21. The Announcement
THE ANNOUNCEMENT
For the first time in my career, I wouldn’t play in the league’s All-Star game.
Within days of my injury, my specialist confirmed I’d also have to sit out the rest of the season and go through intense sessions of rehab.
I didn’t want to put my body through that, so I decided to retire from the league at the end of the season.
Although my family and those closest to me acted as if I would fall into a depression from such an abrupt shift in my routine, I’d been preparing for this mentally for quite a while.
To be honest, I didn’t have as much passion for basketball after Cece died. I kept going to maintain my health and have something to do.
Two weeks later, after my doctor’s visit, Zora stood by my side as I prepared to inform the world of my decision.
Her presence had become commonplace. When she was in town, she spent most of her nights at my home and in my bed, caring for me and deepening our friendship.
She all but moved in with me as I recuperated.
The morning of my retirement announcement, she rehearsed my speech with me in the car on the way to the Torch media center. As always, she held me up when I needed encouragement.
“You’ve got this, baby.” She held my hands and squeezed them as we stood outside the doors where the media awaited me.
“It’s time, Cairo.” Luther appeared through the door of the Torch’s waiting area.
When Zora and I entered the large room designated for the announcement, a flash of light bulbs blinded me.
She held my arm tightly as I leaned on a sturdy wooden cane and limped to the single black chair prepared for me at the front of the room.
I gave everyone my Denzel smile and a wave as a sea of media representatives stared at me.
Zora settled into her seat in the middle of the row in front of me after I lowered my body into my chair. I placed my cane on the floor and stretched my long legs under a table covered with a floor-length black cloth.
Another sea of bulbs flashed as I peered around the room. It was packed with my teammates, coaches, trainers, and several friends I’d made over the years. They sat around the room, offering a mix of smiles and questioning looks that reminded me that this moment was really happening.
No matter how many eyes stared at me, the only two I cared about were Zora’s.
She radiated encouragement with the sweetness of her smile and the way she leaned forward as if my announcement was the most important one in the world.
If at any point I became overwhelmed in emotion, I planned to look at her.
Today, Zora wore her hair in a low, slicked back ponytail.
Her crisp white blouse, wide-legged ponte pants, and black Jimmy Choos oozed professionalism.
Her full lips, painted in a color I affectionately called “vixen red,” reminded me how luscious she was during our private time.
With a steady presence and smile that reminded me how blessed I was to have her in my corner, Zora no longer held back her emotions.
When I winked at Zora, she winked back. I took a big breath and began my speech, speaking directly into the mic.
“Since I was twenty-one, I’ve given my life to our league.
The people, many of whom are in this room today, have uplifted me during the highs and lows of my life.
I have been blessed more than I ever thought I would be as I pursued a once-in-a-lifetime career.
Ecclesiastes 3 says, ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under heaven.’ I’ve flourished and grown in this league, but it’s time for me to say goodbye. ”
Across the room, some people gasped as others spoke to each other under their breaths. Many sat stoically since media outlets predicted I would make this announcement.
For the next fifteen minutes, I thanked those who guided me through my career and reminded people about my foundation and other businesses connected to my brand.
After answering general questions and thanking members of the media who wished me well, I turned toward Luther, who had been waiting for me to signal him.
“I want to end my career on a high note. Luther, please bring that box along with a chair. As he does that, I’d like to invite my partner, Dr. Zora Langston, to the platform to join me.” I waved to Zora, whose eyes got as big as saucers.
From my left, Luther ascended the short steps to my table and placed a white box in front of me. He moved behind a partition and retrieved a chair.
Zora cocked her head and shook it as if she wanted to say no when she saw Luther’s movement.
Because of her public image, I knew she wouldn’t leave me sitting alone and looking foolish in front of everyone.
She rose and walked toward me with her hands by her side.
She followed Luther’s trek and sat next to me.
“What is this about?” she mouthed.
I shrugged, then looked toward a side door. Her eyes followed mine and landed on Lena and our parents. When they were settled in the seats reserved for them at the back, I resumed speaking.
“The woman sitting beside me is here for a reason. She has been a steady presence, not only during this transition but as I’ve continued to process the loss of my late wife, Cece. I never thought I’d love again, but God has blessed me twice in this area.”
As she did when she was nervous, Zora pressed her fingers against her throat.
“Zora, baby, I can’t get down on one knee, but I want the world to see what the next phase of my life is going to be for me. I’m taking a big risk asking this question in front of everybody, but it’s time for me to move forward from the injuries to my body and heart. Will you be my wife?”
A collective gasp and thunderous applause erupted across the room as Zora tilted her head toward the heavens and covered her mouth with her hands. She shook her head from side to side and stared at me as if she was frozen.
“Yes!” Lena’s loud ass voice cut across the room.
That jerked Zora from her statue-like state.
“He didn’t ask you, Lena.” She laughed through her tears as everyone joined in.
“Well, answer the man, sis,” she snapped.
“I am.” She took a deep breath and held my hand. “I said yes to you a long time ago. Of course, the answer is yes.”
I reached for my baby’s hand and placed the five-carat platinum, oval cut diamond solitaire engagement ring on her finger. She held it out and admired it briefly before kissing me hard. I tenderly matched her loving energy before releasing her and holding her hands in mine.
“Let’s see that rock,” a reporter cried out.
Zora giggled then bent her wrist forward. She playfully moved her hand from side to side as camera bulbs flashed. As was now my habit when mics were hot, I lowered my voice and covered it before speaking.
“At least we’re consistent with these press conferences,” I said.
“Yes. And I can’t wait for our next chapter to begin.”