by Len Webster
“Oh, I’m sorry,” AJ said, squeezing past people as she made her way down the row and to her seat. She glanced behind her and noticed Savannah taking in the Staples Center in awe as she followed AJ. When she reached their allocated seats, AJ stopped and removed her purse from her shoulder and set it down under her chair.
“These seats are amazing,” Savannah said once she came to a stop.
AJ agreed. They were able to see the entire game from where they stood. “I can’t believe he even got extra tickets.”
Savannah laughed. “Are you serious, Alex? He would have done anything to get you tickets. I’m just your plus one to California—which, by the way, thank you for letting me come with you. You shouldn’t have had to pay for anything. I’ll pay you back.”
“Don’t worry about the money, Sav. You’re my guest. Thank you for being here. Had we had more time, I’d have asked Will to come to LA.”
“Will?” Savannah asked as the crowd cheered when the Wisconsin cheerleaders ran onto the court.
“Yeah, my cousin. I’ve mentioned him before, right?”
“Right. Sorry. I sometimes forget you have a cousin. Well, there’s always next time.”
AJ nodded as she swept her hair behind her ear. It was getting hot in the stadium, so she unzipped her Duke University sports jacket and peeled it off. Then she placed it on top of her purse. She was all for school pride, but she drew the line at painting her face. The chemicals used in the paints weren’t the safest, and the brushes weren’t the most hygienic. So she passed when Savannah suggested it.
“Hey, Alex. Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure,” AJ said, taking in the serious expression on her roommate’s face.
Savannah pursed her lips before she let out a bothered sigh. “Why can’t you and Landon just get together already? It’s been four months of foreplay, and everyone on campus knows that y’all need to be together.”
AJ’s lips parted in surprise as she blinked at Savannah. “What?”
“Seriously? Alex, you and Landon need to be together. I’m sexually frustrated just looking at y’all.”
To her surprise, AJ let out an unbelievable laugh. “I …”
“What’s stopping you?”
AJ glanced out at the stadium, in awe that Landon had wanted her to come to such an important game. There was no way she would not support him. He had even offered to pay for her flights, but AJ had refused, paying for hers and Savannah’s. She was touched that Landon cared enough about her to make sure she was okay and to be a part of the important moments in his life.
Moments he wanted to share with her.
Moments she wanted to be a part of.
“I wasn’t ready to date after I came back from Brookline.”
“Are you ready now?”
AJ took a second to think Savannah’s question through.
Am I ready?
She felt ready.
She enjoyed Landon’s time and company, and she loved being around him. She felt butterflies when she caught him staring at her while they studied.
“Maybe?”
“You’ve said no every time I asked. Just like you said no when Landon asked you to dinner.”
“You know why. Plus, Landon might just want to be friends.”
Savannah glanced down at AJ’s jersey, and a grin slowly splayed across her roommate’s face. Then she laughed. “Friends? Alex, I know the moment he sees you in his jersey, you don’t stand a chance. He’s not gonna take no for an answer.”
AJ’s gaze dropped to her Duke University basketball jersey. “I’m just supporting my friend.”
“You could have chosen a blank jersey. But you’re wearing Landon’s name and number on your back.”
“I’m supporting my friend,” she repeated.
Savannah shook her head and set her palm on AJ’s shoulder. “You’re moving on, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Guilt doubled in her chest, but it didn’t hurt like it used to. Now it was an annoying itch, waiting to break out.
“Isn’t it too soon?”
Her roommate smiled at her. “You stopped crying three months ago,” Savannah revealed, shocking AJ with how observant she had been. “You smile more—especially when you wake up and Landon has texted you to meet for coffee before your classes. You put away that picture on your desk two months ago—when you came back from spending hours with Landon at the gardens talking. A month ago, you didn’t realize, but you were staring at him while he looked confused in the library. You had this awe-like expression on your face, and it was why I bailed on studying with y’all. You’re allowed to have these feelings, Alex. I know you, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for having those feelings for Landon. You’re allowed to be happy with him. He’s been patient. He takes care of you. He’s oblivious to other girls because all he sees is you.”
AJ’s chest tightened at Savannah’s intervention. Her roommate wasn’t wrong, but it had just taken AJ some time to realize all these things. And inside the Staples Center wasn’t the place she expected to realize it.
To realize she was comfortable and wanted to be with Landon Carmichael as more than just his friend.
“But …”
Savannah pursed her lips. “Five months ago, you went back to Brookline to be with Evan. He didn’t show. Four months ago, he brought the girlfriend he hid from you home. He didn’t give you an explanation. He didn’t have the courtesy to call. He let you find out in a horrible way. I liked Evan, but how he treated you, Alex, wasn’t love. You have nothing to feel guilty about. You deserve to be happy. And believe it or not, Landon’s been doing that for four months.” Savannah paused and squinted, a smile deepened on her face. “You like him, don’t you?”
