Page 84 of Kove and Xiah

“You better because it’s a hot mess and we’re going to need to recap.”

“I’m pulling up at my house. Have fun tonight and text me 911 if shit goes left.”

I grinned. “I will but don’t put that on me.”

Koa laughed. “I won’t. Love you, hoe.”

“Love you too, trick.”

Chapter 19

Kove

“The fuck you doing,tighten up your D,” Jabari yelled after we lost the ball because Kreden, one of the G-League players they pulled up, turned the ball over.

“My bad.”

“Ain’t no my bad, Kree. Tighten that shit up,” Meyer repeated before jogging backwards down the court. I walked past Kreden and bumped his fist.

“You’re overthinking shit. Stop letting them get in your head. If you want a spot you gotta show them you deserve it.”

He nodded and gripped the back of his neck. “You can say that, you have one. I’m split between here and the G-League.” His tone was clipped from frustration. He left college his junior year, entered the draft, and was in his third year in the G-league. This year they’d pulled him up but he wasn’t promised any time on the court.

“The fuck you whining for? You either want this shit or you don’t. I worked for mine. Work for yours,” I said and he nodded stiffly.

“The fuck y’all doing, let’s go. This is the last run before we go home,” Meyer yelled out and I took off down court, waiting for offense to bring the ball down. Kreden followed me and playedlike he had some damn sense. He knocked the ball away from Kameron and tipped it forward enough for Jabari to grab it and make a run down court. I took off and we did a rotation at the top of the key. He sent it to Meyer first who faked like he was about to cut through the paint but he pulled back and sent a chest pass to me after I crossed under the goal, made it out to the corner, and posted up behind the three point line.

“All fucking net,” I yelled, nodded, and walked to the side after Coach called the game.

“I see you finally got your shit together,” Jabari joked when he moved past me to grab a water bottle from the bleachers.

I smirked and nodded. “My shit was already together. Rowe was just trying to keep a check.”

Meyer laughed. “Shit, you might be right. I ain’t never think about it like that.”

“Vaughn, let’s go.”

I dapped them both and grabbed my water bottle. “I’m out.”

I caught up with Coach and followed him to the staff offices that overlooked the practice court. When we entered his, he leaned against his desk and folded his arms over his chest.

“Our first preseason game is coming up. How do you feel about hitting the court?”

I shrugged. “Shit I’m ready.”

“Good, I’m starting you for preseason. You’re finding your rhythm out there but I want to make sure you can show up for game time. If you can deliver, the spot is yours.”

“’Preciate that.”

“Don’t get too comfortable. I have no problem changing the lineup. I want a championship and that means doing whatever’s necessary.”

“Understood.”

“Aight, that’s all. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”

I nodded and left Coach’s office, heading to the locker room. As soon as I walked in, everyone was standing around waiting. Meyer was the first to speak.

“You got that spot?”