Love On The Rebound: A Basketball Romance Read online

“You don’t know?” she asks as I shake my head. “She seems to have drawn two lightning bolts on both of your cheeks plus a couple of smiley faces.”

  I nod my head approvingly.

  “That actually sounds pretty badass, wouldn’t you agree?” I say with what I hope is a flirtatious smile.

  “It’s pretty badass because it shows a certain confidence. I’m not sure how many men would let their daughters draw on their faces and not even take a look at what’s been done to them.”

  I smile as a shrug my shoulders.

  “Well, I do have some faith in my daughter. And by faith I mean that I was pretty confident she wasn’t going to draw a couple of penises on my cheeks.”

  That joke scores a direct hit as yoga girl is forced to put her hand over her mouth to suppress a snort.

  “That’s funny,” she laughs.

  “Well, I’m a funny guy. My name is Tim Cunningham, by the way.” I extend my hand, and she takes it.

  “April Rose. It’s nice to meet you.”

  I momentarily do a double take on her full name.

  “April Rose? Rose is my daughter’s name,” I say.

  “Really?” April replies. “What are the odds of that?”

  “They must be astronomical. Perhaps this means we were destined to meet?” I ask with a sly grin on my face.

  “Or perhaps it’s just a coincidence.”

  “I don’t know, a name can tell you a lot. I’m thinking of changing my name to Kid Lightning. What do you think?”

  Bingo. I score another hit as April laughs again. Such a pretty name, such a pretty laugh …

  “I’d stick with Tim and save “Kid Lightning” for special occasions. From your lack of a ring, I’m going to assume there’s no wife?”

  Whoa, I didn’t expect that.

  “You assume correctly,” I manage to reply. Apparently, I’m doing way better here than I expected. I’ve really been out of the dating pool so long that I’m kind of out of practice with this flirting thing. It’s good to know that I haven’t lost all of my skills.

  “No husband either?”

  April scores a direct hit on me with this one, and I laugh out loud. I’m really beginning to like this girl.

  “No, no husband either,” I reply.

  “I didn’t think so, but you never want to assume anything these days,” she says as she once again flashes her brilliant smile. It’s at that moment that I feel something stir deep within my stomach. It’s a feeling I haven’t honestly felt since I first laid my eyes on Gabby all those years ago and it actually scares me a little. Is she going to ask me out? Is that how things work these days in the good old U S of A? If so, God Bless America!

  “That’s for sure. I’m definitely straight and single,” I say with what I worry is too much eagerness. I hope it doesn’t come across as desperation, even though I am beginning to feel desperate to see this girl again.

  “Hmmmmm,” she says to herself. She’s definitely thinking of something, and I wait eagerly to hear what it is.

  “Well, Tim, it was great to meet you and Brown Bear. Remember to give him lots of clean water and food. You wouldn’t want the animal rights activists to come after you. It is Portlandia after all.” With that, she lightly punches me on the shoulder and starts to walk away. Damn it, apparently asking men out is NOT a thing in America these days. Looks like I’m still going to have to be a man and do the heavy lifting.

  “Hey, wait up.” I manage to say. April turns around a little quicker than I thought she would and looks at me expectantly. Dammit again, why doesn’t this ever get any easier? Why do I suddenly feel like a seventh grader? No wonder women seldom do this.

  “Would you be interested in going out with me sometime?”

  I manage to say it, but I’m not all that happy with how I say it.

  “Would you be interested in going out with me sometime?” she repeats to me in a playfully mocking tone. She’s fucking with me. This could be good or bad.

  “Would you bring Brown Bear with you?” she asks.

  Hmmm, is this a trick question? I briefly consider throwing the question back at her by asking “Do you want me to bring him?” However, this is a weasely response and women generally like men who make decisions. I make one.

  “Not a chance. Brown Bear has an early bedtime, and I’d want to stay out late. It would be adult time, just you and me,” I reply. I’m happy that I’m able to say this in a deeper and more confident voice. Good. If I get shot down, I at least want to be shot down sounding like a man.

