Chapter 17
It had beena few weeks since Lore and I had stepped into our new beginnings full steam ahead. We had gotten so damn busy, we had to reschedule our celebratory dinner a few damn times. But, due to how busy we both were, neither of us was able to be too pissed.
Lore had to get her pieces together to be shipped to London for her big moment and I was learning the ropes of being a sports anchor. I thought it just consisted of talking sports like I used to with my brother and that was it. Man, this shit was something entirely different and challenging, which only made me like it more.
This was yet another thing that I would need to work to prove I was worthy of my spot. The first day was tough as fuck. I had never felt like I didn’t belong until that day. I knew it was because I hadn’t had much time on the job yet. Every anchor let me know it was all part of the process and that they made their fair share of mistakes too.
My phone rang throughout the car and my brother’s name popped up. I had been avoiding him and my family since catching him with a female in my house. Lore and I had gotten into quite a few arguments about me not addressing this problem with my family head on.
When we had dinner with her people, I just wished that I had the same thing with mine. At least it used to be that way before fame warped their minds, which was why Lore and her people were so refreshing to me. I glanced at the screen, allowing it to ring before finally answering.
“What’s up?” I answered.
The line was silent before the clearing of his throat came through.
“I-I didn’t expect you to answer,” he said.
“Well, would you like me to hang up and not answer the next time?” I asked, smartly.
“Come on, Niko. You know that’s not what I meant. I was calling to apologize and I mean apologize. I fucked up and I realized it the moment it happened. I don’t want to make an excuse because there are no excuses for the shit I pulled.”
He paused like he was trying to get his words together.
“Can I ask why you or this family show me little respect?” I asked.
“It’s not that we don’t respect you, Niko. I’m not gon’ sit on this phone and lie. I didn’t think you were serious about this whole wedding thing. Not to mention, I never imagined you leaving the league. This shit felt like a mid-life crisis and you’re young as hell. I can’t give a reason for your father or anyone else, but what I can do is tell you I’m in rehab; this drinking shit has gotten away from me. This is part of the steps I need to take to get better and I know you deserve my genuine apology. If you give me the chance to fix this shit, I won’t fuck it up this time.”
I pulled my truck over into the nearest parking lot. I couldn’t believe half of what I was hearing. I was beyond shocked because I didn’t notice the signs, so I felt just as fucked up as he was. I just thought this was the life of a bachelor enjoying the fruits of his labor. I never expected him to say he had a problem with drinking.
“I don’t know what to say. How did I miss that?” I asked.
Kole chuckled on the other end before answering.
“You didn’t miss anything. I used the partying and fucking different girls to overshadow the big problem that was at hand. It took getting suspended from the team until I got my shit together to realize it.”
“I heard about that but I didn’t know what happened and we weren’t speaking,” I replied.
“Yeah, I hope we can rectify that now. I would also like to apologize to your wife whenever you feel comfortable with that.”
I chuckled before responding. “I didn’t walk in on you fucking her. You can talk with her,” I joked.
Kole laughed. “All right. When I can, you mind if I call you?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s cool.”
“Cool. I have one more thing. Give Mom a call, she really misses you.”
I rubbed my forehead and then looked out of the window before responding.
“I got you.”
“Aight, well, I have to go. This rehab center doesn’t play about getting us back on our shit here. You’ll be hearing from me. Love you, little—Niko.”
“Love you, too, Kole.”
Once the call ended, I felt a sense of relief fill my entire body. I hadn’t realized my shit with my brother was weighing so heavily on me. The first person I wanted to call was Lore, so I called her, hoping she wasn’t busy.
“Hey, babe, everything okay?” she answered.
That was always her answer every time I called around this time.
“Yeah, I just got a call from Kole again and uh, I finally answered. He’s in rehab for drinking. He basically called to apologize again, but this time, he sounded a lot more clear. Then he asked me to call our mom. I know what he is saying is the right thing to do, I just don’t know what to do after all this time of not speaking.”
“I love to hear you spoke and that he is getting the help he needs. Also, it’s okay not to know where to start, but just start, and the next thing you need will come. Just give her a call, and check in. Now, go do it, so I can finish this one last thing before we go look at the house you sent me.”
