Page 13 of The Run Option

“Okay, tell Granny Mae I said hi! And that she’s welcome to come party with us.”

My lips turn up in a watery smile. “I’ll be sure to let her know. See you soon.”

We hang up and I wipe my face again. I should have told her I couldn’t make it. The last thing I want to do is go. But there’s a part of me that realizes this might be one of the last team parties I get to attend. I won’t get to watch the guys be reckless idiots racing around Jamal’s property anymore or beat Calvin at pinball while he insists I cheat.

So while I feel more like sobbing than dancing, I head to the bathroom to pull myself together. If I only get sixty days here, I’m going to make the most of them.

“Willow, you made it!” Aaliyah squeals and wraps me in her arms as soon as I walk in the door. Her signature tropical scent envelops me, making me think of warm summer days even though it’s October. I return her hug, careful not to tug on her long braids. “I’d never miss one of your parties, especially not Jamal’s birthday.”

We pull apart and her wide smile dims, concern furrowing her brows.

“What’s wrong?”

I put on my besteverything’s fineface, aware of the crowd of people around us. “Nothing! Granny Mae fell and hurt her hip, that’s all.”

“Oh no, that’s awful! You should have said something. I would have visited her and helped you.”

A genuine smile stretches my lips, and fresh tears sting the backs of my eyes. It’s going to be so difficult to leave friends like Aaliyah. We’ve only known each other a short time, and she’s already become like a sister to me.

“You know she wouldn’t want anyone fussing over her. She’s actually the one who forced me to come. Said I need to find a husband before she dies.” I roll my eyes, and Aaliyah laughs.

“Well there are plenty of eligible bachelors here tonight,” she says with a smirk. “We can get you a drink and find you a man.”

I shake my head. “I’m not interested. I’ve had enough of the dating scene recently. I will take that drink though.”

I’m not big on excessive drinking. I enjoy a glass of wine after a long day at work, but not more than that. So that’s what I’ll treat this as. A little something to take the edge off.

“A drink it is. Follow me.” She grabs my hand, her gold jewelry sparkling against the deep ebony shade of her skin.

We wind through the crowd. I smile and say hi to a few players and friends I spot, but I’m happy to keep the interactions brief for now. Maybe once I settle in I’ll be able to hold a conversation.

Aaliyah leads me into her huge kitchen, the white cabinets blindingly bright and the marble countertops gleaming as though they’ve never seen a speck of dirt in their life. On the kitchen island is an array of drinks in dispensers, as well as a few bottles of wine and some buckets with champagne. I’m about to look at the wine selection when Aaliyah presses a cup into my hand.

“What’s this?” I ask, looking down at the maroon liquid.

“Jamal’s birthday cocktail,” she answers with a grin. “I created it myself. It’s so good.”

I gingerly take a sip. I’m not one for mixed drinks, but this is good. I can’t taste the alcohol at all–which might be a bad thing–but since I hate the taste of liquor, it works for me.

“Wow, this is great!” I tell her sincerely, which makes her smile widen.

“I told you. Now–”

A guy I don’t recognize walks into the kitchen, cutting her off. “Jamal is doing dirt bike tricks again.”

Aaliyah huffs. “I swear that man is going to get himself killed. I’ll be right back. I need to go make sure my husband doesn’t ruin his career over what I’m sure is a stupid dare.”

I laugh. “Good luck.”

She sighs and follows after the guy. I take a few more sips of my drink, then decide to brave the party. As soon as I step out, I regret it.

Across the room, Jason leans against a wall, smiling down at a pretty blonde. I roll my eyes.Go ahead, honey, flirt away. He won’t remember your name tomorrow if his track record is any indication.

I tip my drink back. It’s going to be a long night.

Chapter eight

Jason Kingsley

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