Chapter 8
The sound of SportsCenter played in the background as I cleaned up the cabin.
I tossed all our trash into bags and stripped the beds of the linen.
The host strictly instructed how they wanted the cabin to look for checkout.
I didn’t mind coming back after I dropped Ava off.
I had more than enough time to clean up and still make it in time for tip-off.
“It’s just in. Superstar Ava Starr says she’s not playing in tonight’s game,” Markela, the sports reporter, stated.
My ears perked up at the announcement. “Excuse me? What did she just say?” I gave the television my undivided attention.
Markela and Justin were the current SportsCenter anchors for the pregame show. They began the show with stats and projections for the season. Now, the breaking news had caught everyone, including myself, off guard.
“This was so unexpected. We are told Ava Starr went live on social media just a few minutes ago. Luckily for our viewers who missed the live, we have the full clip. We will play the footage now.”
I watched intently as they switched to Ava’s live video. She spoke for only a few minutes, but her words were clear and concise. She left no room for confusion.
“Hey, y’all. It’s your favorite Viper. I’m only on here to get this announcement out as fast as I can.
Ava Starr will not be playing in tonight’s game.
The only way I’ll step out on that court is if I can find my necklace in time.
Day one Galaxies know how important my heart necklace is.
Without it, I’m not me. I love y’all, and I trust the team to get the dub with or without me. ”
My eyes widened at the conclusion of the video. She lost her necklace. Could it be here?
“I think it’s irresponsible for her to throw such an asinine tantrum. It’s just a necklace.” Justin commented on the video.
“I agree to an extent. Many people are superstitious about their rituals. If she’s never played without her necklace, then I get the apprehension of not wanting to start today.” Markela shrugged.
“As the daughter of Axel Starr, she has a huge responsibility to uphold. Ava is tarnishing her family name because of this.” Justin shook his head.
“She’s a star with or without her father’s legacy. She should have the grace to have moments like this, especially if she feels it deep in her heart. Let’s not forget she brought the Vipers to not one, not two, but three championships.”
They played her highlight reel as they continued to discuss Ava’s stats.
I tuned out the rest of the show while I went in search of the necklace.
I prayed it was in the house and not in the mud from yesterday.
The path was long, and I didn’t want to have to search for such a small item in a sea of mud and dirt.
“I should find it while I’m cleaning.”
The living room and kitchen were cleaned, and no necklace was found. I checked the bathrooms. After throwing the dirty towels into the basket, I searched the shower, sink, and tub. The bathroom was clean and no necklace in sight.
I went into the bedroom and chuckled at the mess.
We went crazy as hell in the bedroom, so I searched high and low.
Lo and behold, the necklace was underneath the bed near the nightstand.
I picked it up and examined it. The clasp was still intact, and I was grateful there was no damage to her good luck charm.
I stuffed it in my pocket and finished gathering our things. I loaded the car up and made my way back into town toward the arena. Traffic was ass, but my car had an all-access pass, thanks to my sister. I parked in the staff parking lot and hopped out. I jogged to the locker room.
“Players only,” a security guard stated.
I shook my head and called my sister.
“Hello?”
“Let me in the locker room. I forgot my pass in the car, but I have Ava’s necklace.”
“Oh, praise God.”
She hung up without another word. A few seconds later, she peeked her head out of the locker room. “He’s cool.”
The security guard nodded and moved out the way. I walked in and kept my eyes low in case any of the women were getting undressed.
“Don’t worry. Everybody has their clothes on,” Nay stated.
I nodded and lifted my head up to see Ava with her head low as she tapped her foot on the floor like the Energizer Bunny.
“Hey, you.”
She looked up at the sound of my voice. She stood up and poked out her bottom lip. “Marcus.”
“I know, baby. You’re the most trending topic this month. A million posts and videos about the situation.”
She shook her head. “I don’t care about any of that shit. I just want my necklace back.”
“I know. Close your eyes for me.”
“What?” She gazed at me with curiosity dancing in her brown eyes.
“Close your eyes.”
“Why?”
I didn’t say anything. I just gave her a look that said not to ask any more questions. She pouted her lip but closed her eyes. I dug into my pocket and pulled out the necklace. I walked around her and placed the necklace around her neck and clasped it in the second loop.
“Open your eyes.” I whispered in her ear.
Her lids lifted, and she placed her hand on her chest where the heart rested against her jersey. She turned and looked at me with watery eyes.
“Y-you found it.”
“It must have fallen off during one of our rowdy rounds.”
She giggled. “You’re the best.”
“I know.” I smirked.
She wrapped her hands around my neck and pulled me into a gentle kiss.
