The following Tuesday morning, Luke awakened in his bed in Richmond. He could smell the food all the way upstairs. It was five a.m. The usual time for his workout. Since training camp was scheduled for the entire week, he knew he would get an intense workout with the team. His plan was to check the security features he had put in everyone’s houses to ensure everything was working as planned. The scent of the food let him know his plans had been altered. He sniffed the air trying to determine which one of his sisters was in his kitchen. The aroma was different, however, he was going with Diamond. She was always trying new recipes and after all, she lived the closest. He jumped in the shower, dressed in a pair of sweats and a tee shirt then made his way downstairs.
To his surprise it wasn’t any of his sisters or his mother. It was Matt and Leah in his kitchen.
“Good morning,” Luke said as he came down the stairs. “This is a surprise.” He bumped fists with Matt, then kissed Leah on the cheek.
“Did we wake you?” Leah asked as she stood at the stove top cooking something that smelled like heaven.
“He should be up already,” Matt stated. “What time do you have to be at the facility?”
“The players are scheduled for eight a.m.,” he replied while taking a seat at the island. “I plan to get there by seven. What are you guys doing here?”
“Matt said the sisters take turns coming over to cook for you when you’re here for training camp. Since most of them do dinners, I decided to do breakfast. I hope you like burritos, with green and red peppers, avocado, black beans, tomatoes, lots of cheese, homemade salsa and since you like things spicy, I added a little hot sauce.”
She placed the burrito on a plate in front of him then cut it in half.
The aroma was so tantalizing, Luke did not wait for it to cool off before picking it up and biting into it.
“Man, doesn’t that burn your mouth?”
“Some things are worth getting a little burn,” Luke continued to chew.
Leah smiled and placed a glass of juice next to his plate. “Matt said you don’t really do caffeine, so I made a smoothie with various juices. I added a little protein to give it an extra boost.”
Luke tasted the drink and nodded. He glanced at Matt. “Does she cook like this every day?”
“Breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Matt smiled.
“You really should marry that woman. If you don’t I will.”
Matt kissed Leah. “No, this one is all mine. You are going to have to find your own.”
Leah laughed. “You know, Terry is still available. She can’t cook like me, but, she does have other attributes.”
“I’m pretty sure Terry is not speaking to me after what happened last year.” Luke continued to eat.
“I don’t know,” Leah shrugged. “I think she knows that was a woman eager to get your attention, who went about it the wrong way. And you did apologize. If you give her a call, I’m pretty sure she will answer.”
Luke glanced at Matt.
“Don’t look at me,” he sat at the island next to him. “Terry’s my boss. I warned you about her when I introduced you two. And what did you do? Exactly what I anticipated, you messed it up. Quick, fast and in a hurry.”
“Hey, man that was not my intent. I did not invite Clovia to Richmond or anywhere else,” Luke exclaimed.
“Where is she now?” Leah asked.
“Damn if I know,” Luke replied. “I spoke to her once after that incident and have not heard from her since.”
“And what about the other woman?” Leah asked.
“Trish Hargrove,” Matt laughed. “I don’t think you really have to worry about her anymore. Thanks to our sisters she has sworn off of anyone related to the Lassiters.”
Luke laughed, remembering Trish’s reaction when she discovered he was a Lassiter. “Hey, she was serious about pulling Clovia out of the grips of the Gems.”
“Smart woman,” Leah smiled. “She warned Terry too. That was really funny.”
“You still haven’t been seeing anyone on the serious tip?” Matt asked.
“Nope.” Luke replied. “I may be horny, but my life is in calm mode and I like that.”
“Terry might be willing to help with that edge.”
Matt glared at Leah, causing Luke to laugh.
“What are you doing?”
“Trying to get a sister a shot of a Lassiter, because she damn sure can’t have a shot of you.” Leah replied.
“Terry is my boss,” Matt responded.
To kill the conversation Luke spoke up. “Terry is cool people. The camp is open to the public starting Wednesday. Why don’t you invite her to join us when the family comes? If things fall into place, she may be an option.”
“Good idea,” Leah smiled at Matt with a huff.
“Bad idea,” Matt replied. “Isn’t the media going to be there? What if Clovia shows up again?”
“She’s not allowed to cover any of my activities. She can cover games, but must clear all interactions with me through Nick.”
“You got it like that with the network?” Matt raised an eyebrow.
“I got it like that with Nick. He has it like that with the network.”
The next day as planned, the family showed up and out on the sidelines of the field. Everyone and the children came out for the practice. To his surprise, Terry did join them. While signing autographs for fans, Luke talked with the family and greeted Terry.
“You are a sight to see, Principal Ballard,” Luke smiled.
“Oh, we are back to titles,” she smiled.
“I did not want to take a chance of you smacking me in public for what happened.”
“You apologized. I accepted. It is in the past so let’s let that go.”
“Agreed,” Luke smiled. “A few of my teammates are coming to the center at Davenport Estates later tonight. Would you like to join us?”
“I would be honored.” Terry replied.
“Hey Lassiter,” Randall called out. “A few fans want you down here.”
“Coming,” Luke smiled. “I’ll see you guys tonight,” he said to the family then moved on.
