20. Whirlwind
WHIRLWIND
I leaned against my door and looked outside my window, watching Cairo drive away. I was a damn fool. He wasn’t the man I thought he was. He talked about me being real with him, yet he was the one keeping secrets.
As my head pounded from his dismissive exchange, I moved to my bedroom. I sat on the bed and responded to as many work emails as possible, calling Whitney to plan meetings and events for the rest of the month.
Lena:
Are you in Phoenix with Cairo at the hospital?
I read the text several times, wondering if I might be dreaming. When the reality of her words set in, I called her immediately.
“What are you talking about?” I shouted.
“What do you mean?” She shouted back.
“Stop it. I’ve been sleeping. In my bed. What the hell are you talking about with a hospital and Cairo?”
“Heffa, check your phone and the news. Cairo got injured in the game. Reports say he’s in surgery at University Medical Center in Phoenix. It’s his knee, girl. They’re saying his career might be over.”
I fell across the bed, feeling as if every bone in my body turned to liquid. Was Cairo okay?
“Are you there? I asked if you’re going to see him.”
“I…don’t know.”
“Y’all are in a relationship. Why wouldn’t you?”
After today, were we still together? Yes. I needed to see if Cairo was alright. I would search for flights leaving early in the morning and fly out then.
“You’re right.”
I lay in bed restless until around 2 a.m. I hadn’t been able to contact Cairo on his phone. When I received a call on my cell phone with Luther’s name, I picked it up immediately.
“Dr. Langston, I’m sorry to call so early, but Cairo insisted I let you know he’s alright. He was in the most pain I’ve ever seen, yet he called for you. The doctor said he has a patellar tendon rupture and will be out the rest of the season. He’s heavily sedated and resting comfortably.”
The heaviness of Luther’s words lingered as I took in what that meant. Basketball had been Cairo’s life, his normalcy after Cece’s death. Without this, would he be okay?
My thoughts raced to my schedule for the day. I would text Whitney to cancel my appointments as soon as I got off the phone. I’d take my laptop and work remotely from the hospital.
“I’m canceling my meetings and booking a flight to Phoenix as soon as possible.”
“Don’t do that. Cairo’s chartered a flight back and will be home midday. We’ve already hired medical staff to take care of him at home. I’ll call when we’re back in Atlanta.”
“Okay. Please let him know I called.” I bit the tip of my finger and closed my eyes. “And that I’m sorry and love him. Safe travels.”
“Thanks, Doc. I’ll keep you posted.”
The rest of that morning, I was a mess. I still hadn’t heard Cairo’s voice.
Luther texted general updates saying he was recovering as planned, but I wanted to hear it from Cairo.
I kept my eyes glued to ESPN as they replayed the moment Cairo got injured.
Because I knew the outcome of the hit that tore his tendon, I refused to watch replays of the game.
A former ball player turned named Stuart spoke directly to the camera with drawn brows. His piercing gaze had me hanging on his words.
“Reps say Cairo Kinney is healing as expected after surgical reattachment of the tendon, but it could take up to a year for him to recover. The rehab and work to come back from a rupture like this are intense for older players. This is probably the end of the road for Cairo.”
An older guy chimed in next.
“Never say never, Stuart. The mountain to recovery for Cairo is a big one, but in a year, I could see him back on the court. Everything about him points to resilience. If anyone can defy the odds, it’s Cairo Kinney.
” The anchor offered a weak smile and absently tapped his pen on the table several times.
A string of “we hope so” and “thoughts and prayers” echoed from the other three commentators on the platform.
This wasn’t a good look. Cairo’s mental health was probably a mess. Basketball had been his life. Although he told me retirement was imminent, I was positive he didn’t want to go out like this. He deserved better.
I hated that my last words to him were in anger—about something stupid and insignificant. Nothing in me believed he was a cheater or didn’t care for me. Unfortunately, it took a tragedy for me to see that.
Although Luther said he would call me, I dialed Cairo’s number. My message went directly to voicemail. I texted him immediately.
Me:
I’m so sorry for everything. Stay strong, love. *heart emoji*
When I didn’t get a response, my mind wandered. Was he able to respond to messages? Was he monitoring them? Why hadn’t I heard anything from him after being with him every day since we made our relationship official?
I closed my eyes and prayed for us to move past this bump in the road. I was so mean to him.
