Page 128 of Fumble Into the End Zone

Go home and prop those feet up.

Me

Yes, Coach.

Marcus wanted me to tell him before he boarded the plane, I was going to relax. I chose not to lie to him with a response. This past week, all Marcus did was babysit me and watch football film. He had the nerve to call me hostile when I objected to him following me around the house. Mrs. Eddy made him sit in the living room with her to give me a break. Stacie and Kindness were supposed to meet me at the studio, and so far, Kindness showed up. Something was going on with Stacie and we didn’t know what.

“Harley, I’m going to talk to Kindness for a minute, and then we will leave,” I said.

She nodded but refocused on her coloring sheet. Stepping outside the studio door, I greeted Kindness to find Staciehightailing it down the hallway. Kindness joined me as we watched our friend finally make an appearance.

“Heyyyy,” she said with a light, playful tone.

I sucked my teeth, while Kindness folded her arms across her chest.

“Excuse me, ladies,” Scott said as he squeezed by us.

“What is this about?” Stacie questioned our disapproving body language, waving her index finger

“Oh, nothing. I just want to know where the hell my friend has been for the last few weeks. She doesn’t return phone calls or text messages,” I said.

“Nothing. She returned nothing,” Kindness chimed in with her version of disapproval.

Stacie’s mouth parted as she stood in disbelief. “You guys, things have been a little crazy. I had to get Rex moved out. I’m taking on more responsibility with the baseball team, and I-I…”

Stacie’s words faded to a whisper by the end of her sentence. Before I could question her, Kindness interrupted. “Well, both of your friends are pregnant.”

“And engaged,” I said, and both women’s heads turned in my direction.

I gave an easy grin as their eyes traveled to my bare finger. I removed the box from my jacket pocket and slid my ring on. Stacie seized my hand and brought my ring to her eye. She closed one eye lid and shifted my finger from side to side.

“Shit, he spent some money on this. The word on the street is he a cheap millionaire,” Stacie said.

“Engaged. Really, Mia? Why didn’t you tell me?” Kindness questioned.

I turned to put eyes on Harley and then back on my best friends. “Someone didn’t show up at your house,” I said and rolled my eyes at Stacie. “I had proposal boxes for you guys,” I said.

Stacie slapped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, friend. Life has been crazy,” Stacie said.

“We’ve been worried about you and this Rex situation,” Kindness said.

Stacie opened her arms for us to come in for a hug, but we remained still. “You guys, I’m sorry. No need to worry. Plus, I was going to find y’all anyway. I need Elite Bowl tickets, a seat in the suite, and a hookup for the night,” she said.

We laughed as we embraced.

It’s game day, and I might be more nervous than Marcus. Over the phone I played up my confidence in his ability. He had a tough match up, but he did say he was an elite wide receiver. Hopefully, the nasty promises I made him would give him motivation.

Me

I got everybody covered on my end. Remember, You.. Are.. Him... Get my touchdowns. Love you.

“Mom, can I sit with Grandma and Grandpa at the game?” Harley asked as we stood in front of the elevator.

After I sent my message, I smiled down at her. Once the doors opened, she gave me her hand. Climbing onto the empty elevator, we headed to meet up with the rest of our family. My parents, Mrs. Eddy and Ms. Renee, were already downstairs in the lobby. I made a last-minute bathroom run, making us late.

Thanks to Kindness, we were able to get our hands on special edition jerseys. The elevator panels put our reflectionson display. Harley surprised me and asked for one ponytail instead of her signature three she loved. The oversized bow paired well with her jeans, custom bubble jacket, and jersey. We represented Marcus well today. Last night, he FaceTimed me and was pleased with our custom fits.

Once the doors opened, we traveled down the marble hallway, passing the six other elevators. Our family sat waiting for us, nervous energy and excitement radiating through the grand space. I kissed Mrs. Jordan on the cheek as we landed with our families.

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