Chapter 23 #3
Aunt Addy fell asleep early in the second quarter but woke up for a minute during halftime. Dad had gone to the kitchen, so I took the time to fill her in.
Taking her hand in mine, I lowered my voice.
“I took your advice, and I talked to him. We both admitted to having feelings for each other, but when I told him I wanted to be with him, he hesitated.” I paused, anticipating her asking me what I did next.
“I told him that I just needed to get it off my chest and I was cool just being friends.”
Her long blink indicated displeasure—or sleepiness.
Because I knew she wasn’t bored by my story, I felt compelled to explain myself.
“He’s become one of my best friends and one of my favorite people.
Doesn’t matter if it’s a bad day or a good day, when I have some news, I reach out to you, Aaliyah, Nina, and Lamar. ”
She squeezed my hand, so I squeezed back. Her lips turned up in a small smile, so I continued. “I’ve known from the beginning that he didn’t want a relationship. And that’s okay. I can respect it. So now I just have to pray my admission doesn’t ruin our connection. What if it does?”
I studied her face, willing her to give me advice and trying to interpret any facial tic, blink, or squeeze as a substitute for her comforting words.
“I don’t regret telling him though.” I sighed. “I’m glad he knows. I’m glad I tried. Now, if we can just move past it…” I put my hand on her cheek, and she leaned into it gradually. “You know what I mean?”
She nodded.
“Thanks for listening. Thanks for always being there.”
I missed her voice.
Not just the vocal cadence, but her unique personality, her worldview, and how she applied it to what she’d say.
“What are you two talking about?” Dad asked as he came back into the room.
“I was just thanking her for all her guidance and wisdom,” I answered.
The game started again, and sometime in the third quarter, Aunt Addy fell asleep, but she woke up late in the fourth quarter.
While Dad started telling her what she missed, my eyes were fixed on the TV—especially when the Monarchs defense was on the field.
So, when the game came to an end, I was grinning when the camera panned over to him and a couple of other defensive players.
“This is a defense to watch,” the commentator said. “Anderson has been a game changer in both his game appearances…”
“What time are you getting on the road, Jazmyn?” Dad wondered.
I looked at Aunt Addy, whose eyes were closed, and rose to my feet. “Now.”
“We’ll call you if there’s a change,” he said gently.
I leaned down and hugged my aunt. “I’m heading home, Aunt Addy.”
She opened her eyes and touched my arm, but she didn’t say anything.
“And don’t worry,” I continued, “I’ll be finishing the book this week and getting it to you.”
She gave me a small smile.
Staring at her, seeing her tired eyes and her light dimming, a wave of sadness hit me. “I love you.”
She opened her mouth but no words came out. I chose to believe she was saying I love you, too, and I hugged her again to hide my watery eyes.
Blinking rapidly, I pulled away and flashed a big smile. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She nodded and lifted her hand. I took it and squeezed.
“I’m going to take Jazmyn’s stuff to her car for her,” my dad told her. “I’ll be right back.”
Silently, we walked down the hall, stopping only to pick up my bags. We didn’t speak again until we got outside, and I unlocked the car doors.
“What made you ask me that question yesterday?” I wondered, before I tugged on the handle. “About you and mom making me fearful?”
He walked around me, placing my bag in the backseat.
“A conversation with Addison. We were talking about the lists you two created, and she said something along the lines of wanting you to not be scared to live your life. I asked what that meant and she said that ‘perfection stifles’…” He cleared his throat.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I wanted to ask you face-to-face. ”
I nodded. “I was curious because you’ve never asked me anything like that before.” I gave him a hug. “Thank you and I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
I got in the car, and he closed my door for me. I started the engine, and with a wave, I backed out of the driveway. I knew in my heart that the next time I’d be back, Aunt Addy would be close to death. That thought made me sick.
I need a distraction.
Going to the sports network app on my phone, I selected the Monarchs’ playlist of post-game press interviews. I listened to coaches’ and players’ breakdowns of the game. It was a good distraction while I drove. But when I heard Lamar Anderson’s voice, I almost swerved off the road.
Collecting my composure, I turned the volume up and resisted the urge to pull over to watch the clip.
“They call you Hollywood,” a reporter started. “Where did that come from? Is it because you’re a star?”
Lamar chuckled. “My initials are LA, so since I played last week, they just started calling me Hollywood, and it stuck.”
“This is your first league start, and you are already making a name for yourself due to your play. How exciting was it for you to get that sack to start the game?” a different reporter asked.
“Anytime I’m able to make a play to help the team reach our goal of winning, I’m excited,” he answered.
“Okay, media training!” I exclaimed giddily, turning the volume up a little more.
The next eight minutes showcased his knowledge of the game, his ability on the field, and his overall intelligence.
It was incredibly sexy, and I found myself wanting to squeal with excitement.
Someone announced that the next question would be the last question, and I was disappointed because I could listen to him talk for five straight hours.
“And what would you tell others on the practice squad?” a reporter asked.
“I would tell them that it’s your time when it’s your time. The work you put in, the mindset you have, and the patience all work together. When it’s your time, it’s your time. So stay ready.”
“Last question, last question!” a younger-sounding reporter shouted. “What motivated you to come into this game the way that you did? What was on your mind for your first career start?
“Someone special told me to play my game and to be excellent. Not perfect, but excellent. So I made it my mission to do that.”
I gasped when I realized he was talking about me. “I said that!” I exclaimed giddily. “I’m the someone special!”
Fifteen minutes after I’d listened to his press conference, Lamar called. “Coach shouted me out specifically and gave me a game ball.” His sexy tone and cool demeanor couldn’t mask the excitement and pride in his voice.
“I’m so proud of you.” I caught a glimpse of my smile in the rearview mirror, and my face flushed. “Aunt Addy actually grabbed my arm when you got that sack on the first play of the game. It was … you were incredible!” I gushed.
“She was impressed? I was trying to make a good impression.”
I giggled. “Yeah, I think you did. She wouldn’t have reacted if you didn’t.”
“And what about you? Were you impressed?”
“I am constantly impressed by you,” I admitted.
“Good. That’s all I wanted,” he replied.
“So not to win, just to impress me?”
“Impressing you is the win.”
I bit my bottom lip to keep from responding recklessly. He doesn’t have time for a relationship, I reminded myself.
“Mm-hmm,” I intoned.
“I’m serious. We’re still on for Tuesday, right?”
“Yeah.” I grinned. “Seven o’clock at Ember and Flame.”
“Come to my place at six thirty. I’ll drive us.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me, too. If you get here early, maybe we can— Oh shit, they’re asking for me. Let me see what’s going on and give you a call back. If it’s after we land, I’ll text you.”
The call disconnected, and I sighed happily.