As if evil knew when it was best to stir up mess, an email from Geoff popped up on my phone. Since I blocked him on my phone, he must have been itching to gloat at Cairo’s demise. The message read, You reap what you sow. Your man got what he deserved.
I was tempted to unblock Geoff’s number and go off on him, but that was what evil people wanted. Since he was a snake of the first order, I wouldn’t be surprised if this contact was a setup to catch me in another university violation. I wouldn’t let Satan win today, so I ignored Geoff’s message.
I returned to my bed and then engaged in my daily routine as much as possible.
I still hadn’t heard from Cairo, so I busied myself with work until later that afternoon.
Luther finally texted me that Cairo was accepting visitors and wanted to see me.
It was hard to believe that in a day, I went from sucking Cairo dry to feeling like a stranger.
When I pulled up to Cairo’s mansion, a medical van and several cars were parked outside, reminding me of our press conference. I clutched the steering wheel and considered leaving. Instead, I closed my eyes and channeled my therapist, speaking to myself out loud.
“Stop catastrophizing this situation. Yes, you messed up, but you’re here now. You’re not a coward, Zora. What you said wasn’t so bad that you can’t recover. Cairo is a reasonable guy. You deserve love and grace too.” I took several breaths and closed my eyes.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
I jumped as Luther stood outside my passenger window. Where had he come from so quickly? When I unlocked my door, he opened it. I stepped out and instinctively reached for his hand, knowing that a touch from him would confirm that Cairo was okay.
“How is he? Tell me the truth.”
“Doctors say he’ll be out the rest of the season. Cairo is optimistic but still quieter than usual.”
“That’s to be expected. Are you sure he wants to see me?” I slipped that question in, not to be insensitive but to test the temperature of the room I was about to enter.
“Yes. He has been talking about you all morning.” Luther turned away then met my eyes again, his face pinched and serious.
“I think he’s embarrassed. It’s the male ego.
He doesn’t even take cold medicine when he’s sick, so this is new for him.
Cece was sick for a while, so he ignored his pain and focused on her needs.
No one has cared for him in a long time.
He doesn’t know how to be physically vulnerable. ”
I nodded.
“You all have a close relationship. You’re sharing a lot of confidential information with me. Why? I don’t want to put you in a place where you’re violating his trust.”
Luther pointed at me and smacked his hands.
“That’s why I reached out to you. You care about his reputation and keeping personal things personal. Not once have you asked about his money or tried to get something for yourself. I told him you’re the one for him the day I met you.”
It was my time to be shocked.
“You did?”
“Yes. If you give him the green light, y’all can start your lives together. Be patient with him. Please. This…” he pointed around the property and looked toward the door, “is all he knows.”
I followed Luther’s eyes toward the house and thought about what lay before me. Now wasn’t the time for me to be selfish or weak. If I was serious about Cairo, I needed to show it.
“Okay. I’m ready.”
When I entered the foyer, Cairo’s parents met me at the door. We engaged briefly over the past few weeks at games, but I had remained somewhat cautious about letting my guard down around them. His father and I exchanged general pleasantries as his mother almost knocked me down with a bear hug.
“There she is—my baby’s future. Thank you for coming, Zora.”
I blushed.
“Of course.” I smiled shyly, not expecting such a warm greeting from Mrs. Kinney.
I took in the beauty of the Kinneys. They were tall like Cairo—quite regal in their posture. Although Cairo’s demeanor mirrored his mother’s, he was the spitting image of his father with his sharp jawline, kind eyes, and smooth espresso skin.
“How is he resting?”
“He’s in his room getting settled in. I’m glad he built his master bed and bath on the ground floor.” Mr. Kinney’s East Coast accent drew me in.
“I agree.” I smiled.
“Go on back. He has been waiting for you,” his mother said.
I thanked them and moved toward Cairo’s room.
Why did everyone have such kind things to say about my relationship , but Cairo hadn’t spoken to me since yesterday? What was I missing?
In front of Cairo’s bedroom door, I tapped lightly and waited for him to answer.
“Come in.” His strong, sensual voice sent a quick shiver down my spine as I entered the room.
I held my stomach as I took him in as he lay on top of the covers of his bed. He wore black basketball shorts and no shirt. His upper body distracted me despite my best effort to meet his eyes and take in any nonverbal clues about the state of his mental wellness.
“Hi.” I gingerly walked to him and kissed his cheek.