Sex, Love, and Basketball *Books 1 and 2* (Slowly Editing)

16. Match Makers

Excuse any mistakes or grammatical errors.

Jayla

"Man Coach was trippin' today with some of those drills." Dani said sitting down in her little cubby. She took her shoe and sock off and I screwed my face up when I saw how swollen and bruised her ankle was.

"Dani, what the fuck?" I said slightly irritated with her. She's being so careless.

"I forgot my brace." She defended herself.

"Then you get your ankle wrapped or something. We play in a little over four weeks. That's not a lot of time when your ankle is looking like that."

"Did I play like I was hurt today?" Dani asked.

"No, but-"

"Exactly, so hop off. I'm good. I'm going to treatment after I shower as usual." Dani said grabbing what she needed and then heading towards the showers.

She gets on my nerves. She acts like she's indestructible. If she gets hurt before our season starts I'm beating her ass.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Parker asked walking up to me and I let my focus go from Dani to her. Well I tried to. I was sort of mad at Dani because I don't want her to fuck her ankle up worse. Maybe I should go to coach. Dani will be pissed, but at least she'll be safe.

"Jayla." Parker said pulling me out of my head and I really focused on her this time.

"Jaheim goes here." I said and Parker just looked confused.

"Who is Jaheim?" She asked and I low key wanted to kick her in the shin. Why do I remember him and she doesn't?

"The dude that told you you were beautiful, but didn't ask for your number. Buddy from Walmart." I said trying to refresh her memory.

"Oh, okay? Why are you telling me?" She furrowed her eyebrows.

"I thought you'd be happy. He's really nice and he looks good. That's a rare combination with our generation. You know this." I said half joking.

"How do you know he's nice? We had like a twenty second conversation. You know how many dudes play nice?" She asked.

"Yeah when they want to gain something, but all he asked for was your name. Besides, I have a friend that knows him and she says he's really nice."

"I still don't get why you're telling me this." Parker succeeded in irritating me.

"Why are you acting like that? Can't you see I'm trying to help you get with your soulmate?" I said still joking despite my irritation.

"That's really sweet of you, but I don't want anything romantic right now." Parker claimed.

"Why not? Don't you want someone other than me to spend time with? Even if it isn't romantic, he's a really nice guy. Maybe you can just be friends and let it go wherever it goes." I tried and Parker looked sort of sad.

"Wait, are you getting tired of me? I don't mean to be clingy. You don't have to spend so much time with me. I just thought-"

"I'm not getting tired of you. You're the homie. I was just trying to play match maker." I explained.

"Oh, well thanks, but no thanks."

"But why not? I'm not saying you have to like every guy that's nice to you and looks good, but where's the harm in the going on a date with him or something?" I asked and Parker just sighed.

"There is no harm, but I'm not interested." Parker spoke plainly. "I'm gonna go. I have a paper due tonight and some math homework I procrastinated on."