His excitement
Chapter 34 His excitement
UNIVERSITY OF LOS ANGELES, CA.
Leo still couldn’t believe the words he had heard from Darby yesterday as he drove down to meet Aaron at the college where he was coaching. It’s Friday and the anxiety he feels is still a bit on the rise. To avoid falling into shock with the information he had hurdled up in his chest, he had asked Kingston to cancel all of his appointments and called his friend for a meetup.
Usually, Leo would have waited for Aaron to return home but he just couldn’t hold himself back. The moment he saw the college main gate, his excitement heightened. He drove straight to the basketball arena. Since this was his Alma mater it didn’t take long for him to reach his destination. Aaron seem to have let the players loose to do whatever they want for practice because of his coming.
“Are you done with practice? I hope you didn’t stop because of me?” Leo asked suddenly feeling guilty.
Aaron snickered. “You aren’t that special. We have been at it for sometime. I only asked them to take a break from my orders and do their thing.”
“Does that mean we can leave here?” He asked hopefully.
“Sure, give me a minute.” Aaron said, running towards the boys. “Alright, guys. You can all leave when you are done here. Don’t forget to clean up nicely after you all leave. Also be sure to come early to practice tomorrow, anyone who comes late will have a problem with me.” He warned sternly.
Leo was laughing when he returned. “Is this you?”
“What do you mean?” His friend asked surprised.
“I have never seen you look so serious. Nothing has ever made you act like an adult.”
He shrugged, “I have no other choice but to do that. Some of this guys are almost my age mates. I am the youngest coach they have ever had. But probably being a good team player must have prompted the school authorities to take me in. I am enjoying it, but they can be really annoying.”Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Leo nodded his head while laughing. “I guess that’s karma for you. It’s not like we ever made coach’s life easy during high school.”
“We were just teens.” Aaron defended.
“So are this ones.” Leo pressed on.
“Oh please, this bearded group of men are nothing near teenagers.”
“You are just being mean.”
Aaron laughed heartily. “Let’s head to the coffee shop there, they have the best croissants I have ever tasted and I am sure you would love it.”
Leo glanced at the fancy building. “This wasn’t here before.”
“Yeah, things have changed a lot since you left. Let’s go in.”
Leaving the order for Aaron, Leo sat at a table next to the entrance. “Thank you.” He muttered receiving the coffee his friend got him.
Aaron beamed as he pulled out a chair to sit in. “You are welcome. Try out the croissant.” He urged.
Picking it up gingerly, Leo took a bite. His eyes rounded as he chewed. “Damn! This is heavenly.”
“I told you.” He mused, taking one for him. Amidst mouthful he asked the question that had been on his mind. “i must say, I was quite surprised when you asked if it’s okay for you to drive down here. Whatever you have to say must be weighing on your mind a lot.”
A wide grin spread out on Leo’s lips as he sipped on his drink. “I can’t tell you how excited I am. I want to share it with you face to face because you are the only one who knows the story. Telling you on phone would have deflated the joy within me.”
“Okay, I am really anxious to hear it now.”
“Darby agreed for me to meet with my son this Sunday.”
Aaron face morphed into a smile. “Wow, man! That’s an amazing feat. What changed her mind?”
Leo shrugged. “I have no idea. I would have lifted her off the ground due to my excitement if she stayed a bit longer.”
Aaron observed his friend closely and a light chuckle escaped his lips. “This is the best mood I have seen you in for the past few years.”
He nodded in agreement. “I had met with Chloe yesterday on the cake tasting with her mother and she also noticed how alive my face was. I didn’t even realize I had a grin on my face.”
“So, will you tell Chloe? Even though I don’t think you should tell her.”
Exhaling, Leo smacked his lips. “Actually, Darby insists that I tell Chloe. But I promised to do that as soon as I meet with my son.”
Sinking his teeth into another croissant, Aaron hummed. “Darby is a sensible lady, I think I would love to meet her. She seems like the perfect match for you.”
“I have a fiancée.”
“Many weddings have been called off at the altar. You still have few weeks to go.”
“Darby is happy with the man she is with.”
“But you are obviously unhappy with it. Moreover, it’s not like they are married.” Aaron insisted.
“Can you please stop.” Leo huffed slapping his forehead. “I don’t want to ruin anything for the both of us. Mind you, it’s all just teenage lusts that I have for Darby, it’s nothing serious. I care for Chloe more than I would care for any other woman.”
“Keep lying to yourself. Even if it isn’t Darby, there has to be someone else out there who deserves you better than Chloe.”
“Back off my woman, please.”
“Only because you beg me to.”
“You have lost your damn mind.” Leo chuckled, grabbing the last croissant.
“So have you thought on any gift, probably toys to take to the boy you are meeting for the first time in four years?” Aaron inquired.
“Shit!” He exclaimed tapping his neck. “I didn’t think of it. You are too reasonable for your age.” Leo teased.
“I hate being of help to you.” He snickered in response.
“Do you think it’s okay if I get the toys now?”
“Can’t you do that tomorrow and have it kept in your car?”
“I won’t have time tomorrow, my mom is throwing a brunch for the success of her movie that would escalate to a dinner. I have to be present with Chloe, she would take note of my every move. I don’t think I want to start explaining why I went shopping for children toys. None of us has nephews or nieces.”
“All you need to say is you got it for your future kids.” Aaron laughed throwing his head to the back.
Leo snorted. “You are so annoying.”
“Let’s go together then. I don’t have anything doing for the day and we can get to spend the night together. Or do you have to go home to Chloe?”
“Not at all. I would love to stay back, I might end up sleepwalking if I return home tonight. I can’t wait for Sunday to be here.”
Aaron made a face. “It’s so funny seeing you act like a child who got gifted a full scoop of candy.”
Leo laughed heartily. “Quit taking jabs at me and let’s go do some toy shopping.”
“Aye, aye, captain! Pirate Aaron at your service.” He stomped his feet doing a mock bow as they stepped out.
Leo couldn’t resist the laughter that rumbled through his insides as he tried to shake off the fear clouding his subconscious.