  “That’s good. I was worried about Brown Bear’s bedtime,” April replies. Dammit, woman, that’s not an answer. Why do women have to stretch things out? Being executed isn’t really a bad thing. Waiting to be executed, on the other hand, is excruciating.

  “Soo…now that you’re assured of Brown Bear’s sleep schedule is that a yes or a no?” I ask, trying to sound cool while at the same time masking my impatience.

  “You know, Tim, I think that’s a ‘yes,’” she replies.

  I feel an involuntary smile spread across my face as I pull my cell phone from my pocket and hand it to April.

  “Put your phone number in here, and I’ll call you tonight. Sound good?”

  April takes my phone but looks at me skeptically.

  “Wait, you’re going to actually call? Not texting, but an actual voice conversation? I can’t remember the last time I did that. Sounds intimidating.”

  “There’s no need to worry,” I reply. “I promise to be gentle.”

  “You don’t have to be gentle,” April replies as she hands the phone back to me.

  She then leans forward and whispers in my ear.

  “Sometimes, I like things to be a little bit rough.”

  And with that April gives me a little wink before she saunters away, her perfect butt swaying back and forth in her yoga pants.

  “Later, Timmy.”

  I find myself suddenly speechless. This could be very interesting.

  Chapter Two

  TJ

  “Honey, I’m home!” I call out as I enter my big brother Ben’s house. Rose dodges around me like a lightning bolt and makes a beeline for the media room. With a big grin on his face, Ben emerges from a side room and grabs onto Rose.

  “Whoa! Where are you going so fast?” Ben asks her.

  “It’s time to watch Paw Patrol!” Rose answers excitedly.

  “That’s fine, but remember, no running in the house,” Ben replies as he lets her go.

  “Yes, Sir,” answers Rose, who then proceeds to take off at a slightly reduced speed. Ben watches her go and then shakes his head.

  “Didn’t she get a chance to run around outside at the teddy bears’ picnic?” he asks.

  I can only shrug my shoulders.

  “She did, but she’s only seven years old. At that age, you have infinite energy. What can you do?”

  Ben helps me with the picnic stuff, and we both proceed to his kitchen.

  “Did you enjoy visiting your old stomping grounds?” Ben asks.

  “It was pretty nice,” I reply. “I was actually kind of surprised how homey it felt. It was like I never left.”

  Ben is my big brother, and I love him to death. He has some real skill as a ballplayer too and was my first real basketball teacher. Those one-on-one big brother-little brother matchups could be punishing. I remember wanting to beat him so badly, but it was never easy. However, I had kept working at it and growing until finally, I did. It had turned out to be a bittersweet moment. When it had happened, I think we both knew that something had changed. I had a skill level that he just didn’t possess. Ben had a great high school career, but he never tried to play at the college level. He got his degree, became a chartered accountant, and got married to a wonderful woman. Nothing wrong with that.

  “Did anyone recognize you?” Ben asks as he reaches into the fridge and pulls out a couple of frosty beers.

  “I few people did, actually. I took some selfies.”<
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  Ben tosses me a beer that I proceed to open.

  “I’m not surprised, you still are quite the legend around here, you know. The Pumas were smart to sign you.”

  I shake my head.

  “Well, they haven’t signed me to anything yet. I may have my fan base, but that won’t matter to Coach O’Brien if he thinks he can find a better back up point guard.”

  Now it’s Ben’s turn to shake his head.

  “They won’t. They should never have cut you in the first place. But now, with all of your European experience, I know you’re ready for the show. This is your year, Little Bro.”

  I raise my beer can to Ben, and we clink them together.

  “I’ll drink to that.”

  Suddenly, Rose runs into the kitchen and opens the fridge. She proceeds to grab a juice box without even looking at us. Before Speedy Gonzalez can take off again, I raise my voice.

  “Hey, short stuff! What did your uncle say about running in the house?”

  Rose freezes and looks at both of us. She thinks for a moment before replying.

  “Daddy met a girl today.”

  Without missing a beat after dropping this bombshell, Rose runs out of the kitchen.

  Ben arches an eyebrow.

