Stay in Your Lane | Lonzo Ball

Chapter 44

Izzy

"Izzy!"

I could recognize my little sister's voice anywhere. By the time I had spotted my parents talking to Chat, she was making a beeline for me.

"Hey Gracie!" I smiled as I squatted down to greet her with a hug.

She squeezed me as tight as her little arms would allow her too.

When we finally let go of each other. She smiled, showing me he the two teeth she had lost.

"Wow, that's so cool, Gracie. How much did the tooth fairy bring you?"

"Twenty dollars," she said, proudly, "did you see my shirt? I made it for you!"

She spun around and showed me the front, which read UCLA, and twirled around to show me the back that said #4's little sister.

"That's awesome. I love it."

"You did really, really good Izzy. I cheered the whole time! I didn't like when this big ugly girls were pushing you but dad said it's part of the game."

"He's right. Don't you worry. You're big sis can handle those big meanies," I winked.

I stood up to keep my legs from getting tight. As I waved at mom and dad, I felt Gracie tapping my hip.

When I looked at her, I noticed that her eyes were fixed on whatever was behind me.

She motioned for me to lean down so she could whisper in my ear.

"There's a stranger behind you."

"That's not a stranger, Gracie," I giggled, remembering who was behind me, "it's my friend Lonzo."

I stepped aside so that she could see him. He smiled down at her and offered his hand.

"Hey, I'm Lonzo but you can call me Zo."

She shook his hand, showing off her smile with missing tooth in the front, "Hi, my name is Grace-Marie but all of my friends at school call me Gracie."

"It's nice to meet you Gracie. I've heard so many good things about you."

"Like what?" she put her hands on her hips.

Zo laughed a little as he stroked his chin. Gracie was only seven, but very mature. Her personality was charismatic like my dad's. Far from shy, with a little sass she inherited from my mom.

"Well, I was told that you play basketball, softball and ballet and you're very good at it."

She smiled and nodded. Surprisingly, she hugged my leg to hide her face as her cheeks turned red.

"Don't act shy in front of Zo," I said, patting her bag, "come on. Let's go see what mom and dad are up to."

I motioned for Zo to follow us. I'm not sure how he really feels about meeting my parents. Hopefully he's not nervous. He shouldn't be.

My parents wrapped up there conversations with Chat once they saw us coming. I smiled as they both showered me with hugs and kisses, complimenting the win and how I played. My best friend gave me a hug and grinned seeing Lonzo standing beside me.

"Mom, dad. This is my friend Lonzo," I introduced him, "Lonzo this is my dad, John and my mother Antonella."

"Ahhh I know Lonzo! Used to watch you play at Chino Hills," my dad reached out to shake his hand, "Lavar's son."

"Yes sir," he nodded, then shook my mom's, "how are you Mrs. Harper?"

"I'm doing well. I didn't know you and our Bella were friends," she smiled at him, "nice to meet you."

"The pleasures all mine."

"Well, you played a good game pumpkin," my dad smiled, "very proud of you. I like that little step back jumper that you did. Impressive. Improving your game is very important at this stage."

"Thanks dad, but I think I have Zo to thank for that move. He watched me play and thought it would be a nice move that I could add-"

"But she totally perfected it. She catches on quick," Zo added as we both quickly smiled at each other," Zo chimed in.

Mom smiled "That was nice of you, Lonzo. She's always loved to learn."

"She's a good teacher too. She kinda taught me how to add to my floater and perfect it," he added.

Dad nodded, "It's nice to hear that you two are helping each other out. You both are kinda in the same boat with going to the league after this season."

"Mom, I'm hungry," Gracie whined as she tugged at our mothers shirt.

"Speaking of that," Mom began, "I cooked a big Sunday dinner at home. Lonzo, Chasity you are more than welcome to come and join."

Zo and I glanced at each other at the same time.

As I smiled at him he nodded, "Sure, I'll drive. I can stop by a holla at my family while I'm out there. Y'all can ride with me."

"I would love to come Mrs. Harper but I have soooo much homework, so I'll have to pass," Chat said, sneaking at wink to me.

She's always up to something.

"That's fine. Your studies come first. I'll be sure to send you back a plate."

"Let's get moving then," dad said.

Since I needed to go to my room to take a quick shower, I let Gracie and my parents go ahead informing them that I'd would be riding with Zo.

Zo and I walked to his truck. Staying consistent with his gentleman ways, he opened the door for me. As I climbed in, I noticed a bouquet of pale pink roses lying on the passengers seat.

I picked the up and sat down, noticing the small card that came was with it.

Just because it's Sunday
-Zo ❤️

He opened the drivers side door, tossed my bag in the back and started up the engine.

"Thank you," I said, "this is really sweet."

"You're welcome," he grinned and scrunched his nose, "oooh we need to hurry up and get back to your room. You smell like hard work."

I smacked him on the arm with the flowers, "Shut up and drive."