Page 46 of Love's Instant Replay
#UCRSports: Ladies, use Kaeden Evans as the reason for staying single.
#UCRSports: For a dog, Kaeden Evans has been looking rather pitiful.
A deeper sob flows from my esophagus to my throat before shooting out of my mouth at the reminder of the harsh comments within every headline I stupidly read and exploredthe opinions of strangers for. What’s shockingly impressive is that no one had yet put two and two together to learn my identity. Despite the images I’d seen of myself from back when Kaeden’s temporary woman headline surfaced until now, people don’t seem to care about me. Part of me is happy about that because I’m a business owner and don’t want the negative press. The other part of me is saddened by being likened to a temporary placeholder after this latest headline.
“Tell your bestie what’s causing you to look like you need multiple cucumbers on your eyes to remove the puffiness I’m staring at.”
Sighing heavily, I take a couple of minutes to tell Grandma about Kaeden and the scandals that have taken place since we’ve been together. My throat becomes heavy with a lump as I share the latest thing before I finish the story and wipe my face clean of the uncontainable water slipping from my eyes.
“We’ll come back to the secret of your dating in a minute. But let me share something that I didn’t before. When I told you that I had a dream about your single status, God allowed me to see more. The dream nearly snatched my breath from the vividness of its realness. Your happiness was tangible, and I got the sense that the man I wasn’t permitted to see was anything but temporary.”
My eyes bulge, and my mouth hangs open at the sincerity and tone of Grandma’s voice brokering no untruth being told.
“B-but he’s a?—”
“Chile, unless that man is a drunk who dabbles in ass whuppings, male parts, and cocaine, he’s not the worst you cando. Did you take the time to look that man in his eyes as he explained the circumstances to you?”
Dropping my head, I lick my suddenly dry lips while resisting the urge to connect eyes with Grandma, despite the heat hitting my face.
“Hm. So in typical Kyelle fashion, you prevented the man from explaining. As a celebrity and one of his caliber, targets are dropped like missiles in a war. If you’re gonna be his woman, then you’re gonna have to toughen your skin. Every headline shouldn’t be able to shift your stance about the man your heart is weeping for now. Back in my day?—”
I look up in time to see the glee in Grandma’s eyes matching her smirk as I await what she’s about to say next.
“Anyway, in my day, I would never let a floozy see me sweat. Your grandpa played basketball and practically had to swat those rubber neck wenches away with a fly swatter. Yet, I showed up to every one of his games wearing his number because I knew he was all mine.”
“It’s not the same though. Kaeden is a professional football pl?—”
“Doesn’t matter. He’s a target for every woman preying on him while praying he’ll set his sights on them. So what if the latest woman was his ex? Don’t you know that if she were the best thing since sliced banana bread, she’d still be in her place. I bet she set him up simply because she regrets losing her place in his life. Then you go and get in your feelings, giving her an opportunity to circle the block. Tuh. You’d better get out of your feelings and go get the man God told you was yours.”
“But God hasn’t told me?—”
“What does your heart say about him? What do you feel now that you’ve been unable to see him? Sometimes God’s voice is still and small, so we tend to ignore it. But trust me on this, andif not, pray on it. When He answers, and I know He will, move without hesitation.”
Sitting still, I simply stare at Grandma while biting my bottom lip, pondering her words. While I don’t mind praying, I’m unsure if praying about this situation with Kaeden is appropriate. I’ve been sliding up and down on Kaeden’s dick every chance I get, so how can I possibly ask God anything when I’ve been doing ungodly things? It seems hypocritical, and I ain’t in the business of playing with God like that.
“I’m not sure if that’s smart given my dealings with Ka?—”
“Oh. You’ve been playing spin the bottle with that man’s joystick. Hm. Well, how about I pray on it, and you sort through your feelings? If things are meant to be, then this will work itself out.”
“Yeah. That’s probably smart, because I don’t need to be struck by lightning.”
“No, you don’t. But goodness, you sure know how to repeat family cycles.”
My eyes pinch, and my face contorts as I ponder her words. “How so?”
“Out of three generations of women, none of us could hold these good cookies until commitment. I’ve seen that man of yours, and I truly get it. He’s a fine piece of mocha choc?—”
“Grandma, please.” Rolling my eyes, I shake my head praying that she won’t finish her statement while talking about Kaeden.
“I’m just saying. I might be in my senior years, but the furnace still sparks.”
I gag, frown, and my stomach flips when Grandma winks, because these are the conversations I’m never comfortable having with her, Mom, or Dad.
“Now that I have made you queasy and gotten my point across, I’m gonna get out of your hair. But know that everythingis going to be fine. If the love you share is real, then nothing will prevent you from obtaining it. Come see me out.”
Lying in bed an hour after Grandma left, I’m scrolling social media like a glutton as if my punishment hasn’t been painstaking enough. Coming across another gossip site, I stop scrolling when I see Kaeden’s name attached. Clicking on the link, it’s a short clip of Kaeden, and my breathing becomes labored upon seeing him on the screen.
Reporter: You seemed to be sluggish during today’s practice. What do you attribute this to, Mr. Evans?
