Chapter 19 #2
“I feel like I better understand some of the things you were telling me this summer.”
“Does that mean you’re gonna stop being scary with that boy and that book and that school district?”
I cackled. “First of all, I’m not being scary! I told Lamar I hoped we could see each other again soon, and he set a date. The date was cancelled—”
“Because he’s in the game! I told Monica to order pizza and wings because we’re going to be watching.”
“Good. And that sounds good; I might do the same. Anyway, I also wrote more in my novel. And I can’t do anything about the school district rules, so I’m not scared, I just need my job.”
“Still sounds like you’re being scary to me!”
I laughed and hearing her laugh made my heart swell.
“How are you feeling?” I asked her again. “You sound good.”
“I’m good, sweetheart. Don’t worry about me. Because I’m not worried.”
We talked for fifteen more minutes, and when I walked into my apartment, I told her I’d call her after the game.
While I was taking off my dress, I looked at the clock and realized two people I cared for were about to have the biggest moment of their careers.
So I sent a couple of inspirational texts.
Lamar.
Jazmyn Payne: I know you probably won’t get this until after the game but just know that you are living your dream right now.
God has blessed you with talent and now with this opportunity.
Take everything in and bask in it. Be proud of what you’ve done and the work you’ve put in.
I’m proud of you. Your mom and Bill are proud of you.
And I know your dad is smiling down on you from Heaven right now.
Nina.
Jazmyn Payne: Twenty-four hours from now, you’re going to be walking down a runway! Okay super model! I see you! I’m so proud of you Nina. You’ve put in the work and now your dreams are coming true. Love this for you!
Nina Ford: You got some dick, didn’t you? A bitch gets some dick in her life and becomes an inspirational speaker.
I laughed out loud.
Jazmyn Payne: I can’t stand you! I just came back from church!
Nina Ford: See, I thought you were filled with dick and whole time, you were just filled with the Holy Ghost. My apologies.
Jazmyn Payne: I’m done!!!!
Nina Ford: I’m about to walk into rehearsal but seriously, thank you for your words and for this laugh.
Jazmyn Payne: Go kill it! Can’t wait to see the pictures!
I ordered a pizza, and my food arrived just as the game was about to start.
My stomach knotted with anxiousness as the Monarchs ran onto the field.
I scanned the players as quickly as I could, but the camera operator switched to a view of the crowd.
When the game officially started, I was grinning.
I loved football anyway, but it felt different.
It was different.
Lamar was out there—on the sideline, but out there nonetheless.
Crocs won the coin toss and deferred the ball.
So, when the Monarchs offense jogged out, I relaxed a bit and ate some pizza.
The Monarchs drove the ball down the field and scored relatively easily, methodically shaving time off the clock with running plays.
My phone dinged, and I knew it was going to be my group chat with my work friends.
I was focused on the game, but every time the camera would catch a glimpse of the sideline, I searched for number ninety. The Monarchs defense came onto the field, and I leaned forward, literally on the edge of my seat.
And everything Ben had predicted was right.
The Crocs kept going at Hoyt Bennett, and they were winning the matchup. He was missing every other tackle and didn’t pressure the quarterback or anyone on the offense.
Maybe he’s nervous, I thought as they jogged into the locker room at halftime.
Jazmyn Payne: I think Bennett is nervous. That’s gotta be it. Because they drafted him in the first round for a reason. THIS can’t be the reason.
Alexa Rae: I don’t want to say this is completely Bennett’s fault, but I don’t think it would make a difference if he was there or not. He’s adding no value. There could be a cardboard cutout in that spot, and it would be just as effective.
Ben Riker: No, it’s his fault. And what’s going on with the safety? Does he know he’s not supposed to make the other team feel safe?
Snickering, my eyes went back to the TV as the third quarter started. After a field goal put points on the board, the Monarchs were still losing by ten points. When the defense came out, I wondered if they were going to be able to make any adjustments.
“Oh my God,” I breathed as I saw number ninety.
In place of Bennett, Lamar Anderson was lining up on the defensive line.
I turned the TV up and rose to my feet. My heart was thumping in my chest, and knots formed in my belly.
I was not expecting to have such a visceral reaction to seeing him on-screen.
I was excited for him, but at the exact same time, I was extremely nervous.
Pacing from one side of the room to the other, I anticipated the ball being snapped.
