𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘: Bronny James

28

Taylor's POV:

I sat in the box suite, tapping my foot impatiently, waiting for Bronny to finish in the locker room. The game had just ended, and most of the crowd was already heading out, but I wasn't leaving yet. I needed to talk to him—again. Something wasn't right, and I intended to find out.

From where I was sitting, I had a perfect view of the court. I scanned the arena, looking for any sign of him. My heart skipped a beat when I finally spotted him down there, still on the court, talking to two girls sitting court side. One of them I recognized immediately—Angeline Russell, D'Angelo's sister. She was always around, so that wasn't a surprise.

But the other girl...

I squinted, trying to get a better look. She was different. I couldn't quite place her, but there was something about the way Bronny was standing with her. His body language, the way he leaned to talk to her, how close they were—it was too familiar. And then, I saw it. For a brief second, Bronny moved close to her ear and placed his hand on her waist.

My stomach dropped. I felt like throwing up.

"Is that her?" I thought. "Is that the girl he's been hiding from me?"

I leaned forward, watching them carefully. Bronny was laughing with them like nothing was wrong, like he wasn't keeping secrets. My jaw clenched, and I could feel anger building up inside of me. This was it. I knew it. That girl had been the reason he'd been distant, the reason he wouldn't give me a straight answer.

I glanced at the time, knowing he'd have to leave the court soon and head to the locker room. That's when I'd confront him. But now, seeing this, it just made me more determined. I wasn't going to let him brush me off again.

I stood up from my seat, my heart pounding as I made my way towards the exit of the box suite. I didn't want to cause a scene—yet. But Bronny wasn't leaving this arena without talking to me. He couldn't keep hiding forever, and tonight, I was going to get the truth.

•••

I waited outside the locker room, pacing back and forth. It had been at least 30 minutes since the game ended, and Bronny still hadn't come out. My patience was growing thin. He couldn't avoid me forever. I needed answers, and this was my chance to confront him.

Just as I was thinking about heading inside to see what was taking so long, I saw one of his teammates, Austin Reaves, leaving the locker room. I quickly stepped in front of him.

"Austin, hey!" I said, trying to stay calm. "Is Bronny still in there by any chance?"

Austin stopped, looking a little confused but answered, "Oh, Bronny? I saw him leave not too long ago. Probably just missed him."

My heart sank. He already left?? I nodded, thanking Austin before running the other direction.

I can't believe this. He must've slipped out while I was waiting like an idiot.

Without wasting another second, I hurried towards the exit, running past people through the hallway. I had to catch him before he left. Pushing open the door, I ran outside into the cool night air.

•••

Sophia's POV:

The air outside was filled with chatter, the post-game atmosphere was still alive with fans slowly making their way home. I stood with Bronny and Angeline just outside the arena, smiling as we talked about plans for the evening.