His Secret Obsession
Chapter 111

***6 Months Later***

"Dad, you're coming early, right? Parking has been horrible the last two games." I reminded him as I held the phone up to my ear before running a brush through my hair.

Tina actually set my dad up on a blind date with her. It was totally out of his comfort zone but he finally agreed to do it after some major begging on my part. Melody is a thirty-six-year-old hairdresser who owns a shop in town. She has black hair and brown eyes, her skin is a gorgeous caramel color and I guess she is a widow as well. Her husband died when he was deployed ten years ago and she never remarried or had kids. They have been seeing each other for a month now and this is the first group outing they are going on together.

I could tell he was nervous by the way he had called me four times today. I think he wants to make it official and is going to ask her to be his girlfriend..I just get that vibe..my dad is doing things he hasn't done in years. I guess he even took her dancing and stuff like that. It's so freaking wonderful to see this side of him and I only wish them the best. I really really like her...like a lot, so I am praying it works out.

Jackie will be there too, she is coming to pick me up so we can head to the game together. She and Carson are still going strong but Carson still lives with my dad and has actually joined an internship to work on cars and is working on getting his degree in Automotive Technology. I am so freaking proud of him, my dad is too and I can just see how much happier he is since everything happened with his parents. They are on talking terms now but Carson calls the shots. He has made it so they don't have any ammunition against him and can't use manipulative tactics to control him.

Mack is still struggling to accomplish that very thing..I can see the effort though and when her mom tries to guilt trip her in doing what she wants, Mack actually puts her foot down now. She is in California still and is doing great in the drama program she's enrolled in. She just got a small role in a play at her school and I am so happy for her. From what she has told me, she has sworn off men for the time being and is focusing solely on herself. Her therapist suggested taking a year just to discover herself and build up her confidence and self-esteem.

But if Asher ends up being drafted by the Lakers, Mack and I will be in the same area again. I will be sad to move, but I am also relieved I will have her there at least. But truthfully, I would go anywhere for Asher..as long as his dreams are coming true I am happy, no matter where we go. Plus I can transfer my degree to the college out there easily, we already looked into it.

"Okay, see you soon bug, love you." My dad said before hanging up and I quickly checked myself out in the mirror and straightened the basketball jersey I was wearing with the number 74 on it. Asher had it specially made just for me...on the back it says Mrs. McNeal and I have worn it to every game this season. But today..today is the most important day of Asher's life..well, that's how I feel at least. He says the day of our wedding was that day but this is pretty damn special. Today the scouts for the Lakers are here specifically just to watch Asher play. The coach got word from a guy he knows that works with the team so Asher has been preparing for this all week.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and I quickly turned the bathroom light off and headed towards the front of our apartment. After opening the door, I saw a smiling Jackie waiting for me with Scott right behind her. Yes, Scott still lives in the apartment..and guess what, he met someone..that day at our wedding. He is dating Asher's mom now, Tina McNeal. Asher was shocked at first but then he slowly warmed up to it after Scott proved it wasn't just a fling. They are pretty serious about each other and I wouldn't be surprised if Scott actually moved in with her soon. Tina is seven years older than him, but he doesn't seem to mind one bit..

On a sadder note, Asher's father ended up passing away a month ago. It was really hard for him to come to terms with, but I think he got the closure he needed. He ended up forgiving his dad and they would talk every now and then. We went to the funeral and I met Asher's stepbrother's and some more of his family. One person I did meet ended up making my eyes practically bulge out when I saw him for the first time..so apparently those pictures "Ronan" sent me ended up being one of Asher's cousins on his dad's side..yeah, that was so freaking awkward. He looked just like his pictures and Asher actually got super jealous when the cousin started talking to me and I swear he almost got into a fight. The poor guy didn't even know what was going on..you can only blame Asher for that..why he used his cousin's picture baffles me..he didn't think that one through very well, obviously I would meet him at some point.

But overall it was a really nice funeral and I think it helped Asher heal a little more. I was by his side the whole time and we got through it together. He will never have to go through something like that alone..I made sure to remind him of that multiple times throughout the whole trip. Asher and I are even more in love than we were the day of our wedding. I just can't get enough of the guy..I'm obsessed to say the least.

Scott drove us to the stadium and we ended up getting some seats that were really close to the front. I couldn't help but bite my lip nervously as I scanned the stadium, looking for any sign of the scouts.

"I think that's them right there." Scott muttered under his breath, pointing to two men with checkered suits and slicked-back hair. They looked super weathly and stuck out like a sore thumb..you would think they would try to blend in a little better. Just then, my dad, Uncle, Asher's mom, and Melody walked up and took the seats we were saving for them. Scott gave Tina a kiss and my uncle sidled up next to me. He had a huge ass hot dog in one hand and a beer in the other.

"Want a bite kiddo?" He asked making me frown as I looked down at it. I was way too nervous to eat anything..I felt sick to my stomach, in fact, I felt like that all week. Must be sympathy nerves for Asher...

"I'm good..how did the drive over go?" I asked quietly before dragging my gaze to my dad and Melody, he was laughing at something she said and I couldn't help but smile.

"Think he is making it official tonight after we all meet up at Sandy's." He informed me and I gave him a goofy grin, unable to contain my excitement as my uncle laughed.

"What about you? No one able to tie down the elusive Jack Lewis yet?" I teased, making him roll his eyes as he shook his head.

"Nope, not my thing." He quipped making me laugh.

"You just wait Uncle Jack..I can't wait until you meet a girl that will knock you on your ass..I hope she gives you hell too..because you kind of deserve it." I teased, making my uncle gasp in mock offense as he frowned and took an aggressive bite of his hot dog. "Don't be putting that on me..I don't want that shit going into the universe Em, I'm serious." He grumbled, making me burst out in laughter, and before I could say anything else the music picked up, and out ran the wolverines. I couldn't help but cheer as I saw Asher leading his team onto the court. His eyes began scanning the crowd before they landed on me. He instantly smiled brightly..that special smile only meant for me as I placed my hand against my mouth, blowing him his kiss that he pretended to catch and placed his hand over his heart. That was how he started every game.

I might be the most envied girl in this stadium because I am the only one that has ever stolen Asher McNeal's heart and I am never giving it up..it is mine and only mine forever.