Page 89 of In the Safety's Zone
I couldn’t catch my breath from laughing at Antwan and the visual of him toting around a damn near grown ass kid just because they happened to be a little person.
“‘Twan what the fuck is wrong with you?”
“What? I’m being dead ass. I’mma love my babies no matter what and if somebody's got a problem you know me and you and their mama gone handle it. Wait, can Phro fight? ‘Cause if not you gotta give her ass some lessons or something. Rye little but her ass is scrappy as fuck. I can see them double-teaming a bitch too. Rye takes the kneecaps and Phro takes out the face.” He was nodding with a grin like he could visualize it happening and the idea made him happy.
“If I didn’t know we had piss tests coming up I would wonder what the hell you were on.”
“For one, that shit wouldn’t stop me because I ain’t new to this shit. I’mma do whatever the fuck I want. Two, I ain’t gotta be faded to be funny. Shit is natural. Besides, you act like you ain’t the same way.”
“You take that shit to a whole new level though.”
“She’s a good look for you.” I glanced up and he was smiling proudly at me like he hadn’t just been cutting up a few seconds ago.
“You think so?”
“You lighter. Not your skin cause we two fine ass dark skinned niggas. But your mind and heart aren’t weighed down.Finding somebody who fills some of the holes in your soul makes you interact with life differently. And you’re thinking more grown up than before. I know a lot of that is based on how your hard work has paid off but I know what the effect of a good woman looks like. It’s all over you.”
“Yeah. I already feel like she’s it for me and it’s only been like six months.”
“Time doesn’t matter. You’re more than ready to be better than I was at your age. That’s something to be proud of. You and that nigga Money being friends is a good look. Y’all got each other and your girls cool too. When your circle holds you accountable it makes all the difference in the world.”
He was speaking from experience of having that with his circle of friends who were probably going to head over this way soon. Jacoby, Grant, hell even Coach Stew were my brother’s keeper when I couldn’t be. I would always be grateful to them for that.
“I’m going to be looking for a house here.”
His brows jumped and a smile broke over his face. “Deadass? Here?”
“Nah, bitch on the moon. Of course I’m serious. We all we got so it makes sense to make this home.” I was being playful about it but we both knew we wouldn’t ever move back to Louisiana permanently.
“Folks always got property for sale so I’ll ask around to see if they know anyone. With people moving in and out of the team, you need to know who has something available.”
“Appreciate it. I’m about to head out and go work on my routes.” I gathered up the trash to throw it away.
“Always looking to improve.”
“Always. I've got a pretty lady to impress and a point to prove to myself.”
He nodded his approval and I could tell he was proud. “You gone make history this year right along with your girl. Mark my words.”
“I heard you were looking for a property.”
I looked at Coach Stew with my brows furrowed because this team was entirely too close. I’d just started to think about finding something but here he was with the information I hadn’t provided.
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking of putting down roots. Me and ‘Twan talked and we decided that this was probably the best place for us to call home.” I pulled on my clean shirt before tossing the team issued practice clothes into the large laundry bag to be laundered.
“Cool. I got information on a house near mine that’s close to the facilities that you can check out.”
I shook my head and chuckled at the no-nonsense way he relayed the information. Coach’s swole ass was standing several inches taller and wider than me with his arms crossed. His bald head was glistening and he’d worn a hat to protect it from the sun.
“Y’all really don’t waste time do y’all?”
“With what?”
“Helping people out.”
He smirked as he shook his head. “Nah, we don’t, actually. So Parker has—”
“More money than like two countries—”
