Page 33 of Beautiful Broken Love

I’d called Whitney and Camille and asked if they could join me. Camille had a hearing that morning and couldn’t make it, but Whitney was game. When I was on the phone with my sisters, I was working out with EJ and Javier, and of course EJ had invited himself.

Javier probably would’ve come, too, but he was taking his daughter to Disney World.

“Remind me why you wanted to come again?” I asked as EJ adjusted his red bow tie.

“Because I have skin, too, and if the owner likes me, she might replace your face with mine. Iamsexier.” EJ flashed me a grin, revealing his gold grill.

I huffed a laugh, peering out the window as the limo slowed to a creep. The limo was Whitney’s idea. She was all about the uppity stuff. She never settled for anything cheap and loved being pampered. She was just like our mama, but if I told her that, she’d slap the shit out of me.

“Wow,” Whitney said. “You have such big dreams, EJ.”

“You think that’s the only thing I have that’s big?”

I gave him a swift smack on the back of the head this time.

Whitney snickered.

EJ winced, rubbing his head. “Bruh, why would you do that?”

“Cause I need you to shut the hell up.”

He scowled at me. This dude was like a little brother who knew exactly how to get under your skin. Couldn’t take his ass anywhere.

The back door of the limo swung open, and I stepped out in my loafers, adjusting my tie, then dusting off my suit. The venue was in an area of Charlotte called Ballantyne and was taking place in a building that was damn near the size of a castle.

This was supposed to be an intimate occasion, and with Davina’s company being on the small business side, there weren’t any awaiting photographers or hounding paparazzi near the entrance that I could see.

“Oh my God. There he is! I told you he’d be here!” a woman screamed. “Deke Bishop! Over here!”

I turned my attention to the gazebo a short walk away, and a cluster of women were rushing toward me.So much for intimate.

I couldn’t help wondering how they knew I’d be around. Something told me EJ had something to do with this. That man posted his entire day on social media.

I gave the women a crooked smile as the two security guards in front of the building stepped toward me.

“It’s all good, fellas.” I moved past them to greet the fans.

“Oh my God, Deke! Hi!” one of them squealed.

“You’re even sexier in person!”

“Can you sign this for me?” One of them shoved a jersey and a Sharpie into my hand.

I glanced over my shoulder as Whitney and EJ walked toward the entrance. Whitney was shaking her head, clearly annoyed by their invasion, while EJ pointed a finger at me and shouted “’Ey! That’s my boy, Deke! Best player in the game! Still ain’t sexier than me, though!”

I chuckled as I signed the jersey and an area on one of the girls’ chests that was close to her left tit (as she so proudly demanded), then thanked them for the love.

Security stepped between us again, and I walked into the building with a smile. I couldn’t lie. That was one of the things I loved about being in the league. The recognition, the appreciation, thelove. Most times, I wanted to be left alone, but when I needed a boost, the fans always showed up.

Sure, most of that love came from women who wanted a selfie or a quick fuck, but it felt good knowing I wassomeoneto them. It felt good being recognized solely as Deke Bishop and no one else.

As soon as I was inside, the ambience shifted. Contemporary music played, and dim lighting created a chill vibe. Little string lights on the walls led toward the banquet hall, where most of the people were gathered, and as soon as I entered the room, all eyes turned to me.

There was a rush of whispers and murmurs, then some applauded and others hooted and hollered as I continued ahead.

I smiled and waved, shook hands with a few of the guests, and took pictures with others, and after excusing myself, I scanned the room for Whitney and EJ.

I spotted them by the bar and started their way before another flood of people sought me out. Not that they couldn’t find me with ease. Iwasthe tallest person in the room.

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