You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Thirty Seven: Summer

The next month, basketball became all-consuming. We had two-a-day practices—conditioning and weight training in the mornings, followed by hours on the court every afternoon. Phillip drove me to and from the gym since our schedules lined up perfectly. By evening we were exhausted, usually settling for a swim or a movie before calling it a night.

We spent nearly every day together, yet our relationship moved at an easy, unhurried pace. A kiss goodbye, a hand held during a movie, his arm around my shoulders—nothing more. Part of me wondered if he was simply being patient, and part of me was relieved because I had no idea how to take the next step myself. So we coasted, comfortable but predictable.

Randy still texted a few times each week. Nothing that crossed the line.

What's up?

How's basketball?

Once he asked if he could come over with Gary and Jake. I told him Phillip was staying with us and that it probably wasn't a good idea. He accepted my answer without arguing.

I even told him over text that Phillip was officially my boyfriend.

Randy barely acknowledged it.

Deep down, I didn't think he believed it would last.

Tonight, Sam and Mark invited Phillip and me to a small house party. Phillip wanted to stay home, but after weeks of nothing except basketball, I wore him down with enough pouting to change his mind. I was restless, craving a night that didn't revolve around drills, conditioning, or game film.

Mark picked us up around eight, and we headed to one of the varsity players' houses. I wasn't even sure whose place it was. Most of the team was there, though Jim was missing—he was out on a date.

The party was small, maybe twenty people altogether. A few drinks sat on the kitchen counter, but everyone knew the season came first, so no one was getting carried away. Patrick's parents were out of town for the weekend, leaving us with the house to ourselves. Music drifted through the basement while everyone gathered in small groups.

Phillip settled onto the carpet and tugged me down between his legs, wrapping his arms loosely around my waist. The conversation quickly turned to basketball.

As team captain, Phillip was impossible to miss. He confidently predicted another championship, insisting the team was better than ever.

"With Jim and me?" he said with an easy grin. "We're bringing home another one."

No one seemed inclined to argue.

Someone handed me a Fat Tire, and before I took a sip, I glanced at Phillip.

"Just one, Tia," he reminded me with a teasing smile. "We all remember what happened last time."

My smile faltered.

I hated thinking about that night.

His expression softened immediately.

"Sorry, baby. I shouldn't have said that."

I nodded, letting it go. The sting faded as the evening wore on, and soon I found myself laughing again.

Phillip eventually pulled me toward the pool table.

I was every bit as terrible as I'd always been.

Without Gary around to distract him or secretly coach me, I didn't stand a chance against the Superstar. Instead of crushing me outright, Phillip spent nearly an hour showing me how to line up shots, adjust my stance, and follow through. He was patient enough that I almost felt like I was improving.