AJ felt her cheeks heat as she nodded, ready to admit her true feelings for Landon for the first time. “I like the way he looks at me. It’s different. I like that he brings me tea when I seem to need it. I like that he knows just when we should go for a walk. I like how I feel around him. I don’t feel sad and helpless with Landon. I don’t feel like I have to hide. The only reason I’ve said no is because I didn’t want to taint Landon and everything he is or does by rushing my feelings. It was too soon then. Evan might have moved on within a day, but I couldn’t. Not that quickly. And I wanted to be fair to Landon, so I took my time and fell for him honestly.”
“I’ve waited four months for this,” Savannah said, her voice vibrating with pride. “All right. Game’s about to start. Let’s hope Duke wins.”
“Three,” the crowd screamed.
Duke had the ball.
“Two!”
The game was tied. Landon glanced up and spotted his teammate, Chase Anderson.
Landon threw the ball, and Chase caught it.
“One!”
AJ held her breath as she watched Chase shoot.
It seemed as if the whole Staples Center had gone quiet.
“DUKE WINS! THE BLUE DEVILS ARE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!” the announcer’s voice boomed.
Before AJ could even exhale the breath she held, Savannah wrapped her arms around her and screamed. The high AJ felt with the rest of the crowd was amazing. She had experienced many sporting moments in her life with the Red Sox, but watching Landon become part of college basketball history was something else.
AJ watched as he celebrated with his teammates; some were even crying. Then his eyes met hers, and she was thankful their seats were close to the court for him to find her.
Landon pointed at her, and she could have sworn he mouthed, “Wait,” to her. And she would because she had a lot to say to the national champion.
First was congratulations, and the second was that she was ready.
It took almost an hour with interviews, the medal ceremony, and the trophy ceremony before Landon waved her over. She didn’t mind staying back t
o watch and take in what basketball ceremonies were like. Savannah didn’t mind either as she made friends with the Duke fans next to her.
“I’ll be back,” AJ said to Savannah.
“You’re going to tell him, aren’t you?” her roommate asked once she turned away from the cute Duke alumnus and faced AJ.
AJ nodded and pushed past Savannah and the Duke fans who had stayed behind after the Wisconsin supporters had left. She made her way down the stairs and was greeted by Landon and his large smile.
“Congratulations, Connecticut,” she said, so proud of him.
His eyes ran down her body and back to meet hers. “You look beautiful in blue, Massachusetts. What number are you wearing? If it’s Chase’s, I might die.”
She chuckled and then shook her head. AJ took a step closer to him. “Only my favorite Duke Blue Devil player.”
“God, you have to turn around,” he begged in a low voice.
She wanted to tease him just that little bit more, but she was teasing herself—and that was no fun. Slowly, AJ spun around until her back faced him. She glanced over her shoulder to see that Landon’s lips parted as if he were in awe. Then AJ turned back around and smiled at just how much she affected him.
“I’m your favorite player?”
“It was between you and Chase.”
“Take that back,” he demanded with a smirk.
“I will do—”
“Son,” a large, older version of Landon said, causing AJ to close her mouth. “We’re going back to the hotel. We’ll meet you there after you’ve showered and changed.”
AJ watched as his family surrounded him.
“Sure thing, Dad,” Landon said. Then he smiled at AJ and her brows furrowed in confusion at his smile. “Dad, Mom, Lincoln, Lacy, this is my friend, Alex. Alex, this is my family.”
Oh, my God.
She was meeting his family.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” AJ stated as she shook each of his family member’s hands. His brother and father seemed approving of her, but his mother squinted at her, and his sister seemed disgusted at the sight of her.
“What was your last name, Alex?” Landon’s father asked.
“Oh, Parker. Alexandra Parker.”
“Where are you from? You have a strange accent,” Lacy said.
“Lace!” Landon hissed.
AJ laughed uncomfortably. “I’m from Massachusetts. But my parents are Australian.”
“Oh,” his mother let out, disappointed. “Not the old money Parkers then. What a shame.”
What a shame?
“Ahh, no. If I’m understanding you correctly, then no, I’m not from old money, Mrs. Carmichael.”
Landon’s father smiled. “And what are you studying at Duke? I assume you attend Duke.”
AJ nodded, thankful she wouldn’t have to pull out bank statements to appease Landon’s mother on her finances. “I’m a physics major.”
“She’s too smart for you, Lan,” his brother teased.
“Yes, she is,” his mother agreed, causing AJ’s spine to straighten.
AJ was stunned.
“All right. I’m well aware that Alex is smart. I’ll see you all at the hotel,” Landon said, coming to her rescue as he hugged his family goodbye. His father and brother said goodbye to AJ with smiles while his sister and mother barely nodded in her direction. When AJ and Landon were alone, a tight smile consumed his face. “I’m sorry about them.”
She shook her head, dismissing his apology. “It’s okay. Though, the whole old money Parker comment was not one I’ve heard before.”
Landon stepped closer to her. “Yeah, unless you’re a Kennedy, you’re not good enough. Hell, I’m not good enough, Alex.”
“Well, I’m not a Kennedy. But my mother’s bakery and restaurant has won awards worldwide. I don’t think a Kennedy could ever out cook Clara Parker.”