“Crisis averted,” Nay sang from somewhere in the locker room.
“Aye, shout out Marcus for being all of our knight in gray sweatpants.” Cinnamon grinned.
“Marcus! Marcus! Marcus!” The locker room erupted in chants of my name. I shook my head as they clapped and sang and tossed towels at me.
“Our season isn’t over. Now, can we go out here and beat the living shit out of the other team?” Nay teased.
“Let’s get it. Now you’ve got to leave so we can finish up in here,” Ava commented.
“I need to get to my seat anyway. I’ll see you after the game.”
“See me at the post-game interview. I want you there.”
I nodded. “Of course. You got this.”
I pecked her lips several more times before the girls kicked me out of the room. I chuckled and made my way courtside where my parents were. The Axel Starr was a few seats down, and I held my composure despite the excitement I felt of being in his presence.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Ava Starr will be in the starting lineup for tonight’s game,” the announcer stated over the arena speakers.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Everyone was excited to see her play, me included.
“Did you have something to do with that?” Mama asked as she leaned over Dad’s lap to talk to me.
I smiled. “Maybe.”
“She was really upset about the necklace. I get it, but she really turned the sports world upside down.”
I nodded. “She did, but I found the necklace and gave it to her before I came to the seats.”
“Good for you. I’m happy she could find her good luck charm,” Pops added.
Mama grinned. “My baby found his person, and I think she’s your person too. I can see the love in your eyes. You are her peace, and I pray she’s yours too.”
“Mama… we’re courtside at a basketball game, and you’re talking about love.’
“Am I wrong?”
I shook my head. “Nope. I’ve already told her I love her. It happened over the weekend, actually.”
“Aww!” Mama placed her hands over her heart and cooed.
The lights dimmed as the announcer returned to introduce both teams. Tip-off was about to begin, and I couldn’t wait to see my lady show out on the court tonight.
She would have to do some crazy things to get the media’s attention off her earlier situation.
Maybe she’d dunk on a couple of these bitches.
I would love to see my lady poster the opponent.
The game was in full effect, with both teams coming out of the gate swinging.
The first quarter ended with a tied score, thirty-six.
The second quarter was high energy as well.
Nay and Ava were Cade’s Cove’s very own lob city.
They were feeding off everyone’s energy.
The team was on a natural high as they gained a lead.
“This is beautiful to watch,” I said aloud.
“Mm-hmm.” Pops agreed.
“I feel like this is the type of opener they need to get to the finals. I’m sure Ava will get us there,” I continued.
My eyes watched their every move intently.
The whole Vipers’ roster had gotten hit with the Space Jam effect.
It was beautiful to see them clown the other team.
The end of the second quarter came with a fifteen-point lead for the Vipers.
When halftime came, the players headed toward the locker room. As Ava headed to the back, she made a pit stop to her father, and they talked. I didn’t approach her because she deserved to have time with her father. Plus, Nay came over to our parents and me.
“You’re playing like rent is due, bighead,” I teased.
“Shit. Rent is due.” She giggled.
“Marnajah—”
“I’m sorry, Mama. Blame Marcus’s peanut head for making me cuss.” Marnajah kissed Mama’s cheek.
“I can’t wait to watch your film during my workout later this week. Expect some pointers,” I explained.
“I appreciate you.” Nay hugged me before she talked to Dad. He was also serious about her game. He complimented her on several plays but also gave her his fatherly advice.
“Hey, you,” Ava greeted me.
“Hey. You’re balling hard out there,” I complimented her.
“Thanks. It’s such a natural high being on the court. I will not lie; I was giving more tonight because you’re courtside.”
I smirked. “Yeah?”
“Mm-hmm.”
I placed my hands on her waist and pulled her close.
Sweaty and all, she wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned close.
She puckered her lips. My tongue slid across my lips before I pressed mine against hers.
In the moment, I felt like the king of the mothafuckin world.
Kissing Ava Starr while I sat courtside at the season opener. God was really on my side.
When our lips parted, flashes erupted around us. Ava leaned close and whispered in my ear, “I didn’t post you, but the whole world is about to know you’re mine.”
I thought back to our bet at the cabin. It was a cute and harmless bet that I followed through on. It was almost as if she’d planned on doing this to begin with. Pop out with me at one of the games to get the most attention.
“You’re not slick.”
She grinned and pecked my lips a few more times. “I have to get to the back to speak with the team, but meet me at the post-game interview area. I’m sure they’re going to ask about you.”
“I got you.”
I kissed her again and watched her jog to the locker room. My mind ran a mile a minute. I had a decent following and went viral every couple of weeks, but this would be a different type of viral. I was grateful for my media training.
Ava Starr was mine.