Page 9 of Like You Love Me
London scowled. Being surrounded by family was the only reason he had left Bianca alone. He had a feeling Bianca planned the event at their house on purpose just to get rid of him.
Time quickly passed as they each took turns playing commentary and referee. They were so wrapped up in the game, shouting at the screen with the other patrons, the stresses of the day began to subside. London waited until the halftime show to order another round of beers.
“I heard you have a new contract.”
Jaden looked at London and nodded. “Yep. My lawyer emailed me the contract this morning.”
Autobeauwas offered an unseen seven-figure deal with NASCAR.
“You’re doing big things, Lil’ bro,” Jace said, slapping him on the back. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks. I couldn’t be happier,” Jaden said and appeared uncomfortable with the attention. “But you know it has never been about the money. I’m just glad to be doing something I love.”
London gave an exaggerated wink. “Ha, I’m sure the seven figures they gave you sweetened the deal.”
They shared a collective laugh.
“Exactly,” Jace added. “And it’s not like his wife isn’t making her mark in the world.”
London agreed. “I hear her swimsuit line is exploding.”
“Yes, Danica is an amazing businesswoman.” There was no mistaking the pride on Jaden’s face. “She thinks I have a problem with her traveling for work. I would love to have her home with me, but I would never do anything to hold her back.”
“She is going to be featured inEssence, right?”
Jaden grinned. “Yep, they’re putting her on the cover.” He was sharing the details of the feature when Jabarie came strolling in.
“Sorry, I’m late. I had to drop my crew off at the mall.”
“You are my Marvel superhero,” London said with admiration. He wasn’t sure how Jabarie did it with all the children he and Brenna had. He and Bianca had enough to do with one. “Sierra with them?” He asked between sips.
Jabarie nodded while glancing up at the TV screen. “Ari has things under control.” His teenage daughter knew how to manage her siblings and cousins. “Who’s winning?”
Jaden gave him a raised eyebrow. “Do you have to ask?”
“Actually, yes.”
Jace quickly caught him up to speed on the game during the commercial break.
“You heard from Rance?” Jabarie asked once the game resumed.
Jaden took a sip from the glass and nodded as he said, “Yep, after this season, he’s officially a free agent. It sounds like the Lakers are interested in him.”
“He will never leave Philly,” Jace said with a rude snort.
Jabarie shrugged. “Only time will tell.”
“He gave me six tickets to the next home game.” Jaden’s eyes traveled around the table. “Who wants to make the trip? It’s the third weekend in March.”
“I’m game,” London said.
“I can rent a sprinter,” Jace suggested.
“Or I can get a limo, and we can all drink beer and chill,” Jaden suggested.
Jade nodded in agreement. “That works. Diamere said he’d see us there.” Diamere’s mother was Roger and Richard Beaumont’s sister.
Washington managed to make another touchdown, and the entire table groaned. This was turning out to be an off night for the Cowboys.