His eyes went wide. “Your mother is Clara Parker?”
“Yeah,” she said with a laugh. “I guess I never told you.”
Landon shook his head as he took another small step until they were almost touching. “No, that would have been prime information to have. Every time I asked you to dinner, those restaurants I suggested weren’t worthy. Did you say no because you’ve literally eaten at the best restaurant in the world?”
“No. Though I’ll pass on the compliments to my mother. She’ll definitely love you.”
“Alex,” he said in a low voice.
She tilted her chin a little higher to face him. “Landon.”
“You came to California for my game.”
AJ nodded. “I did.”
Landon reached up and cupped her jaw in his palms. “Please have dinner with me while we’re in California together. And if it sucks, and I’m a terrible date, we can go back to Duke and pretend it never happened. We’ll just go on as friends, and I’ll pretend it isn’t killing me.”
Her heart strained at his gentleness.
At his desperation.
“No,” she whispered.
“No?” He exhaled as the disappointment flashed in his eyes. “That’s your favorite word, isn’t it?”
AJ laughed. “No, as in I’m leaving California in the morning with Sav to go back to Duke. I’ve witnessed the Red Sox win the World Series a few times. I know how important the next few days of your life are going to be. It’s going to be quick, but they’re gonna last forever. You are a national champion and deserve to celebrate with your family and your teammates.” Then AJ set her hands on his waist, and whispered, “Ask me for another time. Ask me for when we’re back at Duke.”
Landon went rigid beneath her touch. His lips parted in wonder. “You’re ready?”
“I’m ready to take that leap of faith with you.”
A sudden bang got their attention, and they looked up to find blue and white confetti falling. It was clear that someone managed to get the cannon working just in time for this moment with Landon.
“Me, too,” he said as he inched his lips closer to hers.
Her eyes hooded as his thumb brushed against her cheek.
“Say yes,” Landon begged in a whisper.
She wasn’t sure what he was asking, but AJ imagined it was to everything with him. And that was all she needed as she whispered, “Yes,” and his lips captured hers.
It was their first kiss.
In a basketball stadium under blue and white confetti.
It was perfect.
It was them.
Hollers echoed loudly in the stadium as he kissed her deeply. AJ felt everything in the way his lips pressed against hers. It was the universe telling her that she was ready. That she could move on and be happy with the touch of another. The possible love of another.
Landon: Hey, Alex. I got back from California last night. How about that dinner after class?
AJ: Done celebrating, National Champ?
Landon: It’s been nonstop. But I was eager to get back to Duke … you know, for that date you say you’re ready for now.
AJ: And how was celebrating with your family? Did they continue to tell you that I am definitely not old money enough for you?
Landon: You really like tiptoeing around that dinner question. Been doing this for too many months now, Alex. I thought you were ready?
AJ: I am very ready.
Landon: That’s what I want to hear. Dinner with the family was good. It was all for show. Don’t worry about money with me. I don’t care about that stuff.
AJ smiled as she set down her cup of tea. She was currently waiting for her next class and had stopped by Chino’s to see her roommate. It was now Wednesday, two days after Landon’s championship game. AJ and Savannah had flown back to North Carolina the next day, AJ leaving the memory of Landon’s kiss under the confetti behind her. He messaged her, updati
ng her on his team’s celebrations and reminding her that their dinner would be the best date she’d ever had.
It wouldn’t be so hard to do, considering she had never been on a date before.
“Texting Landon, I see,” Savannah said as sat in the seat in front of AJ.
AJ glanced up from her phone and smiled. “Yeah, texting Landon.”
Savannah grinned, her blue eyes glittering with excitement. “So that kiss at the Staples Center was swoon worthy. Please tell me y’all are going through with the date.”
“He was just asking about it.”
“And …?”
“And I’m committed to making it happen. That kiss was …”
“Was?”
The flutter in her chest was the answer she needed. “The kind of first kiss I should have had with Landon a long time ago. I’m glad that it happened the way it did, though. It was amazing. And I’m ready to know what it’s like to date someone like Landon.”
“That’s great, Alex, but … you seem unsure.”
AJ sighed, setting down her phone. “Savannah, I’m sure. It’s been months in the making. I like Landon. And when he kissed me, I was really sure of my feelings. I was confused with us hanging out, but at the Staples Center, I was sure. I am sure. I’m going on a date with a really great guy because we both deserve this.”
Savannah nodded with a sly grin on her face. “Then text him back. Make tonight happen. I’ll help you choose your outfit after class if you want.”
“Sav! Come on, break’s over. We got customers!” Ritz, Chino’s manager, said.
“Gotta go. I’ll see you back at the dorm.”
She nodded at her departing roommate. Then AJ picked up her phone and resumed her conversation with Landon.
AJ: I want to talk more about your family.
Landon: No, you don’t. Seriously, it’s a waste of time.
AJ: It can be a conversation topic at our dinner tonight. We can talk about my family if you want.
Landon: Deal. So I’ll pick you up at six?
AJ: Six sounds good to me.
