Page 43 of The Transfer
Right here on the court, all my fears and worries disappear. I can lose myself in the bounce of the ball, the squeak of the shoes on the floor, and the rhythm of the game. I have never found that kind of peace anywhere else, until Reagan Mills walked into my life.
THIRTY-ONE
REAGAN
We approach the holidays with the team leading the standings and an undefeated season so far. We play Durham next week, and the guys are a little on edge. The Wolves haven’t lost yet either.
Riggs has been the key to pushing the Titans to the next level. His outstanding playing might have something to do with Joel. His dad has been able to make all the home games so far, as his health has stayed stable.
My family hostsThanksgiving each year. Neither of my parents has any living relatives, so we’ve adopted the concept of a found family. We started inviting Mackenzie’s family in high school. This year, Riggs’s and Coach’s families are joining us as well. It’s chaotic, loud, and I love every second of it. Next year will be different, so I want to enjoy it while I have it.
Mack and Trey flew home earlier this week. He’s celebrating with his family, and she’s with us. She and I are sneaking in appetizers as wewait for others to arrive. I hear the door open, and I sense him before I see him. My brother and Riggs meander into the living room. I smile while Mackenzie tenses up. I look at her, not sure what is going on. She’s been on edge all day.
“Hey, Point Guard.” I pull Mack over and introduce them. “This is Mack. Mack, this is Riggs.” They exchange pleasantries.
My brother, with all the sarcasm he can muster, directs his first words at my best friend. “Hey, Mack, I saw your boyfriend pull into the driveway.” He emphasizes the word boyfriend. Then he turns and walks out of the room.
I look at my best friend, not sure why Trey is here. Her face pales, and I know some drama is about to unfold.
“I didn’t know he was coming. Excuse me.” She leaves quickly. When I turn to Riggs, he has a confused look on his face.
“Did Jordan and Mack date or something?” I immediately laugh and shake my head.
“Definitely not. They have always been friends, but nothing more.” I glance at the door Mack just walked out of, worried about her.
“Sunshine, something is going on with those two.” That pulls me out of my worry.
“No way. Mack and Jordan? She has been with Trey for years, and my brother is very protective of her. But like family or a friend. Nothing more,” I tell him confidently.
Riggs shrugs before answering. “Maybe it is more than just basketball that keeps Jordan from settling down with one girl?” Then he nudges me to go check on my friend.
I'm still trying to process what Riggs just said as I walk out to the driveway through the garage. It allows me to see Mack without anyone seeing me. I know, I know, it is eavesdropping. Mack will try to paint whatever happens in the most positive light, even if it is a totaldumpster fire. Slowly walking alongside my dad’s truck, I can tell they are arguing.
“Trey, come on. We eat here every year, and my parents are inside. Do you want me to bring them out here so they can convince you that it isn’t anything more than that?” Mack is angry, and when she gets like this, tears usually follow.
“Baby, just ditch them. I hate it when you are around him. Can’t you see how it hurts me? I’m starting to think this thing isn’t one-sided. And I swear, Mackenzie, if you cheat on me…”
“You’ll what, Trey? Cheat on me? Oh wait, you already have.”What?I didn't know that, and now I feel like a jerk for listening in. I also want to punch Trey in the face.
“I did not cheat on you! I told you, I had too much to drink, and that puck bunny just sat on my lap. Nothing happened. You haven’t been coming out with me lately. What did you expect?”Trey, you freaking idiot.
“I’m not stupid, Trey. I know what I saw and what people told me. If you want to be with me so bad, quit getting wasted at parties and passing out at the hockey house. I can’t have this conversation again. I said I wanted space, and I meant it. We need a break. I’ll talk to you when we get back to school.”
“Screw that. You’remine,and we are not on a break. Oh, and Mackenzie, don’t get any ideas aboutJordan Millswhile you’re home.” With that, he squeals out of the driveway and down the road.
I quickly run back into the house and find a place on the couch to watch whatever football game is on right now. I hear Mack come in shortly after, heading straight to the bathroom.
Not long after that, my mom calls everyone to the dinner table. I take a seat at the table, and Riggs sits next to me, smiling. My brother sits down on my other side, frustration and anger still emanating from him. Then Mackenzie comes in and sits next to her mom, right across from me, refusing to look anyone in the eyes. It breaks my heart, and Isoftly kick her foot under the table. When she looks up, I give her my best smile, and she returns one, the best she can.
Despite the drama, my best friend makes the best of dinner, and soon we are all laughing and reminiscing. As I look around the table at all my favorite people in one place, my heart is full, and I won’t take a minute of it for granted.
THIRTY-TWO
RIGGS
As soon as we finish eating, I help my parents load their car. Dad is exhausted and needs to get home to rest. I was concerned about him coming out and being around so many people, but he assured me that his doctor signed off on it.
Mom hugs me first, squeezing me tight. “Today was wonderful. You were right about that Reagan. She really is something special, and her family is great too.” I smile back at her, and she kisses me on the cheek before sliding into the driver’s seat.
