"Hurry up, girl." Duane yelled from his bedroom. I rolled my eyes as I grabbed a bag of chips from his cabinet. Opening them, I stuck my fingers in and grabbed a few, putting them into my mouth as I walked back in the bedroom. It was storming real bad, but he kept me occupied.

I'd hoped that it didn't storm as bad tonight because Makayla had her first dance recital tonight. I was going with our mother and I was praying that she would be accepting of Makayla dancing after she watched her. I was sure she was because Makay was really, really good.

Duane looked up, briefly smiling. "I really missed this, Lia."

Taking my place back on the bed, I smiled while nodding my head. "Yeah.. Me too. I've missed this way more than I've admitted to myself."

I watched as he went through his collection of movies that he had stashed. "What movie you wanna watch?" He asked without looking up. I bit my lip trying to see how I was gonna tell him that I wanted to watch Khari play.

I laid my head on his shoulder. "I really wanna watch Georgetown play Duke." I replied softly. I heard him smack his lips causing me to look at him. He had an irritated look on his face which I'm sure I knew why. But, I decided to let him tell me. "What?"

"You ain't never watch the games before that nigga got on the team." He looked at me with a smirk on his face. Duane had never been this jealous before. He was always the confident one. He seemed threatened by Khari for some reason.

"Khari happens to be one of my friends so of course I'm going to support him." I dug back into the chip bag, putting some into my mouth. He looked at me like he couldn't believe that I had somewhat defended Khari.

Running his hand over his face, he sighed heavily. "How we supposed to be working on us when you got some other dude in the picture?"

"What's in the picture, Duane? We're just friends. He's a really nice, genuine guy. Don't take basketball beef so personal." I placed the bag of chips on the dresser beside the bed. "Don't be a sore loser. He just got the best of you."

He scrunched up his face in disgust. "He fucking fouled me!"

I rolled my eyes at this silly little argument we were having. Really, I wasn't sure if this was an argument. He was being ridiculous. Khari clearly had gotten all ball on the block. Duane was really taking it personal and I didn't know why. Duane was still picked to be the number one pick because it had been talk that Khari would stay another year in college.

Duane had no reason to be threatened. I was in love with him. College basketball still revolved around Duane Guerra. Sighing, I grabbed his hand. "Do you think I'm gonna do you the same way you did me?" It was the most honest question I've ever asked in my life. It just came out. I didn't overthink it.

He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I could see guilt in his eyes and even disappointment. "I guess so... I mean it's the first dude I've ever seen you so comfortable with. Besides Randy but he was never a threat."

"He's a friend of a friend. We're friends, that's it. You have nothing to worry about. My heart is here with you even though sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right decision. But, I'm here with you. We can work this out." To be honest, saying Khari was just a friend didn't even sound right to me. But, that's what it was. We were nothing more.

Duane was my love interest right now. Even though he broke me to my core, I've healed and forgiven him. They say true love seems to make its way back to you. I was banking on that right now.

"Well ok." He finally said. "We can watch homeboy's game then. I can't lie, the boy got skills." He shrugged. A smile grew on my face as I hugged him. Out of nowhere, he leaned in and crashed his lips onto mine. Without fighting it, I kissed him back. He pulled away to look at me causing me to bite my bottom lip. He was still a great kisser.

He smirked, chuckling a little before turning to the game on ESPN 2. The game was just about to tip off so I grabbed the bag of chips, placing my head back on his shoulder. Duke was the number one team in the country, but Georgetown made them look bad.

We had a comfortable lead throughout the game with Khari scoring 35 points. For the first time in a while, he looked calmed. It seemed as if he was at peace. I'm sure people game planned against him to get under his skin. Many tried, but they failed. He didn't give them the time of day. I smiled at the improvement.

"The kid is nice." I heard Duane mumble. Taking out his phone, he typed something for a few mins before placing it back on the dresser. Instantly, his phone was buzzin every five seconds. I looked up at him weirdly. "Twitter." He said simply.

Being nosey, I opened the app on my phone and went to his page. He posted a new one giving props to Khari.

