Page 43 of From Drummer to Gamer

“Yes,” Lylah said shyly, peeking at me from her mother’s arms. “Can I get a picture with you? I can keep it on my desk so I can be like you when I grow up.”

My heart softened. “Of course. But on one condition.” I held up a finger.

Her eyes widened as she peered at me intently.

“You have to promise to be like you instead, no matter what.”

Her lips spread into a wide smile as she nodded.

We took about a dozen pictures with little Lylah, and I also signed some posters for her. I did have my fair share of fans. It was a pretty small crowd compared to someone like Vincent or the top-tier gamers. But day by day, I found my fan base increasing. More people were recognizing my talent, and I didn’t know how to feel about that.

Just as I bid goodbye to Lylah, my Uber arrived.

A heavy log stung my throat the whole way home. Somehow, I knew, even if my mother never supported me, I would be doing this for the rest of my life.

I would try to find a way for this to happen. Giving up gaming didn’t sit right with me at all. My younger self felt proud for inspiring Lylah into a sport that not a lot cared about, and nothing would fill my soul if I could keep doing that.

Forever.

CHAPTER 11

SIERRA

It was past ten o’clock when I made it to the apartment that night.

“I’m back,” I announced, dragging my heavy feet to the living room, exhausted and hungry.

The smell of greasy food greeted me, and my stomach rumbled.

Raphael had his head buried in a burger, dripping with cheese and mayo, while at the same time, he stuffed fries inside his mouth.

He ate like a starved pig and had no decency. I worried for his girlfriend in the future, but knowing my brother, he wasn’t going to settle down that easily.

“Hey, Matty,” I said softly as I collapsed onto the couch.

Matty got up and came to my side. “You sit there.” He pointed at the space he vacated in the loveseat by Raphy.

“Why?” I frowned at him. I was perfectly fine sitting here. It was an armchair that faced the windows rather than the TV.

He shrugged, and I didn’t argue because he seemed to prefer this seat more whenever we hung out in the living room.

I nodded, slipping to the seat next to Raphy, who ignored my presence, watching the F1 race flashing on the TV like it was the most important thing on the planet.

Matty cleared his throat as he handed me a huge brown bag. “Raphael mentioned you liked cheeseburgers.”

What!?Fury flooded my blood as I side-eyed my brother with a glare.

That ass now had his full attention on me, grinning like his day was just made.

“So I got you everythingelseon the menu,” Matty said.

Raphy dropped his grin, and while my lips tugged into one, grateful that Matty was catching onto my brother’s antics.

“Thank you,” I breathed, beaming at Matty so wide my cheeks hurt. “For a second, I thought I would have to die from starvation. I don’t eat beef.” I dug into the paper bag and pulled out a fried chicken sandwich, then took a huge bite.

“Ask her why.” Raphy snorted. “You wouldn’t believe it.”

I gave a sharp elbow to his ribs, finally feeling like myself again now that my stomach was filling.