Page 37 of The Transfer
“How are you feeling after last night?” Jordan asks with his mouth full of eggs, and I want to laugh and throw up at the same time.
“First off, close your mouth when you chew. That is disgusting. Second, I feel better, I think. But I don’t want to talk about me right now…give me your truth.”
“The truth is, I’m feeling pressure this year. It always has felt a little that way being in Dad’s shadow, you know? But this is senior year, and I have to perform to make it to the league. My dreams are at my fingertips, and I don’t want to screw it up.”
The start of practice and the approaching season add even more weight to my brother’s shoulders. Even though Dad wasn’t a shooting guard, people still want to compare him to Jordan. It isn’t fair, but he has handled it beautifully. It’s rare that Jordan isn’t brimming with confidence. I get it, though. Things are getting real, and we are in the fourth quarter, so to speak.
“Jordan, that makes perfect sense to me. You are insanely talented, and you work harder than anyone I know. You got this. I am here to support and help you, always. Are you good outside of basketball?”
He sits there, quiet for a minute. “Yeah, I am, mostly. My only focus right now is the NBA. I can’t get distracted with anything or anyone else.” He gives me a pointed look to try to sell it, but I’m not sure I am convinced.
“I’m so proud of you, J.” And I am. I don’t know what I’m going to do after graduation. We have never been apart for more than a couple of weeks at a time. He could end up on the other side of the country, and that thought makes me anxious.
“Rea, what’s going on with Hart and Cole?” My brother always knows when I’m telling the truth, so I don’t hold back.
“That’s the question I’ve been wrestling with for a little while now. I thought Drew Cole was who I’d always wanted. But I’m not sure anymore. It’s fun and easy with him, comfortable. And Riggs, well, I really like him, Jordan. I feel like he knows the Reagan I am today, notthe girl I was in high school. It’s overwhelming, and I don’t know how to handle it all. He saw Drew kiss me in the parking lot last night, and now I’m afraid he’s going to tell me he’s done.”
He releases a big breath before he answers. I know talking about guys isn’t something we’ve ever done. “I don’t envy you. You are kind, and I know it will be hard for you to let one of them go. Only you can decide what to do. Unless you’d like me to take on the role of adviser because I definitely have opinions.”
“No, thank you. I have to do this myself. I appreciate you giving me the space to do that without interfering.” I squeeze Jordan’s hand from across the table, and he smiles back at me.
I feel like I just dumped a lot on my twin, but it does give me a chance to take a deep breath, and a small amount of relief flows through me.
Knowing I need a topic change, my brother moves on. “I am so pumped for Titans Give Back. Carter and I have been plotting how we can sweep three pointers, Slam Dunk, Free Throws, and 3-on-3. I think we got it this year. The only person I worry about outshooting me is… Hart.”
“You should be worried. Riggs beat me in PIG, and you know how I shoot.” I know this will get Jordan nervous because he rarely beats me.
“No freaking way! Don’t tell me that. I can’t lose my 3-point title my senior year!” I laugh and shake my head. My brother looks like I just delivered the worst news of his life. Getting up, I pat the top of his head before retreating upstairs.
Jordan holds true to his promise and does the dishes as I finish getting ready for the day.
HOOP SQUAD
Jordan
Yo, Riggs, you really beat my sister in PIG?
Carter
WHAT?! No one beats Rea…
Riggs
Who told you that?
Jordan
She did…and when did you even play?
Riggs
…
Carter
J, you are on alert! Riggs is coming for that 3-point title.
Jordan
