Page 40 of His Starr Player

I laughed. “Just don’t say that shit online anywhere. The last thing we need is the referee association suing you for defamation or libel or whatever the fuck it’s called.”

She giggled. “Fine. I won’t say it anywhere but in here. I am frustrated, though. That foul really fucked up my mental for the quarter. I couldn’t shake back.”

“You did let that rattle you, and I don’t know why. It was an easy pivot for you to lock back in on defense, but you didn’t. You’re letting nonfactors influence your game time, and I don’t like that.”

She poked out her bottom lip. I leaned down slightly to kiss her. She sighed against my mouth, which made us both laugh lightly.

“Thank you for being my diary. I needed some physical touch and a gentle listener. You helped me a lot.”

“Of course. Now, I want all of you ladies to appreciate this moment. Back again for the fourth time with a fully healthyroster. I am so proud of y’all, and I know y’all are going to do what it takes to get the win. Keep your head focused. Trust each other. Listen to each other. Most importantly, beat the hell out of those Red Weasel bitches.”

My mini pep talk evoked a symphony of laughter as I said my goodbyes. I gave Ava one more kiss and well wishes before I headed to the concession stands to grab the requested items for my parents.

When halftime ended and the second half began, it was as if both teams had gotten a power up. The pace of the possessions was fast. The score had been a tit for tat all throughout the third quarter. Everyone stood during the fourth quarter. We were all on edge trying to see the anticipated Viper finale have a positive conclusion.

Confetti fell from the sky as the final buzzer rang throughout the arena. The final score was 115 to 110. The Vipers did it. The long-awaited finale to their underdog story had the perfect ending.

Ava and Najah hugged in the center of the court as everyone jumped up and surrounded them. I could see the tears in Ava’s eyes as I closed the distance between us.

“Congratulations, bighead.” I spoke to my sister first. She rolled her eyes but hugged me, anyway.

“Thank you, loser.” She moved on to the next person approaching her.

“Congratulations, my love.” I addressed Ava.

Ava jumped into my arms as the tears slid down her face. “We did it, Marcus! We brought the title home. We did it.”

“Yes, y’all did. I’m so proud of you. You and the team showed up every night and gave it your all. It’s finally yours.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being my peace, my protector, my best friend, and heart in human form. I love you more than words can describe.”

It was like the crowded arena had become empty. Ava was the only person in my universe. “I love you more than there are stars in the sky. Enjoy the night with your team and bask in the feel of your victory.”

A few months later

My heart pounded in my chest. My palms sweat. My mind raced. I stood beside the table in the center of the basketball court. I’d rented it for the night. There was a live band playing R&B instrumentals. The lights were dim. I’d paid a decorator to create a rose arch and a light up sign that read,Marry Me.

Is this too soon?

Will she say yes?

Are we moving too fast?

“Get it the fuck together, Marcus.” I reminded myself who I was. The time was perfect. She had been on a high since the championship. She was on a winning tour, had gotten new brand deals, roles on shows, and had launched her podcast.

You picked the perfect time.

Me:Meet me on the court. I’ve got a surprise for you.

AVA:You’ve got me nervous. I don’t know why you made me wear these heels and I have to walk down the tunnel to the court.

Me:You’ll see.

I placed my phone in my pocket and stood in front of the table on the black rug covered in red rose petals.

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