My buddy has it bad and I’m happy for him. Blair’s a solid chick.

“Speaking of,” Nathan says and nods to the door as Gabby and Vanessa enter.

Joel and I hang back as everyone else walks over to greet them. I watch Gabby smile and hug Blair and then Nathan. She just moved to Valley, but she and Blair went to high school together and have remained tight, so she’s quickly becoming a regular face at the house.

Her long blonde hair is down, and she keeps her chin tilted down ever-so-slightly so the long strands fall into her face. Her gaze meets mine over Nathan’s shoulder and I hold my breath. I don’t know what it is about her, but when she’s in the room, my palms tingle with anticipation like I’m about to walk out on the floor before a game.

Completely unaware, Joel dribbles in front of me blocking my view of Gabby. I step to the side, but she’s not looking at me anymore. “Hey, man, you busy tomorrow night?”

“No, I don’t think so. Why?”

“Blair wants to have a party for Gabby. Thought we’d take it one step further and throw a surprise party for all the girls. One last big hurrah. You in?”

“Sounds good,” I say absently and turn to the basket and shoot a jumper.

“I’m not even gonna tell Wes until tomorrow so there’s less of a chance he slips and tells Blair.”

“Good call.” I glance back like I’m looking at the happy couple, but they’re not who my eyes settle on.

“You and Wes are going to ride over and pick us up. The girls and I’ll be at the theater for Katrina’s play. Then we’ll ride back to the house together. Cool?”

“I guess so.” I dribble the ball and watch Gabby talk animatedly to the group – eyes bright and hands waving in the air.

Joel takes two steps backward to the door. “I’m heading to Katrina’s. Don’t forget about tomorrow. Oh, and wear something nice. The limo will be downstairs at eight o’clock. Be there or be lame.”

“The limo?”

“Yeah, we’re doing it up right. Classy as fuck.” He winks and jogs backward a few more steps before turning.

Everyone leaves at once and the only one who offers me a goodbye glance is Gabby. She lifts one hand in a small wave, but my response is so delayed that by the time I get my hand in the air to wave back, she’s gone.

With the gym to myself, I lift the headphones from around my neck and settle them on my ears, rack the extra balls, and start my routine. I’ve just finished my ball-handling warmup and am starting in on my shooting drills when Wes returns. I drop my headphones back to my neck.

“Are you getting in another workout?” he asks as he walks over to the rack.

“Nah, not really, just thought I’d get my shots in and kill some time until I can eat my last meal of the day.”