Page 39 of His Starr Player

I was doing ninety in a sixty-mile-per-hour zone. The streets were empty, so I had the perfect opportunity to speed my way home. The gate damn near didn’t open fast enough for me when we made it back. Hell, the journey from the car to the front door seemed to pass in a blur. As soon as the door closed, Marcus was on me like white on rice.

A few monthslater

Seated courtside, the arena’s energy was unprecedented. Fans occupied every seat. There wasn’t a vacancy inside or outside the arena. The number of people in attendance had been record-breaking for a WNBA game. Everyone had tuned in, whether in person or on many streaming services, to witness the final chapter of the Vipers’ underdog story. Ava and her team had made it to the finals for the fourth time, and this time, everyone could feel their win brewing. The Columbia Red Weasels were ready to bring home the title as well, but I had faith in the ladies playing for Cade’s Cove.

The opening tip-off was won by the Vipers. The crowd cheered loudly as Livy tossed the ball to Cinnamon. Cinnamondribbled to the top of the arch and read the layout of the teams. Cinnamon was so skilled at being a natural playmaker. She passed the ball to Ava who was down on the left corner of the court. I could hardly take my eyes off her as she fake pumped and drove to the basket. Her layup slid off her fingers like butter. The first score of the game had the whole arena screaming with joy.

“This game is beautiful,” Pops commented as he crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes watched Najah intently. This would be the first time she’d made it to the championship healthy. We were all on pins and needles anticipating an injury, while hoping for the best.

“It really is. I’m glad Nay’s accident prone, clumsy ass made it to play.”

“You and me both, Son. You and me both.” Pops chuckled as he leaned forward and rested his hands on his knees.

The game had been fast paced since tip-off. Each team found a way to score with each possession. Defense on the Vipers needed to pick up if they wanted to get a lead on the Red Weasels before the end of second quarter. We needed to go into halftime with a decent lead on them.

One referee blew his whistle and pointed at Ava. Ava’s mouth fell agape. “What!”

“Don’t blow up, baby. Keep calm… Don’t risk a technical foul…” I mumbled under my breath as the game paused and the referee walked over to the score table.

“Charging foul, number five.” The referee announced the call, and everyone in the stadium booed him.

A charging foul was called when the offensive player charged or made contact with a defender who was set in their legal guarding position. A legal guarding position meant both feet were planted, and their torso was positioned in the direction of the offensive player.

“You’re bullshitting.” Ava charged toward the referee, but Nay caught her arm and pulled her back toward the bench.

I couldn’t hear the exchange of words, but I could see the frustration on Ava’s face. This was a monumental moment in the quarter, and she’d have to sit down and cool off before she risked getting ejected. Emotions were high, and I understood her annoyance with the call.

“Keep cool, baby.” I mumbled again. She couldn’t hear me, but I felt like she couldfeelmy words. She sat back in the chair and covered her face with the towel. She needed a breather to get her head back on the important shit. One foul wasn’t the end of the world, but to her, in that moment, it was close enough.

The second quarter ended with the Vipers up fifty-six to fifty-one. The lead wasn’t large enough. If the Vipers didn’t come back after halftime with their foot on the gas, they might throw the game away. Everyone was healthy. Everyone had high energy. I needed them to lock in and get the title for our city.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and shook my head at the text message.

Ava:I need my peace by my side. I’m still fuming about that bullshit ass call. I’ve already let security know to let you through the barricade. Come see me, please.

Me:I’m on my way, baby.

She hearted the message. I stood up and stretched. I looked over at my parents who were in a low conversation.

“I’m headed to the locker room to check on Ava. Do y’all want me to grab you anything on my way back to the seats?”

Mama nodded. “Some water and nachos, please.”

“I’ll take a beer and a bag of chips,” Pops added.

“Sounds good.”

I walked down the side of the court to the tunnel. I showed them my ID, and they granted me access to the locker room. I walked in, and most of the ladies were seated in front of theirlockers, praying, eating, and talking about what they wanted to see in the second half of the game. Ava sat in front of her locker with her headphones on. She bobbed her head with her eyes closed to whatever song was playing.

“Baby,” I called out to her.

Immediately, her eyes popped open, and she found my gaze. She stood up and closed the distance between us. I placed my hands on the small of her back, and she melted under my touch.

“Just being in your arms makes all the difference in my mood. I wanted to call that man everything but a child of God. The call was bullshit, Marcus.”

“I know.”

“I wanted Coach to challenge that shit, but we needed to move on and not risk losing a timeout. I hate how much these refs suck this season. It’s like they have their own parlays they tryna get in.”

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