@DUANEGUERRA7: Khari Valentine!! #Respect ✊🏽

He'd gotten over a hundred retweets already. I playfully pinched him causing him smirk. "Look at you. Being nice."

He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm a nice guy."

It was true. Although Duane comes off as an arrogant asshole, he is a really nice guy. "I know." I mumbled as I retweeted his tweet before closing the app. I made a mental note to persuade Khari to get a Twitter. He had so many fans and he needed to connect with them in some way. He was trending worldwide right now.

"I do got one question, though." Duane spoke up.

As I flipped through the channels, I looked up at him. "What is it?"

"He seems like he got a bad temper. Well it ain't no seem. He's got a bad rep about being a loose cannon. You sure you're safe around him?" He reached into the chip bag, grabbing one and putting it in his mouth.

I nodded my head without having to think about the question. Khari was a loose cannon, but I've noticed small changes in him. "Yeah I do. He's harmless."

Duane looked at me a long time before nodding his head. "Okay good." He placed his hands on my thigh returning his attention to the tv. "Oh my god.. You don't get tired of watching HGTV?"

I giggled, shaking my head. "Nope. I really can't wait to build my dream home."

He looked at me. "We're not building anything."

I lifted my eyebrow at him. "I didn't say we sweetheart. I said I." I smirked.

He leaned in again, licking his lips while looking me in my eyes. "It's we because I ain't ever letting you go again. Once I go pro, I want you to come with me and we're gonna get married. Have a family. All of that." Looking at him, I could tell he meant every word. However, I wasn't so sure.

"You must be staying all four years then? Because if you go pro after this season then you're just gonna have to wait. I'm not putting my dreams on hold, Duane." I glared at him.

"You can transfer to any school. I'm projected to go to the Lakers. There's USC, UCLA, all that." He reasoned.

Sighing, I shook my head. "I don't know Duane. I'm not sure I'm ready for all of that right now. Let's just focus on right now."

I could tell that he was disappointed in my answer, but he just had to understand. I loved DC and moving across the country with a guy, away from my family, just wasn't ideal right now. Plus, I wanted to get my degree at Georgetown. This was my dream school. I'd miss my family and friends. It was something I wasn't ready to do. I'm just eighteen years old. I wasn't trying to rush anything.

"How's mama?" I asked, shifting the conversation. Duane's mother, Mrs. Guerra, was such a sweetheart. I could really call her my second mother. However, when Duane and I broke up, I disconnected from the family completely.

"She's good. Right now she's working on a food blog. You know she loves to cook and whatnot." He chuckled.

I nodded my head. Mrs. Guerra was a chef just for fun. She loved to cook and try new things. When I did go over for dinner, there was always something different on the menu. They even have different themes for dinner every night. Monday's were for Mexican food which was my favorite except Soul food Sunday.

"She's been asking about you a lot. She misses you obviously and doesn't miss a chance to tell me that I messed up big time." He rolled his eyes playfully. "I hadn't told her that we had reconnected. I wanted to surprise her on French Tuesday next week that's if you want to come." He looked at me.

"I don't mind. I miss her as well and Mr. Guerra. His mean self." I joked.

"He's not mean. The man is about his business every day. He doesn't believe in days off." Duane sighed. Mr. Guerra had always been so hard on Duane which frustrated me a lot. It was back in high school when he had pushed Duane to the edge and Duane ended up in the hospital for a week for stress on the body. It looks like he has toned it down, but not by much.

Wrapping my arms around him, I pecked his lips to take his mind off of it. "Well, we won't say anything about today then." I winked. He wrapped his arms around my waist, laughing.

"You're such a tease, Lia." He smirked.

"You're such a horny bastard, Duane." I joked.

He laughed harder this time. "I'm just being a man, boo. You do something to me."

"I see." I felt him growing under me so I got off his lap. It was weird because I wasn't feeling anything. He got up, looking at me.

"What time is your sister's recital?" He asked.

I looked at the time to see that it was three-thirty. "Five." I answered.

