Page 19 of The Only Shot that Mattered

When she entered the dining room, David and Ruth were hugged up and smiling at each other.

Kenna grinned at them. “Hey, David.”

She put the plate in front of him, and he showed her all of his pearly white teeth. “This for me?”

His deep voice sounded through the room. David was a tall and bulky guy with a thick black mustache and caramel colored skin. His head was bald, and he had a gap in his teeth. He also had the kindest eyes and a beautiful soul.

“All yours. How was work?” Kenna asked.

“Ah, it was work,” he replied, digging into his food.

David was a part time correctional officer. He was also a retired cop. He retired years ago after an injury to his leg on the job, but he got bored with not working, so he decided to take up a part-time job. It was a taxing job, but he was one of the few people at that place who genuinely liked what he did. Kenna knew it was because he was such a people person. Those inmates no doubt loved him because he was so down to earth and could hold a conversation with a damn ant if he had to.

Kenna smiled politely and looked at her mom. “I’m going to get going.” She kissed her mom on the top of the head. “Love you, old woman.”

“Love you, too, little girl. Lock up for me.”

Kenna nodded and made her way out of the house. She used the same key she’d had since she was a child to lock the door before making her way to her car.

As soon as she was tucked inside and started her car, her cellphone rang through the speakers. Her brows pinched when she noticed it was an unknown caller. She decided to ignore it as she pulled out of the driveway. Before she could make it downthe street, her phone rang again with an unknown caller. This time, she decided to press the green button to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Kenna, it’s nice to hear your voice again, beautiful.”

Kenna stilled, almost stopping completely in the middle of the street, but she shook off her shock enough to focus on her driving and respond at the same time. “Damien?”

His chuckle sounded throughout the car, making Kenna feel warm all over her body, even though it was pretty chilly out that day.

“Surprised to hear from me?”

“I mean, yeah, since I don’t recall giving you my number.” Her voice was light and playful. By the grace of God, she felt like she had been given a second chance, and she knew she wouldn’t fumble this one.

“I had an assist with that. I won’t lie.”

“Cam?” she asked.

“I won’t confirm or deny.”

She giggled. She honestly wasn’t even mad at her best friend. He did what she had been too chicken to do.

Before she could overthink it, she said, “I’m happy you called.”

“Yeah? You seem like you enjoy duckin’ me.”

“I promise it’s not like that. I’m just… I don’t really get out much, so I don’t… I mean, I guess what I’m trying to say…”

“It’s all good, Ken Ken,” Damien interrupted, his tone sounding amused.

“Ken Ken, huh?” Any other time, she would hate the nickname. She hated when people made her name sound masculine, but somehow, Damien made it sound adorable rolling off his lips.

“Yeah, Ken Ken,” he confirmed. “But look, I was calling to invite you to another game.” Anxiety immediately filled heras dread pooled in her stomach, but before she could decline, Damien rushed to say, “I have it all planned out, though, so hear me out. Rock, you remember him?”

Kenna nodded and then realized he couldn’t see her, so she said, “Yeah, your security?”

“The head of my security. The best of the best. I’ll have him with you every moment of the game, and I also secured a box suite for you. It’ll be safe, and there won’t be much noise or any of that. I ain’t gon’ lie… I kind of feel like you’re my good luck charm. It’s been a minute since I shot the winning basket, and one interaction with you brought that beast up out of me. I would love to keep that energy.”

Kenna bit her lip, but she thought about her mother’s words and exhaled a long breath before muttering, “Okay, but only if Cam can come too.”

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