Starting Over

Chapter 12: Banquet Day

Today isn't my day. I just poked myself in the eye with mascara again. As in my fifth time.

Kylie was supposed to come over to help me get ready but bailed.

The banquet I'm going to isn't a formal one where you need to wear a long dress.

So I got a blue navy dress. I didn't realize how much of my chest it shows. I really hope my dad isn't here to judge my dress.

"You look beautiful!" Nicole says as she enters my room with Loren right behind her.

Loren hands me a pair of black heels.

"Wear these. They'd look good with the dress."

"Sure. Thanks."

I'm never had "friends" like Loren and Nicole. Skylar would never let me borrow her clothes or shoes. She'd leave me to figure it out.

There's a knock on the door.

"I'll go get it." Loren says exiting the room.

"Coach Carson is here." She tells me as she walks in my room.

"Taylor!" I know that voice. I turn around and see Susan Carson. Coach Carson's wife and my mom's best friend.

"Miss Susan!"

She pulls me into a hug.

"Come on ladies. Let's go!" Coach Carson yells from the kitchen

"He just doesn't understand how it can take us women so long to get ready." She tells me

"He's going to judge my dress." I tell her

"Oh honey, if you wore a turtleneck dress. He would still say it shows to much skin."

We walk into the kitchen and I see Coach Carson talking with the girls about the season.

"We're ready." Ms. Susan tells him.

"You look hot!" Loren compliments me.

"I'm not going to judge your dress with words because I'm sure your father will do that." He tells me

"He's coming?"

"Yes. Did he not tell you y'all are honoring the Jackson's."

"No. I'm not. They are. Not me." I tell him.

I will not make my appearance into the basketball world. I'm fine hiding behind my siblings fame.

Once we arrive at the banquet. I see all kinds of UNC basketball legends. Most of the people here are retired nba players.

I look like a basketball player wearing these heels. I'm already 5'9 without the heels. I fit in just fine here with my height but not my personality.

I wanted to come because I haven't seen my brothers in forever and I knew that they'd be here. I didn't know my parents were actually coming. My parents are the type that say they're coming but never show. So I'll be surprised if they do.

"Taylor our table is back here with the Jackson's." Susan tells me.

The Jackson's as in Chase's family. I look at the table she is talking about. There I see Chase, Hayden, Chase's parents, and two girls.

"I'm going to get something drink. I'll be at the table in a minute." I tell them and turn around before they can respond.

You'd think for a banquet and a whole bunch of professional athletes they'd make this place a little fancier.

We're literally in a hotel ballroom. There's no decorations. Only a stage. And the bar with beverages is on wheels. All these people here are rich. They could've made it look better. At least there are barely any lights on so you can't see you're walking on carpet.