CHAPTER ELEVEN
ALEX DAVALO
Let's keep playing it!
My father had called that morning. It felt surprising; he rarely ever called unless it was something important. I could feel my heart pick up its pace as I answered, “Father,” uncertain of what to expect.
“Alex, what are your plans for tomorrow?” he asked, his voice deep and steady as if he were summoning the authority that came naturally to him.
“Uhh...,” I stammered, mentally flipping through the pages of my weekend schedule. Truthfully, I had no plans, but I was trying hard to come up with something. I didn’t want him to know that I was free, as I figured he would have some task waiting for me, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to take it on. “I have basketball practice tomorrow, Father,” I finally said, the words feeling awkward on my