"Did you wanna go eat lunch before you have to go? I'm hungry." He rubbed his stomach.

"Yes! Can we go to Waffle House?" I asked.

He looked at me weirdly. "Since when do you like Waffle House?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I've always liked it."

"I prefer iHop." He looked at me as he threw on a shirt. "Waffle House is dirty."

I pouted a little. I remembered Khari dancing in the kitchen when I suggested Waffle House. I mentally chastised myself for comparing Duane and Khari. I guess I would have to love iHop since I'm with Duane. Waffle House would have to be Khari and I's thing. "Okay. iHop it is."

I grabbed my coat and umbrella before heading out to his car. The rain had let up making me sigh in relief. I hated rain only when I had to be out in it. I prefer being inside reading a book or something while it was raining. It was peaceful.

*****

My mother and I walked into the Makayla's high school scoping out the room for some good seats. Our heels clicked on the floor as we headed to the third row. Sitting down, I placed my purse on the floor even though I received a glance from my mother. However, I wasn't about to hold it.

I could see her bouncing her leg up and down like she was nervous. Glancing at her, I raised my eyebrows up in confusion. Why was she so nervous? "Mom, are you okay?"

She looked at me, giving me a reassuring smile. "I'm fine sweetie. It's just..been so long." She mumbled the last part, but I had heard so vividly.

"What do you mean?" I asked, looking for some sort of clarification. My mom was almost never nervous for anything. The last time I had seen her this nervous was when she awaiting news on my father.

"It's nothing child. Don't worry about me." She patted my hand gently.

I looked at her weirdly before returning my attention back to the front. I reached in my purse to grab my phone. I wanted to wish Makayla good luck before she performed. She was so superstitious so I couldn't say "break a leg." I understood her point exactly though. She needed those legs. After sending her words of encouragement, I dropped the phone back into my bag.

The door opened again and the room suddenly went dry. It was like all the air had sucked out of my body causing me to look in that direction. Khari was walking into the auditorium, making me widened my eyes. Did they fly back right after the game?

With his Georgetown apparel on, no one missed the opportunity to get his attention. For some reason, it had gotten really hot causing me to wrestle out of my coat. I wasn't sure why Khari's presence had this type of effect on me.

"Isn't that your friend, Khari?" My mom leaned in. Without giving me an opportunity to answer, she stood up grabbing his attention. He immediately walked over to where we were. He seemed to be in a really good mood.

"Hello Mrs. King." He spoke to my mother, giving her a hug.

"Hi darling." She smiled, greeting him back. Khari looked at me, winking his eye causing me to look away. I couldn't hide the blush that was appearing. I'm sure I was just red in the face.

"Hey Malia." He greeted me as he took the empty seat beside me.

"Hi." That's all I could say at the moment.

"What brings you here this evening, Khari?" My mother asked him. I looked at him to see what answer would he give her.

"Makayla invited me. I thought I'd give her support since she did the same." He replied causing my mother to nod her head. The lights dimmed and the curtains opened signaling that the recital was about to start.

Makayla's age group wasn't performing until later which meant the little babies had the stage. They were so pretty and adorable in their little tutus. It amazes me how toddlers could get away with messing up the dances. They were just doing their own little things which had the audience cooing and laughing. Khari had a huge smile plastered on his face the entire time. It had to be a record for the longest he'd ever smiled.

I wasn't complaining though. His smile was so...sexy. There wasn't any other word that would describe. It was infectious too because looking at him smile made me smile. I even caught when he'd lick his lips which was very often. It was like a habit he didn't know he had.

"Aren't they the cutest?" My mom cooed.

They were now dancing to that itsy bitsy spider song. I must say that whoever planned the show was very smart. Grabbing our attentions with the little kids. I felt Khari's hand on my thigh making my heart skip a beat.

"You're really fine in this pants suit." He whispered lowly in my ear. I honestly smiled like a fool at his simple compliment. My mother looked at me weirdly causing me to straighten up. I had on a black pants suit with a white jacket. I threw on a pair of bright yellow heels to make the outfit pop.

"Thank you." I whispered back.

