King (Ben Simmons)

8-Pre Draft Party

*One Month Later*

Ben took a deep breath as he looked at his suit options. He couldn't believe that in another day he'd be in the NBA. Tonight all of his family and friends were having a big dinner, and after Jada had booked a hotel room so the younger crew could relax and celebrate privately with Ben.

"Are you ready?"

He turned around to see Sean standing in his doorway.

"Almost. Give me another five minutes."

Sean nodded his head and left his brother alone. When he finally emerged from his room, everyone stood up and began to cheer fro him.

"Awe stop it."
"We're just so proud of you," Julie said dabbing at her eyes.
"Thank you mum."
"I hate to break up this little moment, but I'm hungry," Carter joked.

Jada rolled her eyes at her younger brother and walked over to Ben. He looked down at her and smiled before kissing her forehead.

"Let's go eat."

******

"Alright, alright. Let's get the man of the night to talk to us now," David, Ben's father said.

Ben smiles and stood up glancing at everyone around the room before he decided to make his speech.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out to help me celebrate this amazing moment in my life. My family and I have talked this morning and you all know what you mean to me." He took a moment to get her himself before he spoke his next words. "If it's one person who doesn't get enough credit on my journey, it would be my J-Lo. On the days where I felt like giving up, she was right there to push me, telling me that I could do it. It's because of her that I'm able to sit here and say that I'm on the cusp of reaching the only goal that I had set for myself. So for that J-Lo thank you."

She stood up and hugged him before kissing his cheek.

"Thank you for taking me on this journey with you."

For a moment it felt like it was just the two of them as they stared into each other's eyes. Someone clearing their throat seemed to shake them both out of the daydream.

"So now we're understanding why Jada for that hotel room," Olivia joked.

Ben was waiting for Jada to deny what his sister had said, but when he looked at her she was best red.

****

"Ben and Jada are a team, Carter who you got?"

Carter looked around the room and picked Emily.

"Why her," Jada asked.
"Because she's my only hope of beating you two cheaters."
"We don't cheat," Ben jumped in to defend himself and Jada. "The game is called Who Do You Know, not our fault we trust each other with our secrets."

Carter made a face at the pair, causing everyone in the room to laugh.

"Let's just play the game."

Who Do You Know had become a ritual for the group whenever the got together. This was a great way for the group to sit back and relax, so Jada thought it was the perfect time to play the game.

"Alright first question. What is your partners' favorite movie?"

"Come better than that," Ben laughed. "It's Coming to America."

Jada laughed as Carter gave them ten points. "Such cheaters man."
"Whatever. Emily. What's Carters' favorite past time?"
"Getting girls."
"Aye. I mean look at me. Handsome as fuck."
"Boy, shut up," Jada snaps throwing a pillow at him.

******

A few hours later, the game was in full swing, but the game had started to take a turn when one simple question was asked. What is your partners' biggest fear? Ben has looked at Jada before answering and she gave him the OK.

"Rejection," he'd said.

Of course that had been the answer that they'd given for the game, which kept Jada and Ben in the lead. Jada has checked out of the game after that, but everyone decided to ignore it hoping that she'd snap out of it. She didn't and stood up, walking out to the balcony.

"Time our you guys let me check on her," Ben said.

Carter stood up as well but Ben shook his head.

"I got it."

When he stepped outside, Jada has tears in her eyes.

"Why'd you lie?"
"I couldn't hurt you like that."
"Thank you."
"You got it."

Jada let go of the railing and looked at him.

"It's your big night tomorrow."
"Stop, we need to talk about this."
"I don't need or want to talk about it."

Ben grabbed her arm and forced her to look at him. They stared at each other and before he could stop her, she kissed him. Realizing what she'd just done, she pulled away from him.

"I'm so so-"

He cut her off with another kiss. She grabbed his face and pulled him closer. They pulled away breathing heavily.

"I'm glad you feel the same way," he smiled at her.

Hey guys !! I'm back (finally) ! I had a lot going on and had to get myself together, but hopefully I will not be taking anymore unplanned departures. What are you guys thinking? Comment and vote 🥰😘