Caleb
Dr. Layanna James was recognized as one of the world’s top pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons.
Most surgeons specialized in either cardiac, cardiovascular, congenital heart, general thoracic, or transplant procedures; however, Layanna James specialized in all areas and was the standard for medical marvel.
Patients from all over the world traveled to Winston Hills Memorial to seek out her expertise and save their children’s lives.
I used to always tease Angel about Yanna having him in a trance, but now I understood completely.
She was smart enough for four people, she was an incredible wife, mother, friend, and she was funny as fuck.
Yanna possessed a comedic timing that even many comedians weren’t blessed with.
She was a fantastic cook, had an impeccable sense of style, fucked like a porn star, and most importantly, she had a heart that was kind, loving, and full of goodness.
Her inner beauty matched her outer beauty, and it resulted in a glow that always pulled you in and kept you hypnotized.
Me: Thank you so much, I appreciate it. I’ve been surviving and attending grief therapy.
I hate that Maria is not here to navigate the rest of this hectic life with me, but I know she would want me to live it to the fullest and make sure the kids do the same.
I hope you’re well. Thank you for checking in on us, D.
Dana Averies: All is well. I started at Winston Hills Memorial as the lead financial analyst, so I hope to make some really great things happen for the hospital.
Me: No shit, huh. You know Angel’s wife, Layanna, is the head of pediatric cardiothoracic there, you’ll probably see her around.
After a few more messages, I told Dana to have a good one as I finally prepared to start my day.
Dana was the girl I dated in high school before Maria stole my heart.
We kept in touch over the years, and she’d even come to a party or two Maria and I had thrown back in the day.
I was always honest with Maria about any association I had with other women, because if shit is truly platonic, there’s nothing to hide.
Maria respected my being forthcoming, and she liked that Dana was always respectful and never crossed any boundaries with me, allowing Dana to remain an acquaintance of both Maria and me.
Dana was gorgeous when we were teens; however, in adulthood, Dana was a showstopper.
Dana rocked a sandy blonde pixie cut that complemented her copper-tinged russet skin tone, reminiscent of Halle Berry.
Much like Maria, Dana was statuesque. Had she not found her footing in the financial world, the modeling industry would’ve been right at her door, knocking.
Dana was slender when we were teens, but as a grown woman, she now had curves and dips that I’m sure some nigga was lucky to explore given the chance.
She had done well for herself as a financial analyst, but with Layanna being my drug of choice, I had no desire to explore the past. I was certain Yanna was my future, and I refused to dip back and risk ruining it because I was attempting to cosplay as a lover boy when everything I desired in a woman, Yanna had.
I got up and headed to my closet to decide on what to wear for filming.
Though I started and finished my career as a 4 time world champion Los Angeles Laker, I had pivoted into commentating and was even entertaining some coaching offers with several teams. As I ran the shower, I hopped into the group chat I had with my kids and started talking shit.
Me: Damn, no love for y’all old man? Nobody is asking me for money or anything! Y’all acting totally different ??
CJ: And the Academy Award for best actor in a Dramatic Series goes to… ??
Callie: I was going to FaceTime you later, Daddy. I miss you, and school has been brutal. I’m auditioning for the lead in the Nutcracker.
Milo: Pops, I’m knee deep in these books, and these thick ass girls at Spellman lol
Mario: Training camp got ya boy on the ropes, but I miss y’all. Pops you straight?? Are you staying busy? You can always come and hang out with me at training camp.
CJ: Aye, Dad, I’ve been thinking of applying to a residency at Winston Hills Medical in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. Do you think Miss Yanna would put in a good word for me?
Me: I miss you, too, baby girl. When are you and Liah coming home to visit?
Lo, use condoms and get tested lol lil wild ass nigga.
Rio, that might be the move. I’ll check my schedule and let you know when I’m coming.
CJ, you know Yanna will put in a good word and mentor you.
You have her number, or do you want me to call her and tell her to expect your call?
I chuckled, thankful that my kids were thriving as I counted my blessings every time I talked to them, even if only through text messages, which always puts a smile on my face and extra swagger in my stride.
Maria and I had raised four highly successful, kind, and loving kids while starting our parenthood journey as children ourselves.
After saying my goodbyes, I prepared to hop in the shower, but not before a FaceTime came in, and I smiled because it was the woman I’d been thinking about all morning.
“You got some good news for me, baby?” I asked as her smiling face came into view, still in her scrubs and as beautiful as ever.
“I do, the surgery was a success, and little Jaylen should have a full recovery and a full, healthy life,” her face beaming with pride.
“That’s what I like to hear, Mama, but I never doubted that would be the outcome with you in that OR.”
As she smiled at me, my stomach tightened and my heart skipped a beat.
Initially, I blamed myself for being a freaky ass nigga in need of a nut for my infatuation with Yanna, but with each passing day, I realized it was more.
It was just her and everything about her that had me losing the battle against love.
“Thank you, Daddy. How’s your morning going?”
“Not bad, about to shower and head to the studio to do some promo and a photo shoot. I talked to the kids and they’re doing well.
Rio wants me to come see him and hang out at camp.
So I need to book a flight. CJ is gonna be calling you because he wants to do a residency in pediatric cardio thoracic and was wondering if you’d put a good word in for him,” her face holding a look of shock and pride and that’s what made my feelings grow daily for Yanna, she was in awe of my kids and their accomplishments and dreams much like her own.
“YESSSS! Tell CJ he doesn’t even have to jump through hoops, I’d be honored to vouch for him.
He’s such a bright young man, I can’t wait to teach him everything I know!
Cal, let him know I’ll start the paperwork tomorrow to bring him on as my resident and mentee.
Eeekkk I’m so excited to be able to help him and put in a word for him!
” She squealed full of joy and humility as if she wasn’t THEE best of the best.
“Can I take you to dinner tonight, baby?” I asked.
“You cannot, but you can pull out one of your many tuxes and join me as my plus one for the hospital charity benefit gala this evening,” she told me sweetly as she continued, “I know the guests will be so excited to be in the presence of 4 time NBA champion, olympic gold medalist Caleb ‘muthafuckin’ Black,” she finished as I started laughing loud at her silly ass.
“Girl, don’t try to hype me up after making me your last-minute pity invite,” I teased.
It was her turn to laugh this time as she responded, “I know it’s last minute, but depending on how my surgery went, I would have skipped it even if I’m being honored for my research on groundbreaking surgical techniques.”
This woman was a trip; I chuckled inwardly. Being willing to skip an event if you were the guest of honor because your surgery hadn’t gone well was another reason she was so lovable. Her love and compassion for her patients and their families were why she was the best of the best in medicine.
“Yeah, baby, I’d love to be your plus one. What time should I have the driver pick you up?”
“Five pm should be good. Thank you, Cal. I have to make my rounds, and I’ll see you later,” she smiled as we said our goodbyes and ended the call.