves me!” I announce, and the crowd on the other side of the door cheers. I lift her off her feet and spin her around. She throws her head back and laughs. I then throw her over my shoulder and walk inside with her.

“Put her down, Seth,” Jeannie says. “It’s time for your reception at the Pierre.” That’s the hotel where Jeannie and Layla worked. The first time I ever laid eyes on her was at that hotel. “Layla, let’s go change. Aid, you’re in charge of getting everyone to the hotel.”

Chapter 58

Layla

Less than an hour later, I step inside the Pierre in a designer white pantsuit. Everyone had gone ahead, and I rode in a car with Jeannie, Vickie, and Johnny. They reserved the presidential ballroom, and when I arrived, everyone cheered.

We had an elaborate meal, endless champagne, and cake. My husband fed me dessert and now everyone is either dancing, enjoying the open bar, or talking.

“Look at that,” I say to Jeannie when we’re alone. Aiden is in the corner talking to the team owner, and Ryder is nowhere in sight. “What do you think that’s all about?”

“He’s been trying to get Aiden to come back for the past year,” she says with a shrug. “He’s wasting his time, but I guess it’s his time to waste.”

“Thanks for this,” I say, ready to cry again, but she pulls me into a hug.

“Stop it. You came into my life when I needed someone like you. I love you like a sister. I’d do anything for you.” We hug again, but instead of crying, I tell her that I love her too.

June Bug, who was talking to my father, walks over to us. He’s in a gray suit and white shirt, but he’s taken the tie off and has his first three buttons undone.

“You look handsome,” I say to my cousin. It’s true. He stands at six feet and four inches tall, with a muscular build and brown skin. He’s the one who got the smooth blemish-free complexion in the family. He has his hair pulled back and the dreads barely touch his shoulders.

He blushes, and I think it’s at my compliment.

“You remember Jeannie,” I say, and they shake hands.

“I would have beaten his ass for you,” he says. Jeannie’s head rolls back and she starts to giggle. “Layla told me he was bothering you. I told her to say the word, and it would be on.”

“I appreciate it, “Jeannie says.

“And thank you for getting me my job.”

Jeannie nods at him, but before she can respond, Vickie walks up to us, dragging two women behind her.

I recognize one. She’s the girlfriend of Colt’s brother.

“Layla, you remember Violet,” Vickie says. “This is her sister Terri.”

“We were just about to have an early dinner when Vickie saw us,” Violet says.

I hug Violet and shake hands with Terri. “This is my cousin June Bug,” I say.

June Bug gives me the side-eye, but he shakes Violet’s hand. When he gets to Terri’s, he holds on to it for longer than necessary. He licks his lips and looks over her body.

“What kind of name is June Bug?” Terri asks.

“It’s the kind of name you have to earn the right to use. For now, it’s Julian.” He still doesn’t let go of her hand when he says that, but I notice she doesn’t try to pull away either. In fact, she inches closer to him.

She’s pretty with light brown skin and dark hair with reddish highlights. She looks up at him and studies him. I notice her eyes linger on the tattoos on the side of his neck.

“In that case, you can call me Ms. Scott,” she says while looking into his eyes.

“As long as it’s not Mrs.,” he flirts back.

“Why don’t you guys stay and join us?” Vickie suggests while looking at Terri and June Bug, who are still holding hands. Terri finally looks down at their joined hands. She eyes the skull tattoo on the top of his right one, and I think I hear her whimper.

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