Chapter 10
ten
. . .
Hendrix
I was in Miami conditioning on a workout bike with the team a few hours before the game. ESPN blared on every TV within the training facility, and I zoned out to catch the tail end of the conversation between the on-air commentators.
“You know what game I can’t wait for? The Miami and Kansas City game tonight. I cannot wait to see what Croft is gonna do!”
“You and everybody else, Roland. Croft has been on everybody’s radar this season, that’s for sure.”
“Watching him out there on the court, you would never know he was taken out at the end of last season with a knee injury. The boy gets buckets, Carrie!” Roland hailed.
“I’ll admit it does seem like Croft can do no wrong. Kansas City is on fire right now with a four-game winning streak. That’s record breaking for the team in general.”
“I’m telling you, Carrie, Croft is exactly what the doctor ordered! He brought a team that was on life support back to life! Dare I say MVP?”
“That’s it, Roland. I think you’re calling it.”
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the past due recognition after niggas counted me out when I got injured and then traded.
Most days, I felt like I was carrying the world on my shoulders, so the praise was an internal win.
As much as I was against the trade at first, putting the Kansas City jersey on my back was the best career decision I ever made, but I still had a lot to prove.
Shaking off their admiration, I put the focus back on my workout.
After getting off the bike, I headed to see the team trainer to get stretched out and put my compression knee sleeve on.
“Yo, Croft. Coach Jackson wants to see you in the hallway,” my teammate, Sean, told me.
I issued into the hallway and set out for the coach who stood at the end of the hallway talking to a man I’d only heard of in passing, the team owner. “You wanted to see me, Coach?” I asked.
“Croft, I’d like you to meet Mitchell West, the Kansas City Titans’ team owner.”
I reached out my hand to shake his. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
“Croft, the pleasure is all mine! I’m excited to be here tonight. It’s gonna be a big game. I’ve heard the entire arena is sold out tonight. How are you feeling?”
“I’m good. Just tryna get in the right headspace and get focused.”
“Let’s walk,” he suggested. We left Coach Jackson behind and took over conversation out to the secluded court. “I wanted to check in to see how you were adjusting so far this season. I mean, by your stats, you’re doing great, but I wanted to personally check in.”
“I’m proud to be a Titan, and I appreciate the fresh start. I’m trying to stay the course, have a successful season, and hopefully bring a championship to the city.”
He patted my shoulder. “That’s good to hear. As you know, the Titans have been chasing a championship for years, and up until you got here, that dream seemed impossible. Now, I feel like it’s right at the tip of our fingertips. Fans are calling you the King of Kansas City.”
I exchanged a glance with him before flashing a quick grin. “I’m definitely feeling the attention and the pressure,” I assured him.
He spoke quickly, “I’m not sure if you know this or not, but we moved heaven and earth to acquire you and you’ve made us very proud. I’m excited to see what else you can do.”
I understood the hierarchy in the league and for that reason, I sunk my teeth into my bottom lip to avoid saying the first thing that came to mind. I was never one to shy away from praise, but he was talking to me as if I was a show pony or some prized exotic breed of dog.
“Thank you. All I can do is go out there and play the game I wanna play.”
“You have a bright career ahead of you. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll rule this entire franchise, son. Just something to think about,” he said, patting my shoulder again. “If there’s anything you need or that we can do for you, don’t. hesitate to ask.”
I bobbed my head as I noticed a few of my teammates heading out onto the court. “Thank you. I’m about to go do shoot around with the team. Enjoy the game, sir.”
“I’m sure I will.”
An hour and a half after the game ended, I was out in the club celebrating our win with team when my phone vibrated.
I looked down and saw Cass displayed across the screen.
Things had been hanging in the balance between Cassidy and I for months.
I’d given her the time to heal and focus on herself, while I focused on my game, but I counted down the days until I could see her again.
Instead of answering and struggling to hear her over the loud music, I opted to text her.
Me [11:42 p.m.]: I’m out celebrating with the team. Sup?
Cass [11:43 p.m.]: Congrats on another win…
Me [11:43 p.m.]: Thank you.
Three ellipses showed up and then disappeared multiple times. Just as I went to shove the phone back in my pocket, she hit me back.
Cass [11:47 p.m.]: I was wondering if we could talk…
Me [11:49 p.m.]: About?
Cass [11:53 p.m.]: Us.
Me [11:54 p.m.]: When?
Cass [11:55 p.m.]: Tonight. I’m in Miami.
Me [11:57 p.m.]: When were you gon’ tell me that?
Cass [11:59 p.m.]: I wasn’t sure if you would want to see me. It’s been a min.
Me [12:02 a.m.]: I always wanna see you, Cass. Where you stayin’?
Cass [12:03 a.m.]: The Fontainebleau. Room 3413.
Me [12:07 a.m.]: Bet. I’m about to pull up on you.
I said my goodbyes to my boys and swanned through the club to wait for the valet to bring my car around.
As much as I knew I should’ve stayed to continue celebrating with my team, Cassidy had more of a hold over me than she thought.
Something inside me craved her energy, no matter which way she was coming with it, and I had to see her.
My body slid behind the seat of the Mercedes I’d rented to get around for the few days I was in the city, and I headed to see her.
With five minutes left until I arrived at her hotel, I stopped at a red light where traffic was a little backed up.
I glanced down at my phone for a second and then up in time to see a black and orange Kawasaki motorcycle crash into the back of me, and then everything went black.