I smiled, shaking my head as we said our goodbyes. I looked at the phone and hovered over my mother’s name, unsure of where to go from there. So, I chose the most obvious step. I started the call. It rang a few times before quickly being answered.
“Niko, is that you?” she asked.
“Yeah, it’s me. How you been?” I asked.
“Boy, don’t you how you been me. I’ve missed you, but I understand why you’ve been so distant. We, as your family, haven’t done what we were supposed to do when it comes to you. I know that and I am willing to take responsibility for that.”
I looked at the phone and then cleared my throat.
“I feel like I didn’t hear you clearly,” I told her.
“You heard me just fine. If you give us a chance to apologize to you and your wife, I would like to move forward. After what has gone on with your brother, I see we all have played a big part in making excuses for the things he did. But not only that, not respecting your choices and decisions. I caught your show on TV. You did so good, it’s like you’re a natural up there. It’s where you belong.”
I couldn’t find the words to speak, and now I knew why I didn’t know what I was supposed to say. This moment wasn’t for me to talk but to listen.
“Thank you, and if you’re open to it, I can stop by with my wife today. We have a few errands to run today and I’m sure she would love to come by. As long as it’s okay with your husband. I don’t want to bring her into a hostile situation if that’s what it’s going to be.”
“No, no, honey. It’s not going to be that this time around. Please stop by and I’ll even get your sister to come over. Just give us a chance to make this right,” she responded.
“No problem. I’ll be by later on today and I’ll let you know when we are close,” I told her.
I started to drive again, heading toward Lore’s place to pick her up so we could meet our realtor. They had been sending us different houses to view for the last couple of weeks but we couldn’t settle on a house that we both liked until this one.
“Thank you, honey. I’ll see you later,” she responded, ending the call soon after.
I finally made it to the house and Lore was walking outside to get into the car. I parked and walked around to open the door for her, but not before getting my kiss. Once I was back inside, I pulled away from the house.
As I drove toward the house Lore and I had agreed to view, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This could be the perfect place for us to start our new life together, a home that would cater to both our passions and desires.
I glanced over at Lore, who was looking out the window with a smile on her face. “Hey, babe,” I said, reaching out to take her hand in mine. “I made the call to my mom.”
Lore turned to face me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “How did it go?”
“It was cool,” I began, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “She apologized for the way she and my dad had been acting, and she wants to make things right.”
Lore squeezed my hand, her expression softening. “See what a good conversation will do. All jokes aside, I am so glad you two were able to talk things out.”
I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “It feels like a step forward. I offered to stop by their place after we look at the house, if that’s cool with you.”
“You didn’t have to ask. Absolutely,” Lore replied without hesitation. “I’m proud of you for taking the initiative to mend your relationship with your family. It’s important to have their support, especially as you embark on this new journey with your career.”
I brought her hand to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. “Thank you for understanding, love. Your support means everything to me.”
As we pulled up to the house, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The modern architecture seamlessly blended with the natural beauty of the surroundings, and I could already picture us making this place our own.
“Wow.” Lore exhaled, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s even more stunning in person.”
We stepped out of the car and made our way toward the realtor, who greeted us with a warm smile. As she led us through the house, pointing out the various features and amenities, I saw Lore falling in love with the space.
The state-of-the-art gym was perfect for my training needs, while the expansive art studio, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach, seemed tailor-made for Lore’s creative pursuits. The multiple rooms offered plenty of space for our future family, and the pool and jacuzzi were luxurious touches that we could enjoy together.
As we stood on the balcony, taking in the breathtaking view of the ocean, I wrapped my arms around Lore’s waist, pulling her close. “What do you think, babe?” I whispered, nuzzling her neck. “Is this it?”
Lore leaned back into my embrace, a content sigh escaping her lips. “It’s perfect, Niko. I can already picture us building a life here, filling these walls with love and laughter.”
I smiled, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. “Then let’s make it happen.”
As we left the house, hand in hand, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. All the pieces that were broken were now falling into place. I just hoped this visit to my parents’ house wasn’t going to set us back further than we had been before the conversation. But in the words of Lore, I needed to have a little more faith.