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“We’ve worked hard to get here, sir.”
It’s hard to believe the day is finally here. Jim Bradford, head director of Life Space, is at the game tonight to give my brothers and sisters the scholarship I hope will someday change their lives.
“Well, on behalf of Life Space, we’re proud to endorse such a talented player. A good man, too.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Jim nods. “Our team is really impressed with your strategy these past eight months. You’ve grown your social media exponentially. The way you’ve advertised the companies representing you has been…shall I say, genius?”
I swivel my head, searching for Tenley in the dwindling crowd. “Thanks to that beautiful woman right there.” I point her way.
I see the moment Jim takes her in, likely noticing the way her bump looks close to popping. But she’s neverlooked more beautiful and confident in her own skin, talking to my family like they’re hers.
It’s taken us a while to get here, but the trudge through the hard shit has been worth it in the end.
He nods, understanding her role in my life without me having to say it. “Very well. She’s talented. Honestly, to the pointoursocial media director is tempted to pick her brain for some insight.”
“Go for it,” I direct him. “You won’t be disappointed.”
“I’ll be sure to get her contact information from you later. In the meantime, how about we give those siblings of yours something to be excited about?”
The pride in my smile can’t be missed. “I’d like that. Let me introduce you.”
I lead Jim to where Tenley, Mom, and all six of my siblings are huddled near the VIP seating of the stadium. Before introducing Jim, I head straight for Levi and pull him into a hug. “How you holding up, my dude?”
“Miserably,” he groans, sounding like a whiney teenager. “Ready to skate again.”
“Ah, you’ll be back out there in no time.”
“Preferably a very long time from now,” Mom cuts in, worry in her voice.
“Mommm,” Levi groans.
Changing the subject, I usher Jim over. “There’s someone I’d like you all to meet. This is Mr. Jim Bradford. Jim is head CEO of Life Spaces, my biggest endorser with the Strikers.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Jim tells my family.
“Hi, Mr. Bradford. It’s wonderful to meet you. I’m Leanne Matthews, August’s mother.”
“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Jim greets Mom, shaking her hand.
Gathering my siblings in an unorganized formation, I attempt to introduce them, Jim’s smile beaming brighter with each name and age I call out.
“What a family we have here.” Jim bends down to talk to Delaney. “I have a question for you. Think you could answer it for me?”
Delaney grins, holding her baby doll to her chest. “Yep. Mommy says I’m so good with questions. I’m one smart cookie.”
“I don’t doubt that one bit,” Jim responds. “How would you kiddos like to go to college someday?”
“What’s college?” Delaney asks, her cute face scrunching up.
“It’s where we go to get smarter, Laney,” Jackson answers for Jim.
“Let’s let Mr. Bradford finish,” Mom redirects them as Jim ushers a man and woman behind him to come over, each holding a stack of life-size checks.
“Woah,” Jackson says in amazement. “That’s a giant piece of paper.”
I laugh. “That’s a lot more than a piece of paper, bud. Just wait and see.”
