Page 135 of Don Caselli

“Wow. That’s a lot. Were you in love with her, and before you answer take your time to think about it, then give me the answer,” she popped some popcorn into her mouth, while watching me take in what she told me to do.

I wasn’t in love with Kennedy.

I wanted to fall in love with her, give her everything she never had. Every time, she pushed back from me. I continued to prove to her that I could be that man for her, and she never trusted it.

She didn’t have the confidence and faith in me like she had these clients. Despite knowing what rested within my bank accounts, she never trusted that I could love her and heal her.

“Nah.”

“And you love my daughter?”

“With everything in me.” I didn’t hesitate, as I stared Avril in the eyes, letting her know how much I cared about this woman in my arms.

“I can tell.”

“You and Ro never questioned it, though.”

Avril laughed. “Me and Ro ran in the same circles, always knowing the same people, but never hanging out. We met at a BBQ at my cousin’s house and hit it off. Man had me lost in those eyes of his. We got together, and three months later were married. Getting pregnant with Navy was a challenge, but we got to enjoy our marriage and just being us for a few years before she came. Which is why she’s the center of our world, even now. I wanted to be a mother and prayed for her. She’s my answered prayer.”

The shit was beautiful.

How she was so loved by her parents. Prayed for and was living in an answered prayer. “Shit is beautiful.”

“Yeah, I like to think so. I know how it is to fall for the right man. I want her to have the love she deserves… the both of you.”

“Appreciate that.”

“I pray over the both of you at night. I don’t want to replace your mother, knowing you lost her, but I am here for you, too. One call away and I’m coming with my bat.”

I laughed. “Word?”

“Word.”

“Breaking news tonight. Sources confirm that Alex Dass has officially sold the New York Sonics to a private investment group operating under the name M.K.Z.L. The group is reportedly a shell company, raising questions about who’s really behind the deal. No center court ceremony, no public announcement. Just a deal signed behind closed doors. Alex Dass is an even richer man these days, with his upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Kennedy Watkins.”

“Can I tell you something, Ma?”

She pulled her eyes from the TV. “Anything… what’s on your mind, Son?” She got comfortable in the chair, and looked at me, ready to help with anything I needed.

“My family purchased that basketball team.”

Avril stared at me, but no words left her mouth. “I’m sorry… what?”

“We purchased the team… I made Navy co-owner of the team.”

Avril jumped out her seat and paced the small area between where the curtain was back to the seat she had jumped up from. Her hand rested beneath her chin, as she continued to walk back and forth.

“Tonight, has been a lot for all of us, and I know we’re all tired.” She started to try and make sense of what I said, assuming I was just saying shit because I was tired.

Her voice was loud and caused Pooh to stir awake. “Mommy, what happened?”

She looked at her daughter, then at me. “Your man is fibbing… playing too much, go back to sleep.”

Navy looked up at me. “You told her?”

I smirked. “You weren’t going to do it. I’ll let you do the honors.”

She leaned, looking at me. “Are you sure, Landon?”

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