Hoops & Harmonies

First Impressions

Romelo's return for summer break was met with excitement—and a little curiosity.

Angel had just finished wiping down the kitchen counter when she heard the front door swing open. Monica was already in the living room, hair up in a bun and a bowl of fruit in her lap. They both looked up as Romelo stepped in, taller than ever, hoodie unzipped, carrying his duffel and—following right behind him—a girl.

"Ma... Mom... I want y'all to meet somebody," he said, a little too quickly, clearly bracing himself. "This is Skai."

Angel raised an eyebrow, already intrigued. Monica set her bowl down slowly and stood up with that calm, practiced smile she'd used on producers, label execs—and now apparently her son's first serious girlfriend.

Skai smiled politely. "Hi, it's really nice to meet you both."

Angel stepped forward and extended her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Skai. I'm Angel... Melo's mom, and also his favorite person. Don't let him lie and say otherwise."

Monica chuckled and offered her hand next. "I'm Monica. And I already love your name—it's cute."

"Thank you," Skai said, her voice steady, but her hands nervously clasped in front of her.

Romelo looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor.

Once everyone was settled in the living room, Monica folded her legs under her and gave Skai that sweet-but-serious look. "So, Skai... where you from?"

"L.A. Born and raised," Skai answered.

Angel leaned back on the couch, arms crossed. "And how long y'all been dating?"

Romelo jumped in. "Since spring semester. It's new, but—"

"We asked her, Melo," Angel interrupted, not unkindly. "Let her talk."

Skai smiled, nervous but holding her own. "Yeah... just since spring semester. He asked me out after a game, and we've been together since."

Monica tilted her head. "That's cute. So what do you like about our son?"

Skai looked at Romelo for a beat and then answered, "He's driven. Smart. Kind. He looks out for people. And he always makes me laugh."

Angel nodded, expression unreadable. "And what are your plans? Outside of Melo?"

Skai straightened up. "I'm pre-med. I want to be a pediatrician. I'm really focused on school first—this just kind of happened."

Monica smirked, approving. "That's a solid answer. No offense, but we've worked really hard to raise our son to be thoughtful and focused. So we just want to make sure whoever's around him is serious about something, too."

Skai nodded. "I completely understand. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

Romelo finally exhaled. "Can we eat now?"

Monica laughed. "You better hope we got food left after that interrogation."

Angel grinned and gave Skai a wink. "You passed—for now."

Skai exhaled and relaxed against the couch, visibly relieved.

Monica got up, heading toward the kitchen. "Come on, Skai. You're officially part of the welcome-back dinner now. Let's feed you before Angel starts grilling again."

Angel called after them, "No promises!"

The dining table was full—fried chicken,greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and a giant bowl of salad Monica had insisted someone eat even though no one ever did. Skai sat next to Romelo, still a little stiff but beginning to loosen up as conversation flowed and laughter echoed through the house.