Page 66 of Caden & Theo

His eyes soften. “Would’ve driven double.”

God. He says stuff like that, and I swear it never gets old. Not even after all these years.

Tonight’s game had me flying. I dropped ten points, snagged six boards, and even Coach said my defense was tighter than it’s been all season. I’m finally in the rotation now—really in it—and the difference is showing. Minutes mean everything when you’re a second-year guy on a two-way deal. Every possession is a chance to prove you belong.

But the real high? Theo, in the stands. Eyes shining, grinning like I’d already won just by being on the court.

“I’m proud of you,” he says, like he read my mind.

I smile and tilt my head against the seat. “I’m earning minutes. Coach said he wants me dressing for every game this month. And if things stay strong, they might offer me a standard contract by summer.”

Theo whistles low. “That’s huge.”

“Yeah. Doesn’t mean I’m safe. I’ve seen guys get dropped mid-season like nothing.”

“You won’t.”

“I might.” I shrug. “This league doesn’t owe me anything. I’m just trying to stay sharp, stay healthy. Make the most of it.”

“You’ve already made the most of it,” he says. “You went from undrafted to standing your ground on a league court. That’s huge, Cade.”

I nod, letting that settle.

I know I’m lucky. And I’ve done everything right with the money so far—invested half with a guy my dad trusts, socked away enough for a rainy decade. But even now, with a steady salary and some buzz building, I can’t pretend this dream doesn’t come with an expiry date.

If I get ten good years, I’ll be one of the lucky ones.

I glance at Theo again, taking him in. His profile in the dusk. The little crease between his brows when he’s concentrating. The way the corner of his mouth kicks up when he catches me looking.

“You sure you’re okay driving?” I ask.

“I’m running on adrenaline and two Red Bulls. I’m golden.”

“Yeah, and the second we get to the cabin, you’ll crash face-first into a pillow.”

“Maybe,” he says. “Or maybe I’ll get a second wind.” He winks, and the temperature in the car spikes about twenty degrees.

“Not fair,” I mutter, trying not to laugh. “Teasing me when I’m too tired to retaliate.”

Theo grins. “I like you defenseless.”

I lean back, smiling out at the icy landscape zipping by. “We’re really doing this, huh?”

He nods. “Two whole days. No training, no class, no phone calls. Just us and nature.”

“And a fireplace.”

“And a kitchen.”

“And hopefully a bed that doesn’t squeak like a haunted swing set.”

Theo laughs. “I made sure it’s a real mattress, not some fold-out nightmare. I want you well rested.”

“I thought the plan was the opposite.”

“Touché.”

I glance at his hand on the wheel. “Can’t believe you’ll be living with me soon.”