Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(17)

“Do you ever shut up,” Eric snorts and shakes his head. He then leans back to get a view of the little girl, tilting his head and lifting a brow, “But you have a point.”

“You two need help,” Ellerie chuckles. “Ellie, this is one of my new friends Brad,” Ellerie says to the little girl who turns her attention to me.

“Hi Brad,” she says with a beaming smile.

The kid is gorgeous. Her big blue eyes sparkle as her cheeks dimple. Her large curls bounce around her cute face and her mocha complexion has a glow, like she recently spent a lot of time outdoors. She takes my breath away. Eric and Teddy are right she does look like she could be my kid.

I look from her to Ellerie and it is clear he is her father. She has his bow shaped mouth his high cheek bones and a hint of his smile. There are other things that link them here and there. I pull it together and reach out my hand to her.

“So nice to meet you Ellie,” I say with my first genuine smile in I don’t know how long.

“It’s actually Brielle,” she says with a shy smile, “but you can call me Ellie if you like.”

“Brielle, that’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”

Just like that she reaches out to me like I’m a magnet and leaps into my arms. I catch her as she sails into my arms, shocked by her sudden move. Ellerie shakes his head and laughs.

“Monroe, we’re going to be needing those child support checks,” Teddy gives a booming laugh.

“I don’t think Ellerie’s wife would appreciate that,” I retort.

“Actually, Ellie’s my niece,” Ellerie laughs.

I narrow my eyes at him then look down at the little girl in my arms smiling at me. A million things run through my mind. There is no way. This little girl has to be at least five or six. I think back to six, seven years ago. I was dating Rebecca my last year in college off and on. Rebecca was paler than me with thin lips and a long nose.

I look at Ellerie examining his face. His eyes are a hazel color and are sort of almond shaped. I pinch my eyes closed trying to see the one face I know that could be similar to his… no it couldn’t be. I look at the little girl again. She’s too old I continue to tell myself.

“I wouldn’t mind becoming a part of your family,” Teddy chuckles.

Ellerie grimaces, “I wouldn’t mind another visit with your wife,” he bites out.

“That’s fine as long as your sister is bent over in front of me as I watch,” Teddy says casually and shrugs.

“Fellas,” Eric places a hand on both their shoulders and nods toward Brielle. “We have a little lady in our presence.”

Brielle is more focused on watching me. There is an innocent curiosity in her eyes. Ellerie shoots Teddy a warning glare and folds his arms across his chest.

“Ellie, I think I saw some cake and ice cream being served over there. Would you like to join me for some?” I ask.

She gives me the cutest little pout that reminds me of the one my oldest niece perfected. “Thank you, but no thank you, Mr. Brad. Mommy said I can’t have any, because I won’t eat the food,” she says sadly.

Ellerie runs a hand over her head and she turns to look at him. “How about we run an audible, you and Brad go that way,” Ellerie tips his head to the side. “I’ll intercept mommy so you have time to eat your ice cream and cake. Just don’t spill it on your dress.”

“Oh Uncle Eli, really, can I?”

“Sure baby, but remember it’s our secret,” Ellerie says and winks at her. “Brad, if Ellie gives you a hard time just scream for help.”

“Oh, I’ll be good. I promise,” Brielle says with wide eyes.

I don’t know what possessed me to offer to take her for cake and ice cream. The kid just drew me in. I tighten my hold on her and start for the refreshment table where I saw them serving cake. I think about what she said about her mama not wanting her to have it, because she wouldn’t eat and detour toward the food. She is fidgeting with my tie peeking up at me every so often.

“So Sugar, why won’t you eat any food,” I ask gently.

“Mommy says I’m a picky eater,” she says wrinkling her nose. I know I have seen that look before. She shrugs her little shoulders. “I don’t know if I’ll like it. You shouldn’t waste food.”

“You know what? I’m a picky eater too. I ate a few things here though. How about before we get your ice cream you eat a little? I’ll get you a plate of what I had, that sound good?”

“Okay,” she says, nodding enthusiastically.

“Are you allergic to anything?” I ask not wanting to give someone else’s kid something that would harm them.

She wrinkles her nose again and looks me in the eyes as she thinks. “No,” she replies. “But when I go see Nana and Pop Pop I have to wash my hands after I eat my peanut butter crackers before I touch Pop Pop or his things.”

Feeling certain she understands what allergic means and that she isn’t allergic to anything. I place her on her feet and fill a plate with some turnovers, wraps and pigs in a blanket. There are a variety of things to choose from but I go as kid friendly as I can. Plate in hand I take Brielle to a table, help her into a chair and have a seat.

“Okay Sugar, let’s see if your taste is as good as mine,” I say and wink at her.