Page 7 of Fumble Into the End Zone

I clenched my phone tighter at the message before I toggled over to Stacie’s thread.

Stacie

What about a double date?

Me

No . . . No . . . and No

I placed my phone down, determined not to give in to her suggestion, but the screen flashed.

Stacie

It’s a go. We’re going to have a good time.

“Welcome. It’s Madison Reed here with my guest co-host, Mia Robinson, and this isThe Sports Shakeup. We are going to open the show by grading the Houston Armadillos. During the Football League draft, the Armadillos selected wide receiver Marcus Allen, Keyshawn Barnes at running back, Josh Roundtree at left tackle, and Danny Taylor. My question to you, Mia, is what grade do you give the Armadillos?” Madison said.

The Sports Shakeuphad the best set at USPN with the panoramic view of downtown Houston in the background. Thestudio set adorned in bright red and orange decor energized me to talk about sports. I pitched the pilot program of an all-women’s sportscast to my dad, the owner of the Universal Sports Premium Network, and he green-lit the project.

“Madison, I’m going to give them a B. The last two seasons, Doug Jordan has been aggressive in the draft. This draft says the Armadillos want to contend for the Elite Bowl. They addressed the concerns of the offense. Adding Marcus Allen opposite Vick Landry, with Keyshawn in the backfield, gives them options. With a solid running game, it opens up the passing game, which keeps the defense off the field. Danny is a solid shutdown corner. I believe they made the right moves,” I said to my co-host.

Madison turned to the camera and disagreed, “Mia, the Armadillos are almost last in the League in stopping the run. Yes, they address the cornerback bleed but their defense has significant holes. The two draft picks they traded to get back in the first round for Marcus could have been used for defensive players,” she argued.

I wanted to disagree, but my reasoning would have highlighted the elephant standing in the Armadillos locker room. Vick stealing Bryce’s fiancée and marrying her in the off season put the team in a sticky situation. It’s fair to say their relationship was probably not in a positive place. However, players’ personal lives held no business on the anchor’s table. We are here to analyze the on-the-field play. With Bryce and Vick possibly not on good terms, Kindness made the correct decision. No one had heard from Bryce since last season and the team was not sure of his head space. The connection they held could be in jeopardy.

“I disagree. The Armadillos got it right,” I said as I reshuffled my stat sheet.

Madison and I argued our points for two hours before our producers counted us down.

“Join me, Madison Reed, every Sunday onThe Sports Shakeup.”

“And that’s a wrap,” the producers said.

As the producers were removing our mics I noticed my father standing in the shadows. He wore the same proud expression he had when I decided to major in journalism.

“Thank you, Mia, for vouching for me and being my first guest,” Madison said and shook my hand.

“No problem and I will be back after the Armadillos run over Carolina,” I said, and we shared a laugh.

Approaching my father, I extended my arms for a hug. “You were wonderful. Built for television. The screen adored your warm brown skin. Mia, you were glowing,” he said.

Clarence Robinson had always rained positive praises on me, and I missed it. He couldn’t accept my relationship with Nathan, and it created a wedge between us. After the breakup, he wanted to kick my ex’s ass, but Mom talked him down. Nathan accused him of not highlighting the players he represented in a positive light on the network. With us dominating the sports outlets, negative press could tank your stock. I couldn’t prove Dad was involved, but after a few players fired Nathan, they received better coverage from USPN.

“Thank you, Daddy. Are we going to lunch?” I asked.

“Of course. We have reservations at Steve’s,” he said as we walked down the hallway.

My father was a clean-cut man standing 6’1, with almond brown skin, and an average build. Growing up, he was more in shape but had since abandoned his workout routine. Trendy, my mother, loved him beyond words and if she said he was handsome, no other word mattered. I’d had a front-row seat to her raining affirmations on him and getting jealous of women. My father wore the biggest smile with her on his arm, something I used to want. Now, I preferred to be alone.

“I’m glad to have you back,” my dad said as he pulled me closer.

“Me too, Dad,” I said as we approached the elevator.

I sat in the parking lot of Dr. Choice office several minutes early. With Houston’s traffic, my arrival time was unpredictable. My therapist shared the office building with other practices, including a family care clinic. At first, my heart was broken seeing pregnant women exit the building. After Nathan brought Onna home, I wouldn’t stay unless we agreed to create our own family. I owed the heavens for overlooking the young and naïve version of me who once prayed for madness. Now, I can’t imagine dealing with Nathan everyday concerning our child. The first time a mother pushed a stroller past me, I broke down in the driver’s seat. I missed Onna. She was innocent and the light in our relationship. Growing attached to her hadn’t been hard, with her chubby cheeks and medium-brown skin. The way she laid against my chest was the best part of my day. Nathan’s mood changes were unpredictable and kept me constantly on edge. Nothing was ever good enough for him and positivity couldn’t find him with a tour guide. By the time I got over him, I realized he was a grumpy old man stealing my light.

I opened the door and strolled up the sidewalk, passing a couple carrying a car seat. They were new parents, and I smiled as they discussed the doctor’s advice about changing formula brands. My decision to choose myself removed me from ever experiencing this, but there was always adoption.

“Mia, I know this week has been a bit much with Onna’s birthday. Tell me about the lighting of the cake.”

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