Page 45 of Going for Three

Standing up, I closed the distance between us to help her over to bed. I knew once she was settled, she’d want me to roll the incubator over, but I paused after Deborah’s next words.

“You’re suspended for the rest of the season and the next one.”

My heart began hammering profusely against my ribcage. I knew it was a possibility but never thought they’d ever do it. Sure, I was troubled, but I was also the best player on their fucking roster. For the first time, I realized I wasn’t bigger than the program. Being humbled felt like a punch to the gut that nearly toppled me over.

Charm took notice of my spooked expression.

“What is it?” she whispered.

I shook my head and offered a small smile.

“I’ll tell you later.” Focusing back on Deb, I said, “Thank you for calling and letting me know.”

She sighed. “I had to before you found out on ESPN. This is only a temporary setback. You’ll play again.”

I glanced down at my woman and smiled. “I’m not even worried about that right now. I have everything I need to be alright. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Okay. See ya.”

Slowly, I dropped the phone from my ear. I took a seat on the edge of the bed. My head fell into my hands as I processed an uncertain professional future. For a long time, all I knew was basketball. I would play twenty-four seven. Even as a kid, I didn’t get into the trouble other kids did because I was on thecourt from sun up to sun down seven days a week. I literally lived and breathed basketball. I knew what I wanted and wasn’t afraid to pursue it.

My shoulders tightened as I realized I’d lost that love at some point along the way. I was already detached from the game, so I felt numb knowing for the near future I would no longer be a professional player. Out of nowhere, I felt Charm’s hands on my body. She got off the bed to stand in front of me.

I collapsed into her warm and soft body, needing her comfort right now more than anything else this world had to offer. Nuzzling my nose into her gown, I deeply inhaled her scent, allowing her calmness to wash over me. Holding on to her was the only reason my world didn’t completely tilt off its axis and roll into oblivion.

“I’ve been suspended for the remainder of this season and the next one,” I confessed in a raspy whisper.

Charm palmed my cheeks and looked at me with the most empathetic expression. I knew she was going to cry the tears I couldn’t.

“I’m so sorry, baby. I hate this for you.”

And I felt like she really did hate it. I gave her a sad smile.

“It’s the law of cause and effect. I knew this was a possibility when I made my choice, and I don’t regret it. You and our son mean the world to me. That basketball shit wouldn’t mean anything without y’all.”

She played with my beard completely sedating me.

“Hearing my father say I was just like him made me want to prove it wasn’t true. I am willing to walk this path forward with my head held high as long as I have you by my side.”

She smiled at me. A tear escaped onto her cheek in the most innocent way. I couldn’t help but smile, too. Charm brought out the best in me.

“You know I have your back. We’re going to be okay.”

I nodded.

“That’s a fact.” I glanced over at our son. “Are we going to name our baby now?”

Her cheeks puffed up as she grinned shyly. “Yes. It’s time.”

She took my hand in hers then stepped back to allow me to stand. I helped her over to the incubator. We both placed a hand on it to feel close to him.

“I was thinking Keanu,” Charm shared after a beat of silent admiration.

I tossed the name around in my mind a few times.

“Keanu Kinga… I love it!” Looking down at my son I made him a promise. “I’ma make sure you’re set for life. Daddy might be down right now, but I’ll get up again.”

I lifted his mother’s hand to my lips and kissed it softly. My heart fluttered when she blushed. Before she even opened her mouth to say the words, I knew they were true in my heart.

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