The conference room was crowded with family, friends and a few select members of the team. This was his second year in a three-year deal with Washington. It was good to be close to home. It allowed him to host some of his teammates and share his city with them. Tonight, with the family, he only invited those team members he had become friends with off the field, Randall and Kevon. The two had his work ethics and personalities he respected off the field.
Diamond had gone all out with the food and refreshments, as she always did for every event at the center. Her team was handling the guests, which included several dignitaries from the city. It was the first time Luke had had the opportunity to really watch LT and Phire in public. They made a striking couple and for some reason his little sister did not look so little anymore. On LT’s arm, Phire, in his eyes, became Sapphire. She was sophisticated, graceful and downright beautiful. He wondered if LT had any idea just how dangerous she had become.
“Hey.”
Luke turned to see Kevon and Randall walking towards him with drinks in their hands. “What’s up fellas? Are you enjoying yourselves?”
“Lassiter, you know how to bring the women out,” Randall laughed. “I haven’t seen this many fine women in one room since I’ve been with Washington.”
“That’s because most of these women are family.” Luke replied.
“Are they?” Kevon asked. “Are they all sisters?”
“Only six of them, some of the others are sisters-in-law. But, you know I thought of you guys. There are a few who are single, but they are not the one nighter types, you know what I mean.”
“Man, I see them all day, every day,” Kevon stated. “It’s kind of nice to be around a few down to earth women. Especially if they look like these.”
“Gentlemen, are we enjoying ourselves,” Nick, their agent asked as he joined the group.
Luke smiled. “Nick, glad you could make it. Is Ericka with you?”
“Yes, she’s upstairs at Xavier’s place with Nicole and the babies,” He beamed.
“That’s right you have a newborn,” Luke nodded. “How is fatherhood?”
“Two months old and I would not change any minute of the two am feedings. I get to watch my beautiful wife breastfeed.” He smiled. “There is nothing more beautiful.”
“You sound like a man in love with his wife.” Kevon smiled.
“I’m in love with life,” Nick replied. “When you find the right woman and your thoughts are on the same path, you have reached stardom.”
“I want that one day,” Randall nodded.
“Don’t we all?” Luke agreed.
“I don’t know,” Kevon exhaled. “I want that, but I don’t want a dull everyday wife. I want a woman who can keep the spark in our relationship. Once it gets past a month or two with women nowadays, it all turns to, when are you coming home, or when can we go shopping again?”
“That’s the sign of a man dating the wrong women,” Nick chuckled. “I suggest you try something other than picking up women from the sidelines looking for a man to take care of them and find one with a life of her own.”
“Good advice,” Luke said, “But they are not easy to come by.”
“Hmm,” Kevon nudged Luke, “who is that by the door. Tell me that is not one of your sisters?”
Luke glanced in the direction Kevon motioned to and started laughing. “No, it’s not, but man it is clear you have a type.”
“Whatever type she is, I want to say hello to her.” Kevon continued watching the woman.
Luke grabbed Diamond as she was walking by. “Diamond, do you think you could do me a favor and invite Trish over.”
Diamond frowned as she put her hands on her hips. “No. Didn’t we tell you she is not for you?”
“Kevon would like to meet her, not me.” Luke responded.
Diamond smiled, “Oh. In that case, yes, I will be happy to introduce her to Kevon. Come with me.”
“Isn’t that Trish Hargrove,” Nick asked.
“Yep,” Luke replied.
The two men fell out laughing.
“What’s the joke?” Randall asked.
“She is exactly the type of woman Nick just warned Kevon about.”
“She is fine,” Randall shrugged.
“Yes, and is talented in spending a man’s fortune.” Nick replied.
“One of you should warn him,” Randall stated.
Nick and Luke looked at each other, then said, “Nope.” And walked away.
Matt intercepted Luke. “I can’t believe you invited Trish Hargrove to this party after inviting Terry.”
“I did not invite her,” Luke explained. “She works for Diamond. She is one of the hostesses for tonight.”
“Are you going to explain that to Terry?”
“No,” Luke replied. “I don’t have to explain myself to any woman. Except Sally. Now, you on the other hand will have to explain all of this to Leah. Good luck.” He smiled at his brother as Leah and Terry approached them. “Good evening ladies. I’m happy you could join us.”
“Hello Luke,” Leah smiled as Matt took her hand.
“Thank you for inviting us,” Terry responded
“You came to slay tonight, I see,” Luke smiled at Terry.
“I understand there’s a lion that needs to be tamed. I believe I am the lioness who can give an assist.”
Luke smiled as he held out his arm to her. “Join me for a drink?”
“I would love to,” Terry replied.
Luke glanced at Matt and winked as they walked away.
“You guys sure do know how to release that testosterone when you are off the field,” Terry smiled as they stopped at the bar.
Luke handed her a drink, as he replied. “We have our ways.”
“I bet you do,” Terry took a drink. “Leah mentioned you have a particular need to fulfill. I’m down. No strings attached. Frankly I’m curious to see what is so intriguing about Lassiter men that has women going crazy.”
“It’s the magnetism I believe,” Luke smiled. “However, to appease your curiosity, my place happens to be upstairs, whenever you are ready.”
“There is no time like the present,” Terry replied.
“I love it when a woman knows what she wants.”