Page 37 of Unexpected Pass

Lolo stopped beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. Her eyes bounced from me to the TV screen.

“Everything will work out the way it is supposed to.”

“You’re right. I hope he finds happiness,” I said softly, and I meant every word. Opening my phone, I clicked on his contact and texted him.

Me:

Just an introvert looking out for another introvert. Smile. You deserve it. Congratulations, superstar.

Maybe in another lifetime.

I dropped my phone in my pocket before turning away from the screen. It was time to focus on myself and my baby’s future.

“You ready?” Lo asked.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

We exited the clinic but not before taking one last look at the screen.

The sun shined brightlyover the stage. I was sure the whole city had crowded the streets. Everybody in Brooklyn was hype. We’d brought them their first Super Bowl win in thirty-five years.

“Look at this shit, nigga! Can you believe we fucking did it?” he shouted over the roars from the crowd.

I was surprised to see my guy up and at it. After the week he’d had partying, I was sure he would be sitting in the corner somewhere nursing a hangover, but this fool was still going with a damn drink in his hand.

“Yeah, I can. We worked hard for this!” I replied as I stared out at the crowd.

Confetti was raining down on us like colorful little snowflakes. I’d just completed the victory parade I’d waited my entire life for, and I couldn’t even enjoy it, especially with my mom sitting inside the truck with an attitude the whole time. We’d barely spoken since our blow up back in New York. It’d been three days, and she was so mad she wasn’t even talking to my ass about business. She was sending messages through her assistant. All this shit had me ready for this entire thing to be over. Then I could get off this roller coaster of guilt, grief, and smiling for the press and maybe even chase down the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about.

“KB! You good, bro?” Braelon asked, shaking me from my thoughts.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m cooling. Just… thinking.” I forced a smile.

“Nigga, you probably over there thinking about the girl you left the party with the other night.” He was probing. His nosy ass always knew who everybody was dealing with. “I saw her leave with your security and your entourage at Disney.”

I shook my head, “You ain’t see shit, nig.”

“I did actually! She a cutie, though. What’s up with you and shorty?” He smirked, nudging me again.

I looked around confused. Did he really want to dive into this conversation right now of all places? It must have been the overconsumption of the liquor he’d been drinking for five days straight.

“When I know what’s going on with shawty, I’ll let you know,” I said, dismissing the conversation. Braelon was my boy, and I’d probably chop it up with him later about Phileigh, but not right now. It would be just my luck that someone out there was a lip reader, and all my business would be plastered on Hollywood Tea Room in the morning.

“Alright, nigga. Minding my own business.” He held his hands up in surrender.

“Good!” I focused on the podium where my coach spoke and hyped the crowd.

I was next. I ran my speech back in my head, trying to remember all the endorsement deals I needed to mention. The coach called my name, and I grabbed the Lombardi trophy as I walked to the podium. The crowd chanted MVP as I held the trophy over my head. Their energy was the fuel I needed to push through this speech.

“Brooklyn… It’s good to see y’all!” I began, the microphone amplifying my voice over the loud chants. “This victory isn’t just ours. It belongs to all of you! Every last one of you that supported us along the way.”

The crowd erupted in applause. Some fans waved banners in the air. I glanced over at my teammates. Their faces beamed with joy.

“To my team, we worked hard for this, and we did it! All those early mornings paid off. We all knew we got something special together, and now the world does too.”

I took a moment, letting the cheers wash over me before I continued.

“And to my mom, who’s been by my side since day one, I’m a spoiled, hardheaded ass kid sometimes, but I never get it twisted. I’m grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made for me and Rone. Rest in peace, brother. I wouldn’t be standing here without you, Mom. This victory is yours. Lastly, I thank my brother, Jeronee Barnes. My love of football started with you. I wish you would have gotten the chance to hold one of these. Thank you, bro!”

---