Page 25 of His Last Shot

She Deserves the Sun

Johnny

“ J ohnny!” My name being called from across the noisy bar snatches my attention. “Get over here and talk to us!” Turning, I see Slick beckoning me toward the usual perch of the OBGs, their laughter already audible.

Anticipation grows in my chest at the prospect of spending some time with these men. My plan is to tell them I have a date with Rachel and see if they have any useful advice to hand out. Rachel knows and loves them like family, so I want to pick their brain some.

Because I have waited three long months for this day. Needless to say, I don’t want to screw it up. I mean, I talk about her so much that Scott already believes we are a couple. I’ve corrected him too many times to count, but he just shrugs and says, “Whatever, dude. You two are a thing.”

I hope to make whatever this thing is between us official soon.

Before departing, I shake hands with my team, all of us happy for yet another win. With an eager stride, I grab my cue and head to the bar. It’s Thursday, and Rachel is off today. Which also means this is my least favorite day to play.

With a sigh of contentment, I set my cue on the empty stool next to me, while Micah places my drink—the usual club soda with lime—within easy reach.

“How’s play tonight?” Slick starts the conversation .

“Good.” I take a quick sip. “The guys on the team are improving with the few lessons we have had after play.” I watch my four teammates shoot around as pride swells in my chest.

“Ever consider teaching lessons? Like as a side gig?” Tiny asks. “Because I would be interested.”

“No kidding.” He nods in agreement. “I’ve thought about it. Honestly, it’s my favorite thing to do. Teach people the game. It’s incredible watching them catch on and improve.”

“You should think about it,” Randy chimes in.

“Thanks. I might.” I pause before I continue. “Actually, if you all have a second, I wanted to talk to you guys about something.”

They all peer over at me. Nerves erupt in my gut. It feels like I’m about to ask her father for her hand in marriage instead of asking three bar regulars for advice. “So, Rachel and I—”

“Are going out on a date. Yeah, she told us,” Slick finishes my thought for me. “It’s about time. You better do good by her.”

Three pairs of very stern eyes stare back at me, shooting their warning.

Happiness fills my soul for her because I have a sense that their love is pure and unconditional. Unlike her uncle’s.

However, their pointed stares are sending quite the message.

Hurt her and you will have to answer to us.

Got it, fellas! Message sent and received.

Still, their devotion to her brings me such joy that I can’t help but smile.

“That’s my plan.” All three of them offer me happy grins, but it’s the one man here who is her blood I really want to talk to.

I regard Micah. “You’re her brother. Care to offer a nervous man any advice? I’ll take whatever you got.”

Micah leans forward on the bar, his voice firm.

“Look, Johnny, Rachel is loyal to people who treat her with love and respect. So do that for her. Give her that with all of your heart, and I guarantee she will return it right back to you. A hundred times over. That’s how much she cares about people she’s closest to. ”

All three of the OBGs nod in agreement .

Okay, cool. I can do that. I already respect the hell out of her. And I’m pretty sure I’m already halfway aboard the love train.

Randy is next to offer his advice. “Rachel will be the best woman to enter your life, hands down. So, if you are lucky enough to be the one she lets in, take it. Let her in and make her feel safe. Give her security and a soft place to land when she needs it. Because you have no idea how badly she will need it.”

Not a problem. My arms will always be her safe space if that’s what she wants. Always.

Also, I’m pretty sure he is referring to her RA. And unlike her uncle, he respected her privacy and revealed nothing to me.

Point Randy.

Next is Tiny. “I see how you look at her. As if the sun rises and falls in her presence. If this continues into a life together, never stop looking at her that way. She deserves the sun.”

Tiny is a man of few words, but when he chooses them … man! He’s one hundred percent right. Rachel deserves not only the sun, but the moon, stars, the whole freaking galaxy. And I plan on expending all of my energies to give her that.

Slick rolls his glass of water in his hand, pondering his pearls of wisdom. “Got any advice for me, Slick?” I ask as I watch him intently. Rachel and Slick share a deep bond, making his opinion incredibly important to me.

He brings the glass to his lips, the cool water sliding down his throat as he finishes it.

With a sigh, he sets the glass on the bar, the weight of his thoughts pressing on me as I wait.

Micah refills it, giving him time to gather his thoughts.

He breathes in slowly, his eyes narrowing as he regards me, his expression thoughtful.

“I’ve watched Rachel grow up, and it was a sight to behold.

She’s like the daughter I never had. I want her to be happy because God knows she deserves it.

” He rests his hand on my shoulder. “So make her happy. Make her smile, not frown. Make her laugh, not cry. Let her love you, and don’t give her any reason to hate you.

Ever. And please”—he pauses—“take care of her. All I want, more than anything, is for her to be happy.”

In reality, all I expected out of this conversation was some timely advice about a first date.

But these men are giving me life advice.

It’s almost as if they know that whatever this is between Rachel and me will become something permanent.

And the love they have for her is indescribable.

The three of them aren’t even her relatives.

No blood relation. But sometimes, family isn’t always blood.

It can be the people in your life who want nothing but the best for you.

They cheer you on and love you in the process.

That’s the OBGs.

Tiny chimes back in. “Oh, and kiss the shi—”

“Language!” Slick and Randy yell out in unison.

“Gross,” Micah chides and disappears into the kitchen. A wave of laughter washes over us four.

“What?” Tiny asks while also rolling his eyes. “Every woman loves to be kissed within an inch of her life.”

Hopefully, on Saturday, I will get to do just that.