Page 4 of Unexpected Pass

I took a deep breath. I’d been media trained for this very moment.

“It’s a dream come true. I’ve worked for this my entire life.” I smiled.

“It was a close game. Did you ever doubt that you guys wouldn’t pull it off?”

“Doubt is for losers, so no,” I offered as I walked away from the press.

I scanned the field full of the team’s family and friends, searching until I spotted my mom, Charlie, was rushing toward me. Her face beamed with pride and was wet with tears. I broke into a light sprint, eager to embrace her.

“I won, Mom! We won! I’m a Super Bowl champion!” I shouted, feeling the tears welling in my eyes as she wrapped me in her arms. I could feel the weight of all of her sacrifices dissipate. We’d worked so hard to get to this moment.

“Baby, I’m so proud of you!”

The overwhelming joy in her voice made the moment that much better. I glanced down at her shirt, staring at my brother’s picture. Winning the Super Bowl had been his dream long before it was ever mine. It was bittersweet that he wasn’t here to share this moment. He would never get to experience this dream.

“Kellon! One more interview!” a reporter called out.

I glanced at my mom, who nodded toward the reporter. I didn’t like giving interviews. I was an introvert, but this was the most significant moment of my life, and it was good for my brand. Reluctantly, I broke away from my mom and turned toward the cameras.

“Kellon, what does this moment mean to you?”

“Everything. It’s validation of all my hard work.”

“Three weeks from today marks the anniversary of the tragic accident that took your brother, Jeronee Barnes. Your mom has your brother on her shirt, and we notice you’re wearing his jersey number on a pin. We know that your brother has been a huge inspiration in your football career. Do you think he’s proud of you?”

The mention of Jeronee had me grabbing the pin I had on my chest. I missed my big brother. It had been almost ten years since that eighteen-wheeler hydroplaned into my car. It wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think about him or see his lifeless body lying in the passenger seat of my memories.

“I sure hope so,” I replied, keeping it short, hoping they’d get the picture. My brother was off limits. Everybody knew that. The reporters shot a few more questions about the game, andI answered them like a well-polished machine until my mom pulled me away.

“We need to get the shots for the commercial,” she said, smoothing down my shirt and fixing my hat before removing my brother’s pin from my chest.

“Ma… I…” I began, but she interrupted me, holding her hand up.

“It won’t look good in the commercial.”

“I don’t give?—”

“Smile for the confetti shot.” She pointed at the camera pushed inches from my face.

I loved my mom, but most of the time, she was more concerned with running Kellon Barnes’s business than she was with me. I appreciated her hard work, but sometimes, I just wanted my mom. Turning, I smiled for the camera before snatching my pin back from my mom and making my way to the platform where the trophy celebration was held. I watched as the team’s owners lifted the Lombardi Trophy. A swell of happiness shot through me as my teammates cheered and embraced their families.

I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t feel a little lonely. Everybody had somebody to enjoy this with, and all I had was my mom, who was texting her phone, probably negotiating deals and setting up press opportunities.

“You’re the champ, bro!” Braelon exclaimed as he passed me the trophy. His joy was contagious. “You’re bringing your stuffy ass outside tonight!”

Usually, I would protest partying with Braelon, but tonight was different. Tonight, I was a Super Bowl champion!

Carson pulledinto a parking spot at a dimly lit warehouse all smiles. The game had been great. We’d shared a suite with a few of his colleagues and their wives. I didn’t know much about football, but I enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a great time, one of the most unique first dates I’d ever been on. It had gone so well that he asked if I wanted to join him for the official team after party. Despite the little life growing inside of me, I agreed. I wasn’t ready to go home. Going home meant facing my reality, and I wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. Besides, the Warhawks had won the Super Bowl, and everyone was pumped. Who knew the next time an opportunity like this would come along?

“I’ll get your door,” Carson said as he exited his vehicle and rounded the car to let me out. He was a little standoffish during the game but a gentleman.

“Thank you.”

I took hold of his hand and walked toward the entrance of the building. I immediately noticed how quiet it seemed. Nobody was gathered out front. The only sign of an event here was the crowded parking lot and security posted in front of the entrance.

“I’m glad you could accompany me tonight, Phileigh,” Carson said as we approached the door. “My boys were ragging on me about not having a date. You saved my ass.”

“Thanks for extending the invite.”

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