The Color of Hope - By Kim Tate Page 0,20

defensive move he wanted to counter,” Charley said.

Stephanie noticed more and more people, non–family members, coming into the gym and standing off to the side. She turned to Janelle. “Is something happening after this?”

Janelle looked toward the gym entrance. “Volunteers from New Jerusalem and Calvary come at ten to set up for the service tomorrow.”

Marcus jogged over when the Under 30s huddle broke. Charley handed him a hand towel and a water bottle. He wiped his face, took a swig, and exchanged a few words. Stephanie watched him jog back.

She looked at Charley. “This little refreshment stand you’ve got going . . . I’m noticing the only member of your team who’s benefiting is Marcus.”

“Well.” Charley blushed. “Remember he asked if I would have his back? As I was leaving the house this morning, it hit me that I could offer more than cheer support. It was nothing to grab a towel and a couple bottles of water.”

“Uh-huh.” Stephanie eyed her. “I’m sure it was nothing.”

Janelle was waving across the gym. “There’s Trina. She must be on the setup committee.”

Trina spotted the arm-waving and headed over. “Hey, y’all!” She doled out hugs. “How’s reunion weekend? Are y’all having a blast?” She got to Charley. “Hey, you hanging out with the Sanders family?”

Janelle answered for her. “We had a great time last night,” she said, “and tonight is our family dinner and talent show at a hotel in Rocky Mount, and there’s a party afterward. I know it’s last-minute, but you’re welcome to come to the party if you can.”

Trina smiled big. “Sounds fun. I’d love to.” She looked out on the court. “Is the game over? I wanted to get here earlier, but I got caught up running errands.”

“Only a few seconds left,” Stephanie said. “It’s been exciting.” She paused. “You knew about the family basketball game?”

“Travis told me,” Trina said.

Stephanie stole a glance with Janelle. Since when did Trina talk to Travis? Maybe he’d mentioned it in passing at church.

The whistle blew and the Under 30s got ready to inbound the ball again.

Libby had gone up into the stands for a moment, but at the sound of the whistle, she hurried back. “Where’s our cheer, Steph? Let’s pump it up!”

Stephanie shook the questions from her head and shouted, “Aggressive!” Everyone knew what she meant and began chanting,“Be aggressive, B-e aggressive, B-e a-g-g-r-e-s-s-i-v-e, aggressive, B-e aggressive!”

The Under 30 team inbounded the ball, and Marcus got it right away. He made a fast break for the basket, but Travis stole the ball from him.

Libby pumped her fist, jumping up and down. “Go, Trav, go! Team Wood! Over 30s!”

Travis tried to pass to Kory, but Kory was being blocked, so Travis took it to the net and dunked it, beating the buzzer.

A thunder of cheers rose from the sidelines and bleachers. The cheerleaders ran out onto the court. Stephanie found Lindell and bear-hugged him. “Babe, y’all did it! Y’all did it!” He was covered in sweat, but she was too excited to care.

Cyd hugged Cedric. Janelle and the little girls tackled Kory. And Stephanie looked around for Travis. Libby was high-fiving him, and they shared an excited hug. Stephanie’s gaze then moved to Trina, who was watching from the sidelines.

Travis held up his hands to get people’s attention. “I hate to break up the celebration—believe me, it will continue throughout the day—but we need to set up chairs and equipment for service tomorrow. We older guys want to thank you for cheering us to victory.” He wiped sweat from his brow. “If you have any Advil, we’d appreciate the donation.”

Stephanie made her way to Libby. “Hey, Lib, why don’t we all stay and help set up?”

“Steph, you know I’m not into the joint service thing. Plus, I’ve got a lot to do to get ready for tonight, which includes a quick nap.” Libby already had her purse on her shoulder, car keys in hand. “I’ll meet y’all back at the house.” She stopped to say something to Travis and was gone.

Stephanie couldn’t help it. Her eyes followed Trina as she approached Travis. They didn’t hug, but the way she smiled at him, the proximity between them, the flow of conversation . . . there was a familiarity there.

Janelle joined Stephanie. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

“Yep.” Stephanie sighed. “You’ve been down here this summer. Had you noticed anything between them?”

“Not really.” Janelle had her eyes on them. “I’ve seen them talking at church, but Travis is friendly with everybody, so I didn’t