Chapter 4 (Indigo's POV)

A few weeks had gone by since my last conversation with Mr. Jayson. Now with work and these added on programs I was really busy. And with the bigger paycheck, I was able to buy some really nice things for me and my sister and get my new car tinted and detailed. And I even went out with Jonah a few times so things were looking up. Coincidentally my biggest concern solved itself. I hardly ran into Jayson when I gave instruction to Duce. With our schedules he was out the door as I was coming in so we rarely saw each other just a quick hello and bye. And I was gone by the time he came back from a home game. I saw him more at the few games Jonah had taken me to then in his own home. Which was good I suppose. It wasn't like I was hoping to see a lot more of him but I definitely was nervous beforehand because I figured I would be close around him like some of the other parents.

And after that last encounter we had I didn't know what to expect coming to his home. But it was quite nice and with him not there I didn't have to worry about being distracted. I was really making progress with my members/students. I hadn't been this creative and innovative in a min but everyone seemed to enjoy it. And already making strides with this new program, I knew a bonus was for sure coming, so I was happy about that.

I had a schedule for the weekend and was finishing an outside group lesson for my outreach members so they could enjoy the weather before break and the rainstorm coming. After this I had a reschedule with Duce and he would be my last till this long weekend I couldn't wait. As I went over I saw that Jayson's car was still here. At some point we had to do an observation period where the parent had to sit in with us and their child and give a review. I had done the rest of this with my other members. Duce was last, I was hoping it would be his mother doing the observation period with me.

I knocked on the door and walked into the sound of Duce yelling my name. "It's good to see you to." I said to him with a laugh as he rushed past the housekeeper who opened the door to hug me. He was just so adorable, we got ready for our lesson and as he was excitedly chatting about what we were doing today. I heard a smooth deep voice behind me. "Hey Indi how are you?" I turned around to see Jayson standing there typing away on his phone. "Hello Mr. Jayson I'm fine thank you for asking" Since he had a home game later tonight he was dressed up from the usual sweats and shorts I saw him in. He had on some Jordans and a blue and white graphic tee with acid washed jeans (outfit above). He was looking good. I tried to not pay him any attention but with him standing here looking like this i couldn't help but look him up and down. He was looking good as hell and his clothes fit him just right. I know his stylist had fun because he had a perfect frame. He had gotten a haircut as well so his bread and hairline was looking nice. His eyes were a deep reflective brown and looking closer at him I noticed he had a light band of freckles that ran across his nose. I was peeping him up and down as he went and sat down when Duce tapped me and brought my attention back to our lesson. I couldn't help but look but my job came first, and I wanted to get this observation period over. We were really getting ahead with his project and quickly started coming up with ideas and using the materials I brought with me.  As we were chatting and working away the storm clouds rolled in.

"Okay Duce you just keep doing that while I pull up the video"

"Okay Ms. Quint"

I got up and fished through my bag for my ipad, when Jayson spoke. He had been observing me quietly this whole time not asking me much, except a few questions. "Indi did you want anything to drink or snack for you and Duce I don't mind having something made."

"I am fine on snacks thank you but some water would be fine."

"I want a snack Dad!" Duce shouted

"Okay grandma will actually be over soon so she can fix you something to eat. I'll be right back with your water Indi"

He got up and left while me and Duce finished up our lesson. While we were cleaning up and watching the video. I heard voices chatting getting louder coming up the hallway. Jayson came into the room with his mother. I had met her a few times when she came to pick up Duce and during in-home instruction.

"Duce look who's here", he said as she came over and hugged Duce.

"Hey grandma" Duce said with a smile

"Hey baby" she said back

I stood up to say hello

"Hello Ms. Brandi it's nice to see you again" I said, shaking her hand warmly. She smiled back at me "Nice to see you again as well Ms. Indi"

Jayson came over and handed me a glass of water. "Mom Indi is now teaching Duce how to use art as therapy and discover new art techniques, he's actually really good at it."

"Well of course my baby is smart and talented just like my first baby" she said, reaching to pinch Jayson's cheek.

He seemed to get embarrassed turning red, "mama really" he said, seeming to get shy all of sudden.

"Boy please don't even do that" she said with a laugh "Anyway Duce you want something to eat?"

He said yes and they strolled to the kitchen telling goodbye to me and his Dad. The area we used today was pretty much clean. I just had to sort my bag and pick up any scraps. Setting the water down on the table I strolled to my stuff and began packing up. "Let me help you," Jayson said, picking up the books on the floor and handing them to me. "Thank you" our hands touched and I felt that same warmth from before.

"You look really nice today," he said to me, gently smiling, his eyes looking into mine. "I mean every time I see you look nice but I never get a chance to tell you"

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks causing me to pull away from his hands, taking the books and placing them in my bag.

