A Lover's Decision

Chapter 25

The goal the basketball team had been striving for was here. They'd played their best games for the last seven games, and now they needed one more perfect game to clinch the championship.

Once again, Rhyn found himself sitting in the stands waiting for the game to begin. This time he'd ridden with Rhys on the bus. It was usually for team and staff only, but Rhyd hadn't been able to come nor had their parents. Rhys had talked to coach Beyers, and the coach had agreed. Everyone knew he had a soft spot for Rhyn. Rhys could ask for supper and would be denied. Rhyn could ask and be given the key to the city.

Watching the teams practice before the game had been worthwhile. This was their conference game, and it was for everything they'd worked for all season. Each playerwas a ball of nerves. They were waiting for the inevitable. Rhyn remembered those emotions all too well. Before his swim meets, he har always been wound up. No amount of stretching could help. All he could do was dive into the water and swim.

Rhyn felt that nervous energy now as he sat in the hard-backed chair. The wait was the worst. He wanted to see what his brother and his teammates could do. Could they pull it off, or would they choke? Only time would tell, and it was ticking off the scoreboard slowly. Ten minutes left until the conference championship was decided.

He was wrapped up in memories and thoughts that he didn't realize someone had sat next to him. Rhyn bumped someone's elbow with his. Turning to apologize, his eyes widened at the person beside him. Martin Dane schooled his face, but Rhyn knew he was the last person the older man wanted to see. On the other side of him, Braylin Connor draped her jacket over her bare legs.

Across the court, he caught Myles's look. He raised his eyebrows in question. Rhyn shook his head. He could put up with his dad for two hours until this was over. He wouldn't be an insecure mess. He could manage this.

Like usual, the announcer gave the security spiel and told them about the emergency exits . They rise for the national anthem and the announcing of the teams. If the Christmas tournament was loud with cheering fans, this was far beyond that. The stands were packed full, and whenever favorite players were announced, the fans and families erupted. A couple of times Rhyn thought his eardrums would rupture.

The buzzer sounded at the time, and the teams filtered onto the court. Friendly banter was exchanged between the players, and they settled in their starting positions. The referee blew his whistle and tossed the ball into the air.

The other team tipped it to their side which was depressing. But it didn't take long for Myles and Rhys to go on a tear down the court. They barely looked at each other as they ran, but somehow Rhys passed the ball to Myles effortlessly. Myles got the layup and they were setting up again.

Without Rhyd to keep him company, Rhyn started looking elsewhere. He started watching people across the gym. Those sitting behind the benches were engrossed in the game, especially the kids. He wondered if they were related to any of the players. He couldn't tell by their faces since they were too far away, but he let his mind wander to the fact that they were.

An older lady behind the timekeeper's table was going nuts. She was dressed in blue and white, and she was also related to the number 26 on the other team. She was a grandmother, aunt or mother to him, and she wanted him to win. Rhyn watched number 26's expressions soon after. He was slightly annoyed with her outburst, but he was more focused on the game.

Half-time rolled around suddenly. The teams exited the court, and the cheerleaders took their places. Out of the corner of his eye, Rhyn saw Braylin stand and ascend the steps slowly. He wondered how she wore three inch heels to a basketball game and how the hell she walked in them.