My Star

Chapter 10

I reviewed the numbers while Chance was running drills with the kids, so I decided to visit A'Rio's office. I burst through the door, scanning everything twice, and A'Rio glanced up, shaking his head. "Come in!" he said.

I grinned, "I'm already in!" and playfully stuck my tongue out at him, eliciting a chuckle. "When you mentioned in the last meeting that you were paying the tutor, I thought it was a mistake. But now I see he's being paid, yet he has me sign this form as if he's volunteering these hours," I pointed out, showing him the documents. A'Rio didn't seem concerned by the situation.

"Don't worry about it, Star," he waved it off.

"No! I'll find someone honest," I insisted.

"He's struggling with medical bills for his parents, and he told me he'd have to stop helping. But after verifying, I discovered he was telling the truth, so I'm supporting him," A'Rio explained.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, planting a kiss on his cheek before leaving his office and closing the door quietly. Despite my initial fears, A'Rio revealed his compassionate side, helping numerous people. However, I knew to tread carefully, as there was another side of him that one wouldn't want to encounter.

I filed everything away before heading to the chess room, my heart racing. As I entered quietly, Liam and Bj were locked in battle, their eyes fixed on the board.

With minutes left before art class, Liam made a bold move, his pawn sliding to e4, starting a new game. The bell rang, Liam's eyes met mine, and he rushed towards me, hugging me tightly.

"Awww, I missed you too!" I managed to gasp.

"When will you come over? Raven's food is terrible," he remarked. I chuckled and replied,

"Hopefully soon, I'm still upset with Tino." Liam's eyes widened in surprise, but he held my hand firmly as we left the room, with Bj on the other side, forming an unbreakable bond.

"You're definitely mad now!" Liam teased.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"You called him Tino; you never call him that," he pointed out.

I smiled at his keen observation. "You're too perceptive for your own good," I teased back, the warmth of our friendship filling my heart as we entered the classroom.

"I'm leaving early today, but I'll see you both tomorrow," I announced, embracing them tightly before they disappeared inside.

My phone rang, and Fin's voice echoed through the receiver, dripping with sarcasm. "Where are you, bitch? You should've been standing at the door!" she teased.

"I'm on my way. Just had to escort these two handsome young men to class," I bantered back.

"Careful, don't let Chance catch you flirting; he might throw a fit! And it'll be bodies on the floor." Fin joked.

"I'll inform him I'm leaving and be right out."

Observing Chance coach the kids, a wave of admiration washed over me. His demeanor was firm yet compassionate, a delicate balance that inspired the children to push their limits while preserving their spirits.

Stepping onto the court, I planted a soft kiss on his cheek, whispering, "Fin's here, baby. I'll see you at home."

He reached into his wallet, pressing the contents into my hand.

"I just got paid, I've got this," I reassured him.

"No, you don't. If you need more, just call me, and I'll send it through Cash App," he insisted, his unwavering support melting my heart.