First Kisses Are Never Forgotten

Chapter 11

AARON

Joshua taps my ass. "Stop touching my ass cheek, Josh!"

"We are volleyball players, it's like our tradition."

No, it really is not. I don't like the whole tapping the butt thing, and Joshua knows it. Sometimes, he squeezes it too just to rile me up. Asshole.

They serve and Gavin receives. I turn quickly and run to the ball, I set it to Jake, our outside hitter.

He hits the ball hard in a great corner, but that damn libero makes a dig and passes the ball. They set it and I prepare to go block it with Derek.

While we jump as high as we can, I hear the fan's screams and shouts for the team, chants of my name. I've missed this feeling, the game.

We block it, but they complete their play again. They shoot at Gavin, but he makes one hell of a dig and gives me the perfect pass. I jumped high and set the ball to Joshua. This is the right set, I can feel it.

Joshua strikes the ball through their block and gets us our game point. Yes! Our first win! The rest of the team runs toward us and we gather in the middle of the court. I love this, I love the win. I am finally able to enjoy the win with my team, as captain.

I look through the crowd and search the benches. Immediately my eyes found hers. Blue waves. She's clapping and smiling at me. This moment feels even better now. I can't believe I am here. My first win, surrounded by my team and smiling at the answer to all my prayers.

                                                                                    ********

I showered, changed and took a seat now next to Joshua at the post-game press.

"Stop kidnapping my daughter." Joshua angrily whispers to me.

"It is not my fault. She called me and told me she needed me, and she missed my abuela, so I couldn't say no to her."

"Aaron, her phone is for emergencies only, not for skipping school and going for ice cream. Stop. Kidnapping. My daughter."

"But it was an emergency!" I whisper shout it, "The little genius needed a break. Kids her age are just not on her level, she already knows everything they are taking. Plus, it was just one day."

"No, it wasn't. The teacher called me 3 times, Aaron! 3! She has to keep her attendance up, it doesn't matter if she's better than the other kids, she still needs to attend school."

"You should-"

"We will start the questions now" Coach interrupts my protest about kidnapping my niece.

"Diaz! How does your first win as team captain feel, and getting man of the match?"

"I feel great. It was a great game, the team played really well as expected and our hard work got rewarded. Everything I've hoped for happened tonight and hopefully more wins in the future. It was great."

"He means it is about time he's our captain and he's on cloud nine from that win, am I right people!" Joshua intervenes as usual. Everyone starts clapping, laughing and chanting.

I love our dynamic in these interviews, I give the clipped answers with a curt grin and sweet Joshy over here brings his jokes and charming laughs.

Everyone knows this and likes it, so I go with it.

The interview goes on. Most questions are boring, so I tune them out, and think about my dinner tonight with Addison. I think I'll make her two desserts again, she really liked that last time.

"Are you thinking about her?" Joshua stabs his elbow in my side and whispers to me again.

"What?"

"Are you thinking about Addie?"

"Stop saying her name like that. And no, I am not."

"You were! Oh you are so screwed."

"Shut up." I tightly whisper between my clenched teeth.

"You know, these aren't dates right. Real dates?" I don't answer him and focus on the reporter asking Gavin about his great digs tonight.

"Don't ignore me. You know I am right. I live in the building next to you, I see everything in your penthouse. Stop cooking for this woman!"

"Maldito pervertido, deja de mirar dentro de mi casa y callate, pendejo."

"You know I lived with your abuela half of my life, I know all the curses! Don't kiss my daughter with that mouth, you delusional dick."

I want to punch him in the face. How could you love someone that much and still want to mess their face up?

I was about to answer him when a reporter called out my name.

"Aaron. How is your therapy going?"

"Excuse me?" How the hell did he know that?

"A source confirmed that you have been struggling with your mental health and you needed professional help. It also said that we started therapy. How is it going?"

"I have no comment." I really don't. I don't want the world to know this. How did they know this?

"Do you think you will be able to continue this season without losing it? There is a lot of pressure this season on the team, especially you. Do you think you will handle it better than last year?"

Who is this guy? How does he know these things about me? He isn't wearing a suit and has a very bad haircut that is doing nothing to his already disgusting face. I bet he is from those trashy magazines that keep writing about my future downfall, and me going crazy. God, they are disgusting.

"I have no comment other than I am in great shape, mentally and physically to lead this team. Anything I do in my personal life isn't related to volleyball. My team and I are all working hard to win this season. Thank you."

I stand up as fast as I can and leave that room, the rest of the guys behind me. I find coach Dean standing in the waiting room in front of the TV.

"Why did you let those people from the trashy magazines in?"

"I didn't pick them, Diaz. They're reporters, and they are everywhere. I don't know how they got in." He says it without even looking at me.

God, I really don't like this man.

"Can you not let them in next time? Put a body guard or two at the door."

"Fine, sure thing." He turns his head and gives me a cold smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

I don't even have the energy to analyze why he is acting so shady right now. I don't want to be here. I want to go home. To Addison.

I take my bag, and leave, so I can start preparing dinner.