Page 10 of Make Your Shot
“We’ll see what he says,” I tell her, both of our gazes traveling back up to the TV lights as they begin to change colors, the announcer's voice bouncing through the speakers.
I don’t know if Caleb will want my help, but it’s worth a shot. Best case, he takes me up on the offer and it buys me some more time from having to find a job. Worst case, he says no and then I have no choice but to finally decide what I’m going to do with my life.
Even if it means completely changing my career and potentially disappointing my father.
CHAPTER FIVE
CALEB
Pulling my shirt over my head, I run a tired hand through my damp hair to push it away from my forehead. The last remaining guys are finishing up in the dressing room. Most have left already and when I catch sight of Rowan leaving the room, the coast is clear.
And then I see Carson waiting for me by the door.
“Did you see Andi’s text in the group chat?”
I tilt my head to the side, reaching into the side pocket of my duffle bag to retrieve my phone and unlock the screen. Normally, I have it completely charged with the volume turned on, just in case there’s something emergent with Tella that I need to be available for.
My eyebrows pull together in a furrow. It somehow ended up on “Do Not Disturb” mode. My heart immediately speeds up and my stomach rolls as anxiety grips my insides. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everyone’s good,” he assures me, rather thanscolding me for jumping directly to the worst case scenario. He’s always been able to read me like an open book. “Mia offered to watch Tella so Andi could get Matteo home and in bed at a decent time.”
My heart stops in my chest, my eyes flashing to my brother’s. “What?”
Carson shrugs, feigning a look of innocence. “Mia’s great. If I trust my kid with her, you can trust her with yours too.”
There is a prick of annoyance inside my chest that Andi just left like that. I don’t have a problem with Mia Landry. Hell, everyone loves her. But she hasn’t been properly vetted. I’m not sure I completely trust her with my daughter.
My phone vibrates. I turn it over and find a text from an unfamiliar number on the screen.
Unknown
Hey, this is Mia. Tella and I are waiting for you outside of my father’s office.
“Was that her?”
I nod at my brother, not bothering to look at him as I type my response and send it.
Caleb
Thanks. I’ll be there in a few.
“They’re waiting outside of Coach’s office.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Carson offers, shifting the strap of his bag on his shoulder as we walk out into the hallway together.
“That’s okay,” I tell him, running my tongue acrossmy teeth. “I’ll catch up with you tomorrow. Tell Andi thanks for keeping an eye on Tella.”
Carson nods, his lips falling into a flat line. “You need to figure out a better situation for Tella’s sake,” he says, his voice low. “She’s always more than welcome at our house, but she needs some stability. Someone to stay at your house with her.”
“I know,” I sigh, guilt settling deep as his words strike me in the chest. He’s telling me everything I already know—everything we’ve already talked about.
“Just talk to Mia, Cale. Even if it’s just a temporary thing, it will buy you some time to find someone permanent."
I suck in a deep breath, my lungs expanding, chest rising, before I blow it out. “Okay.”
My brother and I head separate ways, him toward the exit of the building and me down the hall toward Coach Landry’s office. I pass a few of the staff members, nodding as I keep moving and slip into the smaller hallway to the left. As I round the corner, I see them sitting on a bench out front of Coach’s office.
Mia sits against the wall, her head tilted back and eyes closed. My gaze travels down along her side, where Tella is tucked in against her, her head resting on the side of her chest as Mia holds her upright with her arm extended around her.
