Just Like Me: Jordan Poole

4

"I'd just like to say how much of a pleasure it's been to have you coach this Warriors team and lead us to several Championships." Joe Clark started, holding his glass of Champagne up as he spoke into the microphone. "We're excited for what you have in store for us during the final playoff run. One last dance with Coach Kerr."

Cheers and applause erupted throughout the entire hall comprised of players, Warriors staff, and family.

Destiny smiled as her father passed the microphone to Coach Kerr so he could say a few words. He'd been the coach since Destiny was younger and he'd done a lot for the organization.

Steven Kerr would be retiring after this year much to everyone's disappointment. The Warriors first playoff series was next week and this would be their last playoff run with Coach Kerr.

"I'm just so thankful. For the organization as a whole and the Clark family." Steven said. "Dub nation, let's give it one more go."

After the speeches, the party and celebration was under way, giving everyone an opportunity to eat and chat amongst themselves.

"Mariah and I are gonna get food." Ryan said, taking her wife's hand. "You coming?"

Destiny declined gently, sipping her glass of water. "I think I'm alright here. Thank you."

As they walked off, she found herself wishing her brother was here. Jalen couldn't be here because he had college obligations, so Destiny would probably be sitting and watching for most of the night.

Everyone was dressed up so nicely and professionally but there wasn't the usual snobby feeling to it. There was laughter and singing so Destiny didn't mind sitting alone. She enjoyed seeing everyone else enjoying themselves.

Feeling the urge to pee made her stand up and begin to walk towards the restroom, she knew this building like the back of her hand so she was moving by sheer muscle memory. It was a little bit of a walk but she didn't mind it.

As she walked through the hallway, Destiny spotted Jordan on the way from the bathroom. He was distracted with adjusting his dress shirt so he nearly passed her right up.

"Hey, Jordan."

Jordan looked up, smiling when he saw who called him. "What's good, Destiny?"

"No glasses tonight." She commented dumbly, not knowing what else to say.

"Nah." He chuckled smoothing his dress coat out. "It ain't go wit' the fit so I figure I'll be blind tonight so I can look good."

Destiny shifted her weight to one side. "All about the looks."

"For sure." Jordan licked over his lips, ready to crack a joke. "You shoot that basketball I gave you?"

She rolled her eyes as she thought about the basketball he'd given her a few days ago. Destiny hadn't gotten the chance to shoot it, but did take a second to glance at it every once in a while.

"I haven't gotten the chance."

A smirked etched its way across her features as he looked around before leading her down the hallway towards the court. "Now you gotta."

"Jordan, I have to pee!" Destiny exclaimed quietly, smiling all the while, gripping his forearm to assist her ability to run in heels. "My parents are gonna be looking for me."

Jordan continued to back pedal, taking the left in the hallway to get to the tunnel where they'd seen one another just weeks ago. "Trust me."

"Wait..." She said breathlessly as they stood in the tunnel. "Just wait."