He’s beautiful, Alex thought. He deserves so much more than this place, this life.
They all did.
Jamie had a natural rhythm that made Alex envious, a dancer’s grace that shone through whenever he had the ball and dribbled across the court, weaving around the other boys as they tried to stop him. He laughed when he made the shot, the ball sailing effortlessly through the basket for a three pointer that brought that sunny smile to his face. “Owens scores!” he cried, raising his arms in triumph, and Alex found himself laughing at the kid. He’s not so bad—
“You’re back.”
Alex turned to find Father walking towards him, smiling easily. “I must admit I had my doubts.”
Alex grinned at that. “So did I,” he admitted, turning back to the game. Jamie had the ball again and he made sure Alex w