  “Really, my little brother met a girl? Do tell.”

  I lean on the kitchen counter as I recall the day’s events.

  “There’s not much to say. I was getting some water for Rose when I literally ran into this beautiful girl.”

  “Wait a second,” Ben interrupts me. “I hope you didn’t literally run into her.”

  I roll my eyes.

  “Technically, I think she ran into me, but that’s not how the police would report it.”

  Ben matches my eye roll.

  “My little brother, just as smooth as always. Please continue.”

  “I prevented her from falling, so that’s something,” I offer in my own defense. Ben doesn’t seem that impressed with that line of reasoning. I decide to continue with my story.

  “Anyway, she must have been taking a yoga class somewhere on the campus as she was dressed in a yoga outfit. She has an amazing body, no doubt about that. But even beyond how sexy she looked she just had this welcoming, positive energy around her. Just her smile made me feel better. I haven’t felt that way around a woman in a long time.”

  “You haven’t really dated anyone seriously since Gabby left, have you?” Ben asks.

  “How could I? I was traipsing all over Europe playing basketball, and I had a daughter to raise. I had to put my personal life on hold.”

  “I know that Gabby threw you both for a loop, but Rose is a smart kid. She’s old enough to understand that her dad might want to go on some dates.”

  “I just think that Rose still hopes that her mother and I might get back together …”

  “She doesn’t, trust me,” says Ben interrupting.

  “…and I hate the idea of her becoming attached to someone that I bring home and then having it not work out. Plus, at this point and despite what you say, I haven’t made the team officially yet. And even if I do make the team, the travel schedule of an NBA player is crazy. How do I date when I’m barely home?”

  “You’re able to be a terrific father when you’re barely home. Plus, you know that Jess and I will help out.”

  “And you know what else? I don’t think this girl even knows who I am. Does she want to be potentially thrown into the spotlight? Would she be even prepared for it? If I did make the team and was dating her, the press would be all over her. In Portland I’m a medium-sized fish in a small pond, I remember what it was like before …”

  Ben holds up his hands in mock surrender.

  “Whoa there, Tiger, let’s back this train up. You’re getting way too far ahead of yourself. You haven’t even gone out once with this girl yet. Why don’t you do that and then see how it goes and how she actually feels?”

  My brother has always been the voice of reason for me, and hearing him say that does make sense.

  “She was so beautiful, and she was whip smart too. Great sense of humor…”

  “Then call the girl,” says Ben patiently,

  “But she’s young. Do you think she’d want to get involved with someone who has a daughter? And what if they don’t get along? Or worse, what if they hate each other? Oh man, what a nightmare that would be.”

  Ben puts his hand on my shoulders and gives them a little shake.

  “You need to snap out of it, you’re just making excuses now. Just give this girl a call and see how it goes.”

  I pull out my phone and look at the number that Rose had entered.

  “You can have the kitchen to yourself. I’ll go downstairs and watch a little Paw Patrol with Rose.”

  “Thanks,” I say.

  Ben starts to leave but then I call out after him.

  “Ben, wait, what in the heck do I say?”

  Ben turns his head and gives me an understanding big brother smile.

  “Hello is usually a good start.”

  Ben proceeds to disappear down the staircase and I’m left with my phone. Saying “Hello,” is easy. It’s what comes next that is hard. Once again, however, I decide that the stress that procrastination causes is way worse than just doing it. I press the call button on my cell and raise the phone to my ear in anticipation.

  The phone rings a couple of times before I hear April’s voice.

  “Hello?” she says.

  I can’t believe how good it is to hear her voice again, I didn’t expect that at all. I make sure to take a deep breath, as I want my voice to sound as calm and manly as possible.

  “Hi, April, it’s Tim, we met earlier today.”

  “I don’t remember meeting a Tim,” she replies.

  Oh, fuck! Do I have the wrong number? My calm mind is suddenly overwhelmed with a thousand contradictory thoughts. Did I dial the wrong number? Did April enter the wrong number by mistake? Did she give me a false number? I understand why women did that sometimes. They do it to get rid of creeps. Oh man, did I come off as creepy? That’s not good!

