Page 29 of His Starr Player

She wrapped her hands around my neck and pulled me into a gentle kiss.

“Crisis averted,” Nay sang from somewhere in the locker room.

“Aye, shout out Marcus for being all of our knight in gray sweatpants.” Cinnamon grinned.

“Marcus! Marcus! Marcus!” The locker room erupted in chants of my name. I shook my head as they clapped and sang and tossed towels at me.

“Our season isn’t over. Now, can we go out here and beat the living shit out of the other team?” Nay teased.

“Let’s get it. Now you’ve got to leave so we can finish up in here,” Ava commented.

“I need to get to my seat anyway. I’ll see you after the game.”

“See me at the post-game interview. I want you there.”

I nodded. “Of course. You got this.”

I pecked her lips several more times before the girls kicked me out of the room. I chuckled and made my way courtside where my parents were.TheAxel Starr was a few seats down, and I held my composure despite the excitement I felt of being in his presence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ava Starr will be in the starting lineup for tonight’s game,” the announcer stated over the arena speakers.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Everyone was excited to see her play, me included.

“Did you have something to do with that?” Mama asked as she leaned over Dad’s lap to talk to me.

I smiled. “Maybe.”

“She was really upset about the necklace. I get it, but she really turned the sports world upside down.”

I nodded. “She did, but I found the necklace and gave it to her before I came to the seats.”

“Good for you. I’m happy she could find her good luck charm,” Pops added.

Mama grinned. “My baby found his person, and I think she’s your person too. I can see the love in your eyes. You are her peace, and I pray she’s yours too.”

“Mama… we’re courtside at a basketball game, and you’re talking about love.’

“Am I wrong?”

I shook my head. “Nope. I’ve already told her I love her. It happened over the weekend, actually.”

“Aww!” Mama placed her hands over her heart and cooed.

The lights dimmed as the announcer returned to introduce both teams. Tip-off was about to begin, and I couldn’t wait to see my lady show out on the court tonight. She would have to do some crazy things to get the media’s attention off her earlier situation. Maybe she’d dunk on a couple of these bitches. I would love to see my lady poster the opponent.

The game was in full effect, with both teams coming out of the gate swinging. The first quarter ended with a tied score, thirty-six. The second quarter was high energy as well. Nay and Ava were Cade’s Cove’s very own lob city. They were feeding off everyone’s energy. The team was on a natural high as they gained a lead.

“This is beautiful to watch,” I said aloud.

“Mm-hmm.” Pops agreed.

“I feel like this is the type of opener they need to get to the finals. I’m sure Ava will get us there,” I continued. My eyes watched their every move intently. The whole Vipers’ roster had gotten hit with the Space Jam effect. It was beautiful to see them clown the other team. The end of the second quarter came with a fifteen-point lead for the Vipers.

When halftime came, the players headed toward the locker room. As Ava headed to the back, she made a pit stop to her father, and they talked. I didn’t approach her because shedeserved to have time with her father. Plus, Nay came over to our parents and me.

“You’re playing like rent is due, bighead,” I teased.

“Shit. Rent is due.” She giggled.

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