Page 91 of Raising Love
“Dope.”
“I’ll be home soon,” I told her. “You got everything set up and ready to start?”
“You know I do.”
I chuckled softly.
Things with Ivy had been good. It didn’t take long for me to ask her what we were doing. I wanted a relationship the moment I sat at my desk putting together a dozen of tiny Lego roses... which she still has and loves.
Never in a million years would I have guessed that the woman who would steal my heart in such an unpredictable way had been right under my nose the whole time. Ivy was everything I needed. The balance to my life that made everything seem possible.
We started this journey all messed up in the head—given a baby we had no experience with, our plans for life turned upside down. But now? I was so settled in this new life, my old one didn’t even cross my mind. I didn’t miss it, not a little bit.
I was grateful for the storm that came in and cleared out what I thought I wanted.
Though it still hurt most days to remember my best friend was gone—and the one-year anniversary of his passing was slowly approaching—what his loss helped me gain made up for it in small but meaningful ways. My life felt like mine again, and I had two people waiting for me at home who I loved with all my heart.
Greene Gardens finally felt like home.
Happiness felt good when it was real.
And now, I was on my way home to the love of my life.
Life was definitely good—and it was just getting started.
IVY
I sat at my desk, grinning from ear to ear as my eyes stayed glued to one of my computer screens.
I was watching a post-game interview with one of the journalists from Free-Throw Nation interviewing Leo after his game against the Atlanta Hawks the night before.
“Leo, congratulations on that spectacular performance tonight,” the interviewer, Scott Sanders, said, enthusiasm ringing in his voice. He was one of our newest hires at Free-Throw Nation, but his passion for the game made him a great fit. “How does it feel to come away with such a decisive win?”
“Thanks, man,” Leo replied, running a hand down his face to wipe away the sweat. “It feels amazing, honestly. The team really pulled together tonight—everyone was firing on all cylinders. We’ve got a plan this season, and we’re just out here working it.”
“Yes, you all are,” Scott added.
“You know, it’s games like these that remind us why we work so hard every day,” Leo said between breaths. “My team and I have been training together since before pre-training, so we all share this win tonight.”
“Absolutely,” Scott nodded.
Some days, I missed being out on the court. Inhaling the energy in the arena, hearing the squeak of sneakers on the hardwood—it all felt like home once. But life now? Life was the perfect opposite. There was so much to love now, especially the guy getting interviewed on screen.
“It was a team effort, for sure,” Scott continued. “Now, can you walk us through that final play? What was going through your mind?”
Leo laughed. “Well, we had the play set up during the timeout, and I knew I had to create some space to either take the shot…” He gestured with his hands. “Or find an open man. The defense bit on the fake, and that split second was all we needed, baby. Just focused on executing what we’ve practiced. What we’ve been practicing.”
“Impressive as always,” Scott smiled. “So, Leo, how does someone like Leo Vanguard celebrate after a win like this?”
Leo chuckled, pressing a hand to his chest. “Well, Scott, tonight’s plan is pretty simple: I’m about to go home, kiss my amazing godson goodnight if he’s still up, and then cuddle up next to my girl.”
“Oh, my God.” I shook my head while smiling. “He did not have to say that!”
Scott chuckled.
“She’s one of my favorite people in the world, and honestly, the greatest sports journalist to ever do it—no offense,” Leo said during his interview, shooting Scott a playful look.
Scott laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. “None taken. I’m in good company since we both work at the same network.”
