𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘: Bronny James

19

September 21st
6:00 PM

Sophia's POV:

After damn near three weeks of heavy workloads and studying, Angeline and I decided to spend another day together.

Today was Game 4 of the WNBA Finals and the Los Angeles Sparks were leading the series 2-1 over the Connecticut Suns. That meant if the Sparks won tonight, both the Lakers and the Sparks would have won championships this year, which also meant Los Angeles would be on top of the basketball world.

I paced back and forth in our shared dorm room, staring at the pile of clothes on my bed, looking for an outfit to wear. "Why is this so hard?" I muttered to myself.

Angeline, lying on her bed with her phone in her hand, glanced up. "It's not that deep, Soph. We're going to a game, not a gala."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile at her nonchalance. "Easy for you to say. You're a pro at this."

Angeline laughed, sitting up. "Trust me, when your brother's an NBA player, you learn to get ready fast. We've got like 20 minutes before he gets here. You'll look great in whatever you choose."

I nodded, but my nerves hadn't fully settled. Tonight was supposed to be about fun—about supporting women's sports and the LA Sparks in the WNBA Finals as well as hanging out with Angeline. But the knowledge of knowing that D'Angelo would be there, along with the possibility of seeing other famous faces like LeBron James, was making me second-guess every outfit choice.

"Okay, how about this?" Angeline said, hopping off her bed and grabbing a fitted Sparks jersey from her closet. It read #3 Parker on the back.

"This is from when Candace Parker used to play for the Sparks. She was my favorite player. Pair this with those black leggings you love and your white air forces."

I took the jersey and ran my fingers over the soft fabric. "You think it's okay? Not too casual?"

Angeline shook her head. "Not at all. Casual is the vibe!"

I smiled. "You're right. I'll just keep it simple." I quickly changed into the jersey and leggings, slipping on my brand new white air forces and spritzing my hair with water to quickly define my curls.

As I finished, Angeline checked her phone again and said, "I'm watching Dee's location. He's pulling up right now."

I grabbed my purse and followed Angeline out into the hallway. When we got outside, we saw D'Angelo's black Range Rover parked at the curb. D'Angelo leaned casually against the driver's side, wearing a stylish jacket and sunglasses, looking every bit like the star athlete he was.

"Hey, little sis." D'Angelo greeted Angeline with a hug. He turned to me, giving me a friendly fist bump. "What's up, Sophia? You ready for tonight?"

I smiled, trying to keep my cool. "Definitely. Thanks for giving us a ride."

"No problem." D'Angelo said while opening the back door for us.

He closed the door and walked around to the driver's side. As he settled in and started the car, he turned to us. "Do y'all want the good news first or the bad news?"

Angeline and I both glanced at each other for a moment.

"Good news." We both said.

"Anthony Davis is inviting us to watch the game in his box suite so we won't have to sit court side."

I felt a breath of relief. I hate sitting court side. I always feel like the cameras are pointing at me every time.

"What's the bad news?" Angeline asked.

D'Angelo glanced at me. "LeBron is also going to be in the suite with us. With Bronny."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. I haven't spoken to Bronny in over a month and I keep purposely ignoring his calls and texts. Now, I have to face him tonight.

Angeline turned to me. "Is that alright with you, Soph?"

I quickly forced myself to relax. "That sounds... exciting."

D'Angelo continued to look at me. "I know things have been... complicated with Bronny lately. Just wanted to make sure you're alright with this."

I appreciated both their concerns and gave a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, guys. I'm just focusing on the game tonight. That's all."

"Got it." He said. He turned around and started the car. "And if you're up for it, we might hit up a late dinner with some of the guys afterwards."

I considered this offer since I hadn't ate since this morning but I couldn't imagine extending my night any longer than necessary, especially with Bronny being there as well.

"We'll see." I said. "Depends on how we're feeling."

END OF CHAPTER 19.