First Kisses Are Never Forgotten

Chapter 20

ADDISON

I watch him warm up. He goes to every team member giving them pointers and good luck.

He greets the referees as always and makes them laugh with a small joke, which he of course just smiles a fraction for. I wish I saw him smile more, but blesses me with his scowl most of the time. He's killing me.

He waves to fans and focuses on the ball. He sets every ball perfectly, he's fast and smart. A perfect setter.

He's a great player, deserving of being one of the best players ever. He knows which hitter he should set the ball to, where and when. He's a great captain too. He's...a great person. I just wish he could see that.

I know there is something he isn't talking about yet. I could feel it every time we had a session or even just hung out at home.

I have started to learn him. Every move he takes, every look and every word. I know what each of them really mean under the surface.

I know he's hiding something, something he doesn't want to face yet. I think he is scared to face it because it scares him. I think whatever it is he sees it as something bad, or weak. Something that would let people leave him, abandoned him.

I don't understand who could ever abandon him. I wanted to tell him that. I wanted to loosen his grip when he held my hand as if it was the only thing keeping him alive.

He held it with such intensity, which makes it feel like he is holding something forbidden, something he shouldn't hold. That it's not quite his, and it will leave him when he says whatever he is keeping inside.

Adrenaline and fear were all over the storage room, but now he just radiates confidence and calmness.

He could always be like this. I saw it last week. I saw him. He could get there. He just needs time. And he needs to let himself have that time.

I feel something poking at my hips suddenly.

I shake my head, removing myself from my thoughts, and look down.

I find the most adorable girl, with dirty blonde hair, green eyes, and a huge smile on her face. She is wearing a "Hawks is my daddy" Jersey and carrying many Jerseys on her hands.

"Let me guess...You're Joey?"

I have been meeting with Joshua and hearing stories about his little sweetheart.

I have actually met with all the team by now and I like working with them. I have a feeling that every one of them is hiding something they want to open up about, but I'm not pushing much. Apparently, this whole team is just like their captain. Secretive and has something against therapy.

"Yes!!!! How did you know? Was it the t-shirt? Does everybody know he's my daddy now? Is it ob-ious?"

I laugh and bend my knees to be at her level. "Yes, it is."

"I really wanted to meet you ever since I saw you from the window, Addie."

"Window?"

"Yes, we live in the building next to you and uncle Aron. I saw you in a white dress eating many cookies all at once. Daddy said I shouldn't do it like you."

Oh, God! She's so precious, really. Look at her calling him Aron so proudly. Also, she really shouldn't eat that many cookies at once too, the sugar rush she'll have will make Joshua go crazy.

Oh no, I'm really glad that the balcony thing was at midnight. We could've traumatized this little angel.

"Well, I have been wanting to meet you too. Your dad has told me a bunch of wonderful stories about you. Diaz too."

She giggles at me and puts her face in the pile of jersey on her arms.

"Aron doesn't like it when you say that. His face gets so red and he talks about it for hours with his angry voice."

He does?

"Oh." I didn't know he really hates that. He really complains about it? To Joey?

"Don't worry. I think he secret-ly likes it."

I am loving this kid. I can see now how she rules the whole team, Joshua was right.

"I should be selling daddy's shirts first, but I'll make an ex-pection for you, since Uncle D likes you. Take Aron's Jersey, but it will cost you more."

Wow, for a five year old, this kid has great retail skills. Plus, did she just say Diaz likes me?

"I wouldn't mind taking your dad's jersey."

"No. You should have Aron's" She gives me a warning look that should be scary. But it only makes my heart melt into a puddle.

She sets the pile of the floor and starts navigating through it to get Aron's.

She gets one and hands it to me. She smiles big and says, "100 dollars please."
She opens her palm to me and waits.

"A 100 bucks?"

"Yes, please."

"Why?" I am shocked to my core. Is the 5 year old trying to scam me right now? She is very impressive, I can't believe this.

"My daddy said I should get more money for special requests. You want Aron's shirt, not daddy's. So, this is a special request."

"Good advice. Your dad is smart. You too."

"I know. I am the best at school." She tries to wink but instead scrunches her whole face up.

I heard that before, Diaz mentioned it. He was so proud when he talked about how JJ won every science project she did.

I chuckle and pull out my wallet. I can't believe I am paying this beautiful little girl 100 bucks for a 20-dollars jersey. I take out the money and hand it to her awaiting palm.

"Thank you! I really like you."

Yeah, she really should after that 100 bucks.

"I think we will be best friends." Her smile is glorious, but it dims when she asks, " Do you like me too?" she shyly batts her eyes at me, I hear the fear in her voice, Oh. My heart is melting. It's mush.

"I really do. And I would love to be your best friend, Joey." Sorry, Scar. She's way cuter.

"Call me JJ...or Jo please, we are friends now."

I laugh and agree with her.

"I'll go sell these. Wear it." Her pointy finger is adorable. I wonder who taught her to be that bossy?

I have a specific dark hair, 6 foot something setter in mind.

I sigh happily, "I will."

"No. Wear it now please, so we would look alike." She gives me pleading eyes with a small smile.

God, how could I ever say no to that face? I remove my jacket and wear the jersey over my buttoned shirt.

"Yay!!! You look so pretty. Bye!"

"Thank you!" I laugh and shake my head at this unbelievable interaction. I already love this kid. "Bye!"