He stared at me for a long time and I started to feel small under his intense gaze. He reluctantly tore away when they announced Makayla's age group. I smiled once I spotted her. She was really beautiful. Hello by Adele softly played in the background as they began to dance.

It was very graceful the way they were dancing. Makayla was killing it and I wasn't being biased. She was the best girl out there. I looked beside me at my mother. She had her hands clasped together at her lips. She was so into the dance. I turned my attention back to Makayla.

Beyoncè's I Was Here started to play and everyone scattered off the stage except Makayla. This was her solo. She started to twirl multiple times as the crowd gasped. She jumped landing perfectly without stumbling. Her eyes laid on our mother and she showed a glimpse of concern before returning her focus back on the dance.c

I looked at my mother to see that she was crying. I placed my hand on her shoulder, rubbing it gently. Watching the rest of the performance in awe, Makayla had finished her solo. Everyone stood up to congratulate her.

"That's my baby..." I heard my mother say.

I smiled to myself.

"She killed that shit." Khari blurted. I glared at him as he covered his mouth. My mother didn't seem to notice and I was thankful for that. "My bad. But she did that."

I nodded my head, agreeing with him. "That's what the King Sisters do."

"I see." He agreed.

After the show was over, we rushed to congratulate her in the back. She was putting on her gym suit. "Makay!" I squealed causing her to turn around. Her eyes grew wide and she ran over to where we where giving us all a hug.

"Oh my God, Khari! I'm so glad you could make it! I watched your game too. Good day today." She rambled on as he chuckled.

"Its no problem little one." He extended his arms around her shoulders, giving her a hug. "You killed that."

She looked at our mother for confirmation, who was still emotional. "I loved it, baby girl." Makayla eyes widened again. I could see the tears forming as she embraced our mother into a hug. Once embraced, they broke down. "I'm so sorry I was so hard on you. It's just..." Our mother paused.

Makayla pulled away slightly to look at her. "Just what mama?" She asked as she wiped the tears off her face.

She looked at the both of us, smiling lightly. "You reminded me so much of me."

Makayla looked confused for a moment before a lightbulb seemingly went off.

"You used to dance." I stated before Makayla got the chance.

Our mother nodded her head, laughing a little. "That's a story that we can discuss over dinner. Are you ready baby girl?" She looked at Makayla, who nodded her head. She ran over to grab her things. She was stopped by many receiving compliments.

"Are you going to join us for dinner?" My mother looked at Khari.

He looked at me briefly before looking back at my mother. "I can eat, Mrs. King."

"Good." She smiled.

"Mom." Makayla called. She walked over to speak with the McKinley's. They were really nice people. When my dad was killed, they helped my mother as she got back on her feet. It was rough, but we really wouldn't have gotten through without them. I waved, not wanting to leave Khari.

I turned to look at him. "Thank you."

He looked at me with a confused expression. "For?"

"I'm sure you're tired from the game and the flight yet here you are supporting Makayla." I shrugged. "I really appreciate that."

He shrugged his shoulders lightly. "It's nothing babeh'. I had to return the favor. She supported me at my game." Again, I looked away trying not to reveal my blush. I could hear him chuckling which caused me to look at him. "You're doing that again."

Rolling my eyes playfully, I folded my arms. "Doing what again?"

"I think it's called blushing." He smirked as he subconsciously licked his lips. "Don't worry. I think you're really cute when you do that. You show that dimple that likes to hide every once in a while."

Biting the inside of my jaw, I smiled at how much he noticed about me. Khari had never flirted with me this much and it was making me curious. Did he like me? If he did like me, did I like him back?

"Swish." He said as he was imagining shooting a ball. "I got more shots to shoot." He winked.

Confused, I was about to ask him what he meant but my mother came over signaling that she was ready to go. Khari's eyes never left mine so I tore my gaze away from his and followed Makay and our mother out. I could feel him still looking at me as he joined us. I could no longer hide the smile. I was smiling like an idiot as we walked out of the school. Khari Valentine.. Respect.

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Khari shooting them shots????