"Well um thank you you look nice as well", I stammered, " and yes with our schedules it does seem I am coming in as you're leaving."

"Yeah I suppose you're right, kind of a bummer though. I enjoyed watching you, I mean working with my son that is. You really have a knack for art and teaching and he enjoys it."

"Thank you mr. Jayson'' I put the rest of my things away while we made small talk. By then the rain had started falling. At first light but soon the rain turned thunderous and into a downpour. "Hm I guess the rain came early, it's supposed to storm this weekend" I said

"Yeah, hopefully it clears out. They even said it could be some flash flooding."

"Yeah that is supposed to happen later but I'll be going in a minute, Jayson, so it was nice to see you again. Good luck on your game this evening." I said to him heading to the door. As I was getting prepared to head through the rain to my car, I heard Jayson call after me. "Wait Indi," he said, walking quickly up to me and grabbing my arm gently, "why don't you stay?" He said gazing into my eyes. "The rain isn't letting up anytime soon, and If you'd like you can stay here, wait out the rain instead of driving in this. I would feel better anyway if you didn't drive in this knowing that you're safe." He said softly true concern flashing across his face. I had driven in a rain like this before so it wasn't a problem but the look he gave made me decide to accept his invitation.

"Okay thank you Mr.Tat- I mean Jayson, sorry I'm still getting used to that." I said. He let go of my arm and walked behind me back into the living room and we sat back down on the couch.

"It's okay, I've been wondering though you seem kind of young working this profession compared to your coworkers. How old are you again?"

"I'm 23 I'll be 24 in July" i said taking my seat across from him

"Oh so we were born in 98 like me, but you a youngin I see cause I'm older than you my birthday is in March

"You are not that much older than me so don't do that," i said as i rolled my eyes and we both laughed, "but that's true I guess I was born in a little later in 98', and well happy belated birthday"

"Thank you"

We made idle chatter while the storm rolled on the soft hum of the tv in the background blending in with the sound of the rain. I didn't realize it but he was so easy to talk to. I guess being the same age had a role but he was fun to talk to as well. Duce had come back through a few times but he was mainly with his grandmother and the housekeeper Teressa so it was just us talking alone. Instead of the rain letting up it started coming down even harder. There was a crack of thunder and lightning that scared me slightly. Me and Jayson while talking had shrunk the distance between us. So by the time the thunder struck we were only inches apart. The loud boom made me jump and reach out and grab his arm while I let out a small yelp. Before I realized what I had done he grabbed my hand and pulled me a little closer, holding me. "You okay?" he asked, looking down at me. He was really close, I felt my heart beating fast, us only being separated by a small gap. He smelled so good, I couldn't help but take a deep breath in to get a whiff. He rubbed my arm gently making me feel shivers. His gaze was so intense I couldn't help but get embarrassed as I felt my cheeks get red.

"Yes I'm fine, just a little caught off guard, sorry" I said as I turned away from his gaze moving a little away from him.

"It's okay it is coming down out there" he said, letting go of my hand as I moved away. He suddenly got a phone call.

While he was on the phone my sister had texted me, she said the roads were being closed because of the storm and the river overflowing. I can't believe this, I thought. We texted and I told her the situation about me being at one of my member's houses and she let me know that she would look out for any changes so that I could come home but that it was good I was in a place safe and dry. I put my phone down to look up and see Jayson a lil distressed. "What's wrong?" I asked

"We'll you probably already know, but there's flash flooding so our game is canceled for today." He said running his hands through his curls clearly upset. "I was really looking forward to this game too. It was supposed to be a special game to honor our international NBA family and we were playing the Bucks. Me and Giannis have a fun rivalry going on and he always brings out the best in me when we play '' he said with a smile as he went on about some of his other "rivalries' ' with other players and teams. We talked about basketball more since I used to play and about the weather and how it sucked for the game to have to be rescheduled. "I was actually gonna go to y'all's game today with my friend, I enjoy watching you play, you look really good out there on the court." I said. He gave me a look and smirked "Oh so you be watching me huh?" He said with a laugh "Not like that! Like you and the team have a good game and I enjoy watching you play basketball you love the game for sure '' I stammered slightly embarrassed again. He gave a deep laugh that vibrated the couch making me feel a vibration among other places. "I know what you mean Indi, I was just messing with you. But I'm glad you enjoy the games. I really try to give my all for my family and the city of Boston, I love the game for sure." He said. This man really was amazing and not just in looks but he had a nice personality as well, he was caring, strong, and a determined young man. At only 24 he was already on his way to becoming MVP and a pillar in his community here and back in his hometown, St. Louis. I was still admiring him when my eyes met his and everything paused for a bit. I guess he had been looking at me just as intently because he had a look in his eyes that made my stomach do flips. That moment seemed like an eternity when a familiar voice broke it.