Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The Houston Rockets team piled into the locker room after another blowout win. Joshua followed behind them. The men cheered and screamed in victory. News reporters stayed in the hallways bellowing questions at the team.
Josh felt overwhelmed. His teammates daped him up but he still felt a little lost. A smile replaced his true feelings toward basketball, "You coming out with us tonight, Josh?"
Jalen turned to see his response. Josh shook his head. Clubs and outings weren't his things. Of course, he loved basketball but all of this fame was way too overrated. "Man, you gotta come out with us next time. I know you are a lil too lonely."
Josh waved a dismissive hand, "I like being alone. You know that."
After taking a quick shower in the facility bathroom Josh made his way to his red Lambo. His stomach growled from hunger. He sucked his teeth wanting to go home and relax. Driving down the crowded streets he finally came across one of his favorite diners.
Erica jumped in the car as her cousin Lamelo blasted Jay Z. He gave her a head nod and pulled out of her complex, "Damn, Melo. Slow the fuck down."
"You always wanna do the most. I'm not even driving fast." Melo leaned all the way back in his seat.
"No, you about to blow my lace front off with all that wind."
"Where are we going anyway? You always want me to come to pick you up." LaMelo asked switching lanes.
Erica brushed her hair down, "Ohhh, how about that diner we always like to go to when you visit?"
He nodded and continued to drive.
"How's my auntie and uncle?" Erica asked staring out into the Houston streets.
"Fine. You know Lavar wants you to come to visit them in Cali for the holidays."
"Mmmm...they know I'm out and about."
"You should see the people that raised you some time." Melo's stern voice made Erica irritated.
She began to shut down. Her quietness had let Melo know he pushed her too far. Slowing down to a red light he turned to look at her, "I'm sorry about that, E."
"About what? I know Uncle Lavar wants me to do better. I just don't see the point in being a boss or whatever." Erica scooted closer to the window.
"We just want you to be more stable that's all." Melo pressed on the gas as the light turned green.
The two sat in silence for a minute until Melo pulled into the parking lot of the diner. Erica got out of the car and went inside to order some takeout. LaMelo leaned on his car and searched the area. Josh was placing his bag of food on the top of his car as he went to open the door.
Melo perked up, "Aye, Gup! Is that you?"
Joshua tensed hearing his nickname. He turned around slowly and relaxed as he saw LaMelo. He jogged over to Josh's car and daped him up, "I swear I ain't seen you in a minute."
"Yeah, it's been a while. Whatchu doing out here so late?" Josh asked.
"I came to visit my cousin for a couple of days." Melo pointed to the doors of the diner.
Joshua nodded his head, "Oh I see. Well, I should get going."
"Yeah, I'll hit you up soon."
Erica came out of the diner looking for Melo. She scanned the parking lot and saw him talking to the dark-skinned boy. Briskly walking over with the bag of food she peaked over Melo's tall shoulder.
"Hi!" Erica said enthusiastically.
Josh sent a masculine head nod. LaMelo cleared his throat as Erica looked him up and down, "This is my friend, Josh. Josh, this my cousin Erica."
With a fake smile on her face, she replied, "Any friend of Melo's is a friend of mine."
Erica turned to LaMelo, "Can we go now? I'm starving."
Melo gave Erica a deadpan look, "I'll hit you later. Stay safe Josh."
"Yeah, you too."
Erica and LaMelo walked back to his car, "What the fuck is his problem?"
Melo laughed, "Josh is cool. Chill on him. He's just antisocial."
"Cute and antisocial. That doesn't make sense. Isn't he on the Houston Rockets?" Erica opened up her phone to search for him.
"Yeah but not everybody wants to be in the spotlight. You need to stop being mean." Melo put on his turn signal as they continued to drive.
Cutting her eyes at him she scoffed, "That doesn't mean I let shit slide. You saw how mean he was to me."
"One wrong doesn't make a right, E."
Pulling into Melo's hotel room they entered the building. The food left a trail of seasoning and grease in the hallway, "Fancy ass hotel."
Melo snickered as Erica set the food down on the counter. He watched her take off her shoes but left on her jacket, "It's hot as hell outside E, why you got a hoodie on?"
Shrugging her shoulders she took out her food tray and began eating, "I'm just cold Melo."
"Let me find out that boyfriend of yours is a woman beater. Don't play with me, Erica."
"I'm good LaMelo. I promise."
Placing his hands up in defense he let the issue go. Erica turned towards her food ignoring the ache in her arms. She unconsciously placed a hand over her covered bruises. LaMelo could never know what was going on, not right now.
authors note:
yeahhhh I'm back
vote and comment
school is almost over so I'll probably be updating more
