Page 57 of In the Safety's Zone
I grinned hearing the nickname and laid back on the bed feeling far better than I had when I got in my room.
I sighed knowing this man could handle my emotions and would do so without complaint. I still didn’t want to constantly dump them on him. I’d been keeping my interactions with my parents from him not because I didn’t want him to know but to protect the peace I found in our bubble.
“I’m frustrated but it’ll be fine.”
Seeing the way his brows crinkled let me know I was right about him being ready for war if I said the wrong thing. “What’s good?”
“My father is being shady, but that’s nothing new. I just don’t feel like dealing with it right before a match.”
I had only two more majors before the end of the season and I needed to stay focused. Anthony was the only distraction I would entertain so my father’s shit was more unwelcome than normal.
“I would usually say fuck that nigga but since he’s your daddy it’s probably not appropriate.” Anthony was trying to be diplomatic but he still had a scowl on his face, which was hilarious.
“I mean…it might not be that far off today.” I rolled my eyes feeling my anger start over again with the shit they’d brought up at lunch. And who they’d brought with them.
“Damn, that bad?”
“Yeah. If you see any pictures of me sitting with a random dude, there’s nothing romantic going on. Just my father trying to give someone else a leg up and using my back to do it.”
“Say word?”
His tone seemed light but there was something about it that I didn’t trust. Almost like when a psycho started to giggle and you knew they were imagining hitting someone over the head with a brick. It sounded just like that.
“Word.”
“That’s fucked up AP. I would never think you were out here moving foul cause I know what this dick does and so do you.”
“So humble.”
“Who told you that lie? I’m an arrogant muhfucka about shit I know as facts. You not about to alternative facts my dick, Aphrodite. My mans be happily putting in work with you.”
His humor made me feel more relaxed the longer we talked. “He does. I just didn’t want you to think that I was hiding anything from you.”
“You’ve let me into almost every part of you. Been vulnerable with me. Ain’t a picture online about to tell me more about my girl. My eyes could lie to me, people can spin shit, but your soul speaks directly to mine and nobody can hack that connection.”
“You are killing me.”
His laugh was light-hearted as he ran a hand over his braids. “Well, we can’t have that. You got a final tomorrow.”
“I do. I need to be getting to bed soon.” I was tired but wanted to stay on the phone with him despite knowing I shouldn’t.
“That’s cool. Go open the door for me.” His smile was devilish as he casually made the request.
I immediately sat up in bed just as there was a knock on the door. I looked in his background trying to see if he’d somehow green-screened his room and was waiting for me at the door.
“Are you—”
“It’s not me, but it’s something from me if that’s okay.”
“Yes!”
I hopped up from the bed and made my way to the door. I peeked outside to ensure it was staff and saw a woman standing there with a large box.
“I wasn’t gone have a man showing up at your room late at night, Phro. Ain’t having a reincarnated Jack the Ripper comin’ after my ol’ lady ‘cause of me.”
I grinned at him before opening the door.
“Your delivery, ma’am. Good luck tomorrow.” She handed me the box with a nod and I took it with a smile.
