Page 49 of Love's Instant Replay
“Do more than hear me. For the sake of you and Mica, you gotta get your woman back. Hell, if Little Bit has me playing another sappy ass love song on the way to school, I might snap. Get your shit together, my nigga.”
A low chuckle escapes my mouth when Jaleel walks off mumbling about the injustices of living with two moody peopleand the compensation he should be seeking as a result. Feeling slightly lighter than before, I grab my phone and head to the steps to check on Mica. Bedtime story or not, I need to make sure she doesn’t need a hug or something to make her feel better. Taking the steps two at a time, I reach the second level in no time, making quick work of getting to Mica’s room. Peeking inside, a smile forms upon seeing the blankets in disarray and Mica’s topsy-turvy body on the bed. Entering the room, I adjust Mica and place the blanket over her body before placing a little kiss on her forehead.
“I love you, Cupcake, and I’m gonna fix this.”
With one final glance, I move to exit the room as my mind spins with various thoughts before settling on one. Entering my room less than five minutes later, I sit on the edge of my bed, lift my phone, and begin typing a message to Kyelle.
Me:
I deeply regret the actions that have caused you to believe that the love I’ve been expressing has been a lie. I understand that my inaction hurt you and for that I’m genuinely sorry. Hurting you even indirectly has ultimately given you a reason to doubt the protection I promised. But I still stand ten toes down on loving you. I stand ten toes down on not giving a fuck about that woman. I stand ten toes down on you being it for me. I just need you to choose me even when you have every reason to stay out of my life. I promise you that nothing will ever shake our foundation again after this. Help me show the haters that our love will always win, Ms. Ky.
Pouring out my heart in text is something I have never done, yet it’s the only thing I have at this moment. The ball is in Kyelle’s court, and I’m praying that God didn’t tease me with a glimpse of love spinning the block, only to snatch it away from me before I get to experience it fully.
A Week Later. . .
“Did you really force me to shut down my store and get on a plane to attend this game?”
“Yep. I’m sick of you whining and crying about this man. Now, had you been on thatfuck that nigga, train this wouldn’t be happening. I’ve caught you making enough googly eyes at his pictures and watching him in game highlights to know that I needed to take matters into my own hands. Thank me later, bitch.” Tracy rolls her eyes while exiting the door of the airport as I follow behind her like a sad puppy.
I want to be mad about Tracy dragging me to Tampa to attend Kaeden’s game, but my stomach is doing cartwheels, and my conscience is twerking with every step. I wish I could say thatI don’t want to be here or see Kaeden in action, but if given a polygraph, I would fail.
“How are we getting to the stadium?”
“I have everything un?—”
“Please tell me you didn’t set me up.”
A man wearing all black is standing in front of a black-on-black luxury SUV holding a sign with our names on it. His face is unyielding, making me wonder what expression is shining in his eyes behind the shades he’s wearing. He looks like he’s either a bodyguard or should have been a linebacker on one of the teams we’re about to see in action.
“Stop being dramatic and come on.” Grabbing my elbow, Tracy drags me toward the hulking man who nods before opening the back passenger door.
“What’s good, ladies. I’m Martin, and I’ll be escorting you to the stadium. If you need anything between now and then, let me know.”
Wordlessly, I nod at Martin and climb in the vehicle before shooting daggers at my traitorous bestie.
“Does he know I’m coming?”
“Nope,” Tracy says.
Staring blankly, I wait for her to give me another answer because clearly Kaeden is aware of my attending today’s away game. I mean, who else could have arranged for transport and a bodyguard if it’s not Kaeden?
“He doesn’t, so stop looking at me like that.”
“Then who? I know you didn’t go out of your way to hire this man to chauffeur and play bodyguard.”
“All you need to know is I have friends in high places. Now just sit back and enjoy the ride. You’re going to need your energy for later.” Winking, Tracy secures her seat belt and stares out the window, effectively putting an end to our conversation.
Huffing, I snap my belt in place and slam against the back of the seat and then cross my arms. My mind starts wandering with thoughts on Kaeden’s reaction to seeing me after our last encounter. Although I got his apology text, I’m unsure what he thinks since it didn’t make me respond. I felt the heartfelt sincerity within the words of his message, but all I could do in response was cry. I can’t deny missing Kaeden or Mica, because it feels like I’m ripping out my heart with every passing day. I just need to be sure . . . of what I’m still trying to determine.
The crowd seems louder than the last time I attended one of Kaeden’s games, causing my adrenaline to rattle through my body. Electricity is surging in my feet, making them tingle and perspire in my socks. My pulse is racing, and my eyes are darting everywhere, taking in the fanatic people shouting toward the field. The game is at the beginning of the third quarter, and the Bobcats are down by three points. Kaeden’s energy seems to be off, which is causing me to be antsy. My eyes are glued to the field as I watch the home team gain ten more yards.
“Come on, defense!” I shout, jumping to my feet, shifting my weight as Kaeden lines up in front of the offense.
When the ball snaps and the opposing quarterback drops back into the pocket, my eyes scramble to keep up with Kaeden. Biting my bottom lip, I stare at the field as my heart hammers in my chest.
“Oh God! No!” I scream when I see Kaeden collide with another player.
“Where the hell are you going, Kyelle?”