  Perhaps sensing my panic, April’s voice comes through the phone again.

  “I’m just fucking with you Tim. Of course I remember you. How could I forget a man and his bear?”

  She’s just fucking with me. Perfect. We’ve barely started talking, and this girl already has my world spinning.

  “Well, exactly. I mean, I was a little bit like Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh. On top of my natural good looks, how could you forget that?”

  April laughs at that comment. Good, after stumbling a bit I can feel my mojo coming back.

  “I don’t think Christopher Robin was six feet tall…”

  “Six foot two,” I correct her. Damn, I wish I hadn’t said that. I don’t want to sound nervous or insecure.

  “Six foot two,” she says. Thankfully, she giggles at that. “You’re taller than I am, that’s all I really know.”

  I decide to fuck with her a bit.

  “You know, you picked up that phone pretty quickly. Were you sitting by your phone, eagerly waiting for me to call?” I ask her.

  “You called me almost as soon as you got home. Seems to me I could ask you the same question.”

  Wow, once again I’m impressed with how quick this girl is. I was hoping to make her squirm a bit, but she turned it around on me almost immediately. Beautiful and smart, that’s a dangerous combo, and I can’t help myself. I’m drawn to her like a moth to a warm white light. I just hope it isn’t a flame.

  “Well, you’re right about that. I couldn’t wait to talk to you without Brown Bear around. He can be so judgmental.”

  “How is Brown Bear, by the way?”

  “Last time I checked he’s watching Paw Patrol with my daughter and brother.”

  “Oh, my God! I love Paw Patrol!” April almost squeals with delight when she says this. I find her reaction surprising.

  “Really?” I manage to say. “
And why is that?”

  There’s a moment of silence. Could April be a little embarrassed by how enthusiastic she came across in her love for Paw Patrol? If so, good. It’s about time this chick experiences a little bit of awkward. Welcome to my world, Baby.

  “I’m actually an elementary school teacher, and that got me hooked. I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but I just love how the cute dogs help everyone.”

  An elementary school teacher? That tells me she must be good with kids. We can safely check that box off, I think.

  “Aww, you love a kids’ show. That’s so cute!” I gently tease her.

  “You hang out with teddy bears there, Christopher Robin. Don’t judge.”

  “I’m not. I really think it’s adorable,” I say with all sincerity. Perhaps April and Rose can watch Paw Patrol together at some point? I immediately push the thought from my mind. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, big guy.

  “Well, I think it’s adorable too. Any man who would hang out with his daughter at her teddy bear’s picnic is okay by me.”

  I’m finding this flirting exhausting. It’s time to get to the point.

  “I’m glad you think that. So, how about that date?” I ask her.

  “Yeah, I seem to remember some talk about a date at some point …”

  “When are you available?”

  “Well, I am a school teacher, so normally school nights aren’t that good for me. You’re in luck though, because as it’s summer, I’m a relatively free woman. Why don’t you be a man and pick a date?”

  I think for a moment. With my practice schedule with the team, there is really only one day that ultimately works for me.

  “How about this Friday? Isn’t that the time that most kids go out? Thank God it’s Friday and all that?”

  “That’s what the cool kids do. Great, let’s say Friday then. Feel free to text me the details. Goodnight, Christopher Robin.”

  Her voice is so sexy I can hardly stand it.

  “See you Friday, April,” I reply. “Have a good night.”

  I hang up my cell phone and put it down. I can’t help but feel excited and immensely proud of myself. I haven’t been on a real date, a date I’ve actually looked forward to, in forever. Downstairs I can hear Ben and Rose laughing at whatever is going on in Paw Patrol. As a single parent, I’ve dedicated every ounce of my free time to my daughter. I think it’s paid off as everyone tells me that April is as happy and well adjusted as any child they know. Nonetheless, it’s hard to go through this life alone, to not have anyone to watch stupid TV shows with or even just go for walks. I have to admit it-despite my love for Rose, I’m a little bit lonely. Maybe it’s time to start giving a little bit of time to myself. Perhaps I’ll start with April.