Page 19 of Saved By the Game

The swimming lesson was done. The entire property was under constant surveillance, and once in the pool area, there was no way out except through the house itself. Therefore, Adonis walked into the home with his student to walk him out. The smell of the food awakened his senses. He smiled as he entered the kitchen. “I see what you have going. I love that you’ve already started dinner. I can’t wait to taste what you’re cooking babe.”

Adonis walked his student to his car, giving him a pep talk about his competition along the way. “Make sure you pray before you start the competition and believe that God will take you to the finish line.” He said before patting the student on the back.

Once Adonis was back in the house, his food was on the table. “Dinner is served.” The butler announced.

“Oh, I could get used to this view,” He said looking at the table filled with freshly cooked food, and a mason jar of fresh squeezed lemonade. “Bow your head and let’s pray. Heavenly father, Thank you for it all. Thank you for allowing me to meet my beautiful Bella. Bless the food she has prepared. Continue to heal her where she needs healing. In Jesus name, Amen.”

“Amen.” Bella responded. “I hope you like everything I made. It was made with pure love. While she was talking Adonis was chowing down.

“This food is so good baby. And this cake is scrumptious. I hope you know I’ve already had my realtor find your space for your bakery. I think it’s time to get serious about your baking. Start thinking about the way you want the space designed. My realtor is ready to show the spot she found for your business.”

Adonis saw the glow in Bella’s brown eyes. “I already have a vision. I want to name it, Love At First Bite. The way we met is the inspiration for the name. I think it was love at first sight for us.” She chimed.

“It was love at first sight for me too. I love the name. I found a good catch in you. You’re smart, beautiful, loving, and creative. God is good. Look at my life and look at my beautiful future wife.”

“Aw, Game! You’re so thoughtful. Thank you again for everything.”She said reaching her arm across the table to hold his hand.“You’re going to make the Mavericks trade me if I get out of shape from eating your good cooking. Your cakes will definitely put a couple of pounds on me. It’s so delicious!” He said while rubbing his stomach. Immediately afterwards, he saw a silver Mercedes Benz pull in to the driveway on the security camera. He waited to see who the person was in the car. The camera lens had fogged from the kitchen heat, leaving only a hazy, distorted image of the person in the driveway.

His butler came into the room. “Sir, your realtor Janice Jackson is here to speak to you.” He reminded him of Geoffrey from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His resemblance to the butler in his favorite sitcom was the reason he hired him. Fredrick became like family after hiring him ten years ago. He wouldn’t dream of having any other butler serving him in his home. “Thank you, Mr. Davis, please direct her to the kitchen.” Adonis respectfully replied.

“Ah, nice to see you made it back from your Paris trip. I’ve been working hard while you’ve been away.” Janice burst into the kitchen with her briefcase without speaking. She was so busy that it was hard for her to know whether she was coming or going.

“Janice, this is my girlfriend Kybella Vonshire. Bella, I’d like to introduce you to my realtor, Janice. She helped me find all the properties I own. Remember I told you that she was looking for your bakery space? I have a surprise for you. Janice, can you do the honors?” He asked, nodding his head toward Bella.

“Here are the keys to your business space. Congratulations!” Janice announced, while passing the keys to Bella. She stood tall while tossing her black hair back.

“I can’t believe you already got the business space! Oh my God, thank you babe! She stood up and walked toward him and planted a kiss on his lips. Can you take me to see it today?”

“Of course. I can take you now. In fact, Janice can take us in her car. She knows the quickest route to the location. We have the best realtor in the city.” Janice stood back pleased like a proud mother. She was in her early fifties but was truly knowledgeable about real estate. She researched the market for the best business locations. The space she chose was located next door to the Maverick’s stadium.

Moments later Bella came out dressed, ready to view the space. “I’m ready to see my new business space. She announced with her Birkin bag hanging from her arm. Adonis began to walk them to the door. Mr. Davis let them out. He opened the door for both ladies. Bella took a seat in the back next to Adonis. He noticed her bouncing leg. He rubbed it to help calm her nerves. They avoided conversation while patiently waiting. Sheclinched her bottom lip which gave Adonis the sign that she had questions. Janice looked in the mirror and spoke, “We’re almost there. Hang tight my loves.”

