Page 2 of The Transfer
Before I can think better of it, the words fly out of my mouth. “Why do you wear number 15?”
Jordan coughs a laugh, knowing I don’t do well with the fanboys or fangirls who constantly try to use Jordan and me, wanting to meet my father or get an autograph.
Then a horrible thing happens. Riggs turns that gorgeous smile to me. “You must be Rea? Everett is your dad, right?”
“Yeah, I’m Reagan, and my dad is Everett.” Ugh, here we go.
But then he says something that makes me think he may not be like all the others chasing my last name.
“I’ll be honest, your dad has always been my favorite basketball player, and I have worn 15 since I was seven. But don’t worry, I’m not looking for an intro or autograph. I can imagine that really sucks for y’all.”
Riggs looks at me with an intensity that makes my heart race.Calm down, I tell myself.
With my most confident voice, I respond to the Adonis before me. “You pretty much nailed how it feels living as his kids.”
“Uncle Jake said you work with the team? Something about keeping statistics?” His question seems genuine, but again, he’s a charming basketball player.
I do have to smile that Jake talked about my position on the team. I’m proud of being a part of the CTU squad. “I keep statistics for his game analysis, like points scored, a shot chart, rebounds, and assists. I also try to help manage the chaos behind the bench if needed.”
Looking down at my watch, I realize how late it is. “I love being part of the team, but right now, I’m running late for class, so I’m going to head out. It was really nice to meet you.”
Turning to Jordan, I give him a side hug. “Bye.” I walk away as quickly as possible. My heart is beating fast, and my insides are a fluttering mess from that encounter.
A loud, deep voice pierces the air, causing me to freeze in place. “I’ll be seeing you, Sunshine.”
“Sunshine?” I ask. I slightly turn to face the man behind the voice, and my breath hitches at the sight of him.
“Yeah, like a ray of sunshine. Seems appropriate.” I’m stunned silent, and my face turns bright red.
I give myself one more second to look behind me before basically running out the double doors and into the brutal humidity of North Carolina in August.
“He’s just another arrogant basketball player,” I whisper to myself as I slow down my pace toward my first class of the day.
As I sit down inside the lecture hall, my mind drifts back to the last bigheaded basketball player I got close to back in high school, and I promise myself right then that I will not go downthatroad again.
When class letsout about an hour later, I’m grabbing my bag and hoisting it over my shoulder. I feel a tap on my arm and turn to see a girl staring back at me with a hopeful gleam in her eye.
“Hi, you’re Reagan, right?” I’m hesitant to answer at first.
“Yeah, I am. What’s your name?” I’m polite as ever, but warning bells are going off as she smiles back at me.
“I’m Maci! I wanted to invite you to a party this weekend at my sorority house. It’s Friday, and things get going at nine o’clock.”
I perk up a little at that. I don’t want to be in a sorority, but they do throw some fun parties, at least that’s what I hear. I’m a homebody for the most part.
“Oh, yeah? Sure. Sounds like fun!”
In my head, I’m hoping she stops there, but I start the countdown nonetheless,3…2…1…
“You should totally bring your twin with you!”And there it is. She wants Jordan at her party, and she thinks inviting me will help get him there.
“Oh, shoot. He won’t be on campus this weekend.” I lie just to see her reaction.
The light in her eyes dims, and you can tell she wants to rescind the offer but thinks better of it.
“Well, you can totally still come. Maybe bring some of his teammates with you.”
“Maybe,” I say and turn on my heels to walk out the door.
