Page 128 of One Good Reason

The game hadn’t kicked off yet and Gema was already enjoying herself along with Mrs. Jessie. I’d even spotted her fixing herself a cocktail. I didn’t mind not one bit. She was off the clock and welcomed to enjoy herself. I’d met a few of Law’s not so professional friends and so far, Promise, the girlfriend of the guy Hendrix I’d heard him speak to on the phone, was the most welcoming. We were still waiting on his mama and brother to show up. Law explained that the two of them didn’t actually live in Atlanta.

His mama and brother weren’t the only ones running late. Rossi and Marsha had yet to show up. Rossi claimed they were trying to make a fashionable entrance or whatever. I wanted to wait for them to get here so everyone could eat together but after so long I said fuck it. Baker’s wife was a little on the snooty side and after learning that she was close to Law’s ex, I kind of understood her hesitancy to welcome me with open arms.

“Love.” Law slipped up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist. “Are you okay? Need anything?”

Titling my head back, I stared up at him and smiled. “I’m good. Just taking all of this in. It’s so nice in here.”

“It is. When Kovi bought the previous owner out, he worked out a deal with Mercedes Benz and had the entire stadium redone.”

“Well kudos to him because it was definitely worth it. I hope I get to come to more games.”

“I own this love.” He chuckled. “You can enjoy as many games as you’d like. Just let me know and I’ll set it up for you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Have you ate?”

“I had a few wings. I’ll get more. Right now, I’m busy nursing this.” I held up the cup that contained whatever concoction Promise had whipped up.

“Eat before you overdo it.”

“I will,” I promised.

Law pecked me on the cheek and let my waist go before saying, “I’m going to call Preme and see where they are.”

“Okay.”

Giving the field one last look around, I walked over to where Gema and Mrs. Jessie was seated and copped a squat. “Bertha Mae, you good? Want me to fix you something else to eat?”

“Jessie said them crab cakes was pretty good. I’ll get one after a while.”

“Just let me know and I’ll get it. Law gon’ walk you down to the field in a minute so you can meet some of the players.”

“I sholl hope Deuce one of ‘em.”

“Who is Deuce, Gema?”

“The wide receiver, Tali. I swear Joe should’ve taught you more ‘bout sports.” She giggled. “That big heavy hunk that got all the girls going crazy.” She stared at me like I should’ve known who she was talking about.

My shoulders lifted passively. “No clue, Gema,” I tittered, making her and Mrs. Jessie both shake their heads. “When the game starts, I’ll let you tell me who everybody is.”

Gema patted me on the hands and said, “Stay pretty baby. It works best for you.”

“Whatever.” I giggled. Downing the rest of my alcohol, I stood and walked away from the pair and over to the makeshift bar. I needed to fix myself another drink and calm my nerves down before everyone else showed up.

Part of me was nervous for Rossi and Marsha to find out about me and Law. The other part was more nervous about meeting his mama and brother. The same mama that I never thought I’d have the opportunity to meet. I guess her accident had flipped a switch inside of Law because he actually told his brother to bring her down.

I was lying on his chest when he called him up and told him she could attend the game with him. The shock in Sincere’s voice mimicked the expression that flashed across my face. I didn’t question him, I simply let him make whatever decision he needed to. My relationship with my mama was damaged beyond repair but if Law could somehow forgive his and work on their relationship, I would be on the sideline cheering him on.

“You want me to fix that? You standing there looking like you don’t know what your next move is.” Promise giggled beside me.

“Please,” I drawled and held my cup out for her.

Taking it out of my hand, she topped the ice off, poured coconut puree in the bottom, and filled the rest with Don Julioand some juice. “Taste this and see if you like it.”

Grabbing the cup out of her hand, I took a sip and nodded. “It’s good.”

“I’m knowing it.” She laughed. “Drix told me you guys were opening a technical college.”

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