Adonis was hoping that Bella would love her new business space. He remembered how she recounted the game. Her voice faltered, and her gaze drifted downward. “The Wizards waved me off the last game,” she said, her words trailing off as the memory left a bitter taste. He couldn’t forget how the moment had her shoulders slumped with inner turmoil. He had been trying to speak with his agent about helping find her a new team to try out for, but he hadn’t had any luck. His hope was that she found joy in selling cakes.

Finally, they arrived at the space. The location had many tourists and people passing by on the street. Some people stopped to get their autographs. After they finished signing autographs, the realtor opened the door of the space. It had many open windows, perfect for showing off the cake displays. Large walls that already had floral wallpaper and pink paint. “I love the space! It’s everything I imagined. I can put a sign on the pink wall that will display the name, Love At First Bite.” She jumped up and down in excitement. “The white counter offered an ideal setup for installing the display shelves to showcase freshly made items. I’ll have cupcakes, danishes, cheesecakes, tarts, and cakes of many sizes. Thank you, thank you.” She said as she kissed Adonis all over his forehead.

“You can tell me about all your design plans tonight. I’ll have my interior designers come to do all the work for you. We’ll put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and add more custom shelves. I want to put a professional photo of us on the other side of the store name. Then your customers can get the meaning of the business name. Although, the name will be understood whencustomers bite into your pastries.” He spoke. Bella fantasized as he spoke about her business plans. He nodded his head in agreement with her ideas. It was his way of signaling everything was real. The building was really going to be her business. “It’s yours to do what you want. I’m your partner in making your dreams come true.” She listened intently hanging onto every word he spoke.

“Let’s go home, so I can tell you all about my plans in bed,” She said in his ear. With a mischievous grin, he let the realtor know they were ready to go, urging her to lock up. Bella sounded like she wanted to show him how grateful she was, which made him eager to get back home. He trotted his happy-go-lucky self to the car. A man walking in a suit approached Bella. She flinched because Adonis didn’t have his bodyguard with him.

“Kybella Vonshire?”

“Yes, I’m Kybella Vonshire. You’ve been served. She glanced at the letter in fear. She opened the letter and gasped.

“Bella, baby what is it?”

“It’s a court summons to appear in court for Brian’s trial. I can’t believe that the French Central Authority employed a French judicial officer to serve the documents to me. I’m being forced to revisit the horror I experienced. No God, you said you wouldn’t forsake me. Why do I have to endure evil again, Lord?” Bella cried. Adonis put his hand on her back and guided her to the car.

“It’s okay, baby. I’ll go with you. You won’t go through this alone. Don’t ever think God has forsaken you. It’s all according to his plan. Please don’t worry. I’m sorry that I left without my bodyguard. Anything could have happened to you. Now I know a security guard will also have to stay at your business while you’rehere. I can’t have anything happen to you. I wouldn’t forgive myself.”

While they were in the car, Adonis sent a message to his assistant to book the flight for Bella’s family. He knew that she needed her mom now more than ever before. He sat beside her while holding her in his arms, trying to console her. Within ten minutes his assistant sent the flight itinerary to him. “Hey, baby. I have the tickets for you to send to your mother. I’m forwarding the email to you now. You can forward the email to your mom, I want her to get the information in time to prepare. I’ll make sure the housekeeper prepares a room for them to sleep in.”

Tears began to fall from Bella’s eyes. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He asked as he turned her towards him to look into her eyes.

“I’m thankful for you. You’ve done so much to make me happy. You continue to help me without me asking. I’m grateful God gave me you.” Adonis tilted Bella’s head and kissed her softly on the lips.

“Alright love birds. You’re home now. Please give me a call if you have any questions. I put your contract on the kitchen table. Congratulations again to you, beautiful young lady. Oh, and Bella, if you ever need someone to pray for you or with you, please give me a call. I’m a prayer warrior and prayer will fix what you’re going through.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you so much. I’ll take you up on your offer.” She said while she shut the car door. She started getting fidgety and looking around to ensure no one else would approach her. Adonis took notice and shook his head.

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