Morant: Back to the basics

13

5 days later
08/27/05
Saturday

The week had come and gone once again. It was 8 am on a Saturday and my pops and I were gearing up to go have a meeting with the coach of Clemson University basketball team and tour the campus. But I could only think about Lauren's dad inviting Kelly and me over for Clemson's opening season game.

You ok, son?," Pops asked

Yes sir," I assure him. "You sure? You kind of spaced out" he asked

"I'm kind of nervous about bonding with Lauren's dad. I mean I haven't even asked her to be my girlfriend, yet, and her dad is inviting me over"

"Notice you said, yet. So you plan on being with this girl? I think it's a compliment for her dad to invite you over. I wouldn't think anything of it" Dad explained

"Yeah, you right pops" I nodded

"So you like this girl huh?"

"Yes sir."

"Is she pretty?"

"Pretty doesn't do her enough justice pop. She's beautiful, I haven't seen beauty like this since I saw Megan Good in Roll Bounce" I said dreaming of Lauren

"Seems like my boy is turning into a man," He said as he dapped up his son. The conversation was cut short when the Clemson Tigers basketball team coach walked in.

"Nice to meet you Coach K" Ja shook his hand firmly

"Likewise. Well let's talk basketball first and then we'll tour the school and see if we offer anything you like" Coach said and we walked to his office
...
2 hours later

My dad and I had finished the tour with Coach K and were heading back home. The school was nice but I wasn't feeling their basketball program.

"What did you think?" Dad asked. "The school is nice pop but I'm just not feeling their basketball program and the players seem pretty dumb"

"I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt that way" Dad laughed. The pair made their way back home but first stopped at the store to pick up a case of Sprite and a six-pack of her dad's favorite beer. I wasn't sure if this was his favorite beer but my dad said it's every man over 45 favorite beer so I trust him. When Ja got home he had 1 hour and 45 minutes to kill so he took a nap. Once he woke up he showered.

"You look, great son. You remember what I told you?" Dad asked

"Look him in his eyes and shake his hand firmly but not too firmly because he'll think I'm trying to assert dominance"

Dad smiled and patted me on the shoulder. I checked myself in the mirror making sure my Clemson jersey wasn't wrinkled and my forces were icy white. I grabbed the sodas and walked next door.

...
Lauren

I am so nervous! I don't know why, I mean Temetrius and I are just friends. I looked in the mirror once more. I had my hair down with a Clemson jersey that was long enough to be a dress so I threw on my cheer compression shorts under it and a pair of Air Force Ones. To top it off I put in some hoop earrings and the tennis bracelet my dad got me when I turned 14. I then sprayed on some Viva La Juicy perfume.

"Hey Laur?" I heard my aunt knocking "Come in, Auntie," She said to her

Her Aunt walked in and she smiled. "You look beautiful Laur"

"Thanks, Auntie. Is he here yet?"

"He is"

My face blushed and I got super excited about him being here. I was about to speak when I heard Stephanie's loud ass laugh. "Ah, Kelly must be here" We laughed. Lauren and her Aunt walked downstairs and seen Temetrius, Kelly, and Daddy standing by the door.

"Hey, Lauren, you look beautiful" He sat the bags down and hugged her

"Thank you. You look great to" Lauren smiled

"I know you love your Sprite and I figured this was your favorite beer so I picked up two cases," Temetrius said and handed us the separate bags.

"You got a fake ID son?" Lauren's dad asked him

"Daddy!" "It is ok Lauren" Temetrius laughed; "No, sir, I do not. This is my dad's favorite beer and I figured you would like it so I asked him to get it for you since, ya know, only 18"

"Thank you," Daddy said trying to hide his smile. "Thanks, Tee, but we told you guys you didn't have to bring anything," Stephanie said

"Never walk into another man's house for a party or anything empty-handed," They said together. Auntie Cat and Daddy looked at each other smiling. Well if everyone is ready the game is starting and the food is almost done. Follow us" Auntie Cat said and the women led them into the sports bar my dad had been working on in the basement for the past year.

I sat next to Temetrius and Stephanie and Kelly sat on the floor together. The pre-game started and more often than usual I would catch Daddy checking his phone. I'll ask him about it later.

"Hey Laur, Kelly bought some popcorn with the movie theater oil," Stephanie said in an excited tone

"I'll take some" Lauren smiled. I leaned over and whispered to Temetrius "I'm glad you came and thank you for bringing my dad's favorite beer"

"Anything to keep that smile on your face mama. I think the night is going to be great." Temetrius said back to me.

I couldn't do anything but smile.

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