Page 7 of The Only Shot that Mattered

Kenna wiped her tears and smiled gently at her. She was beautiful, with deep brown skin and pretty braids. She was on the heavier side, but in a way that told Kenna she brought beautiful life into the world. Kenna looked down at the boy and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Alanzo,” he said proudly.

“I’m so sorry,” the woman apologized again. “We’re still working on boundaries.”

“But, Gigi, she needed a hug. She’s crying, see?” Alanzo pointed at Kenna’s face, causing her to blush from embarrassment.

“Alanzo,” his grandmother scolded.

“It’s okay,” Kenna murmured. “Alanzo, your gigi is right though. You can’t just climb into anyone’s lap, but I’m happy that you chose me. I did need that hug.”

“Chile, I swear he’s an empath. He takes on other people’s emotions so easily,” his grandmother said.

“It’s really no problem. I love kids.” And that was the truth. She had the biggest soft spot for children, and Alanzo proved to be a great distraction in Cam’s absence.

“You must not have any, then.”

Kenna laughed, which surprised her, but she didn’t question it. This woman and her grandson were obviously placed next to her for a good reason. “No, I don’t.”

Kenna didn’t really think she wanted kids. After losing her brother and seeing her parents go through that, she doubted she had the guts to bring children into the world. If she was a nervous wreck now, she would definitely be one then.

“You’ll make a good mother one day. You have a kind soul, I can tell. I’m Annalise.” She held her hand out and Kenna shook it.

“Kenna.” She did her best to make it seem like she was holding herself together as she got more comfortable talking to Annalise. If it was just Alanzo, she would have her guards down fully, but anyone over the age of twelve made her leery. Once they hit those teenaged years and were capable of intentionally harming others in a traumatic way, she tried to steer clear. It was why she never made any new friends after high school or dated. Cam was all she needed in her eyes.

“Why are you crying?” Alanzo asked, causing Kenna’s eyes to snap to him.

She obviously hadn’t done a good enough job pretending like nothing was bothering her. Then again, kids could be really perceptive.

“Zo, leave that poor lady alone,” Annalise scolded again.

“No, no. It’s okay,” Kenna said before looking at Alanzo. “I’m just a little nervous, is all.”

“About what?”

Kenna thought about how to answer him before she decided to be honest, but as vague as possible. The last thing she wanted to do was scare him by telling him about the horrors of her past. “Big crowds make me uncomfortable.”

He nodded once, as if that was all the explanation he needed. “Wanna see my favorite game?” Alanzo reached over and dug around in his grandmother’s black leather bag before pulling a tablet out.

“Please feel free to tell him no at any time, chile,” Annalise said, shaking her head while a small smile played on her lips. Kenna could tell she didn’t want to keep telling him to leave her alone, and she was glad for it.

“Actually, I’m a video game developer, so believe it or not, this is right up my alley. Besides, he’s helping.” She muttered that last part, but Annalise had those mom ears or something because she smiled kindly at Kenna and nodded as if she understood.

Kenna appreciated that the older lady didn’t pry. She also appreciated that she allowed Alanzo to distract her. For that, she earned some major points in Kenna’s book.

Kenna allowed herself to be entertained by Alanzo’s game, which happened to be a basketball simulation, for the next several minutes. She noticed the crowd swelling and the noise level peaking the fuller the arena got, but she breathed through it and focused on Alanzo playing his game.

Cam finally came back with a tray of drinks in one hand and a basket of nachos in the other. He sat down dramatically, huffing and puffing, before he peered over at her, his arched brows pulling in. “Who’s your lil friend, Kenna?”

Kenna looked at Alanzo, who had slowly inched his way back into her lap somehow. She hadn’t even noticed, but now that she had, she realized his weight grounded her. “This is Alanzo and his gigi, Annalise.”

“You are too cute!” Cam said, setting the drinks and nachos down on his lap and reaching over so he could pinch Alanzo’s cheeks.

Alanzo swatted his hand away and balled his face up at Cam. Kenna was surprised because he had been so sweet to her. She didn’t think the little boy had a mean bone in his body. A laugh fell from her mouth as she watched the exchange.

Cam looked taken aback as he withdrew his hand. “I take back my compliment.” He stuck his tongue out at Alanzo, who stuck his tongue right back out at Cam. The two glared at each other.

Annalise laughed, not knowing how serious Cam was at the moment. Kenna knew Cam had just gained an enemy. Not a real one—Cam wasn’t that mean—but he would bug the hell out of Alanzo for fun. She wasn’t sure how he was allowed to even teach the third grade. He most definitely had his favorites, and it showed, but he was great at what he did. Nobody could deny that. The way he could beef with a child needed to be studied though. Nobody was safe from his pettiness.

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