I held my breath when the quarterback pitched the ball to the running back and he ran to the right. Almost immediately, Lamar tackled him for a two-yard loss.
“Yes!” I exclaimed, bouncing on my toes.
The next play, two other defensive players tackled the running back after a gain for three yards. The third play was a blitz, and because of how the quarterback fled the pocket, Lamar sacked him.
“Yes!” I cheered.
The Monarchs stopped the Crocs, got the ball back, and scored.
With Lamar in, the defensive line was stronger than ever as he rushed the passer several times, resulting in two sacks. He was also in on a bunch of tackles and one forced fumble. The Monarchs won by three points, but more importantly, Lamar was a rock star on the field.
I picked up my phone to see Alexa and Ben raving about how the change in personnel on defense had made all the difference. I wanted to be cool about what I’d just witnessed without making it seem like I had feelings for the man.
Jazmyn Payne: Anderson should be the starter.
I started watching the next game, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Lamar and how well he’d done.
He’d never said he was good. I’d assumed he was good.
But to watch him be excellent was sexy. To see him capitalize on the opportunity he’d been given and chase a lifelong dream was so deeply attractive.
It was the culmination of his hard work, his dedication, and his drive.
“Hello?” I answered my phone when I saw him calling. “Is this the Lamar Anderson?
“Jazz.” He chuckled over the commotion in the background. “Chill…”
“You did your big one on that field, you hear me? You killed it! You held a defensive clinic. It was everything! You were a machine out there,” I gushed.
“Thank you.” He let out a light, almost-bashful chuckle. “I appreciate you. And I really appreciated that message you sent me this morning. It came right when I was about to put my phone in the locker. It was the last thing I saw before we headed out.”
“Oh, I hope it wasn’t too heavy. I would’ve hated to have thrown you off your game.”
“No, it wasn’t. It was…” His sentence faded sentimentally. “I needed that. Thank you.”
I smiled. “It was from the heart, so I’m glad you appreciated it.”
Two masculine voices started talking so loudly in the background that it sounded like they were on the phone with us. Then it turned into a chant to which Lamar laughed.
“What are they saying?” I asked curiously.
“Hollywood,” he answered with a light chuckle. “They gave me a game ball and said I was no longer LA—I’m Hollywood because I’m a star.”
“You are a star! That’s so cute!” I let out an excited yelp. “I’m so happy for you!”
Someone turned the music up, and I could barely hear him.
“It’s a lot going on here, but I just wanted to call and thank you. We’re about to get on the bus to head to the airport. I’ll probably get home around midnight. I know you’ll be asleep, so I just wanted to say good night.”
My stomach fluttered. “Good night. Send me a text when you get home. I’ll be asleep, but at least when I wake up, I’ll know you’re good.”
“I’ll do that.” He paused. “I think we get directly on a plane when we get to the airport, but I’m not sure. I don’t know how this works. I just … wanted to give you a call and hear your voice.”
“Well, I’m glad you did,” I told him. “And I know I texted it, but as a football lover, as a Monarchs fan, and as your … friend, I just want you to hear me say I’m proud of you and happy for you. Byeeee, Lamar.” I sang the goodbye and his name.
“Bye, Jazz.”
The call disconnected while I still had the phone pressed to my ear. Giddy was the only word that could describe how I felt.
I called Aunt Addy to talk to her about the game, but my mom answered and told me she was sleeping.
We talked for about ten minutes, but I couldn’t tell her anything about Lamar because she would’ve asked a million questions.
I wanted to call my best friends and tell them, but Nina was preparing for the biggest event of her career, and Aaliyah was introducing Ahmad to her family.
My work friends would’ve been excited to hear that I knew Lamar, but I didn’t want them in my business like that.
So I grabbed my laptop and channeled all my giddy energy into my novel.
I went to bed a little later than usual, so when I woke up feeling groggy, I wasn’t surprised. I reached for my phone to turn off the alarm, and I saw a text that had come in while I was asleep.
Lamar Anderson: Me not telling you how often I think about you and how bad I want to see you, touch you, taste you, and fuck you is just me trying to be respectful.
If you want me to be a little less respectful, I’d tell you that I liked you before I had you.
And since I’ve had you, I can’t even beat my meat without thinking about you. I’m home and I need to see you soon.
That woke me right up. It was a good thing I was on my way to take a shower because my panties were soaked.
Jazmyn Payne: Can you meet me at my place tomorrow please?
Lamar Anderson: Yes.