Sterling #2
I couldn’t complain about not looking the part or not having my look together.
Porsha was a magician with hair because mine was flourishing under her watch.
She’d had time to give me a fresh blown out and place the clip-ins that matched my natural highlights throughout my hair.
I’d tied it up last night in curlers so it was giving body and waves.
The jersey I was wearing was black and I’d paired it with black leather, paper bag shorts with combat boots that perfectly matched the blue in my jersey.
If the number on my back wasn’t enough of a hint, the item that Aldrich left for me to wear and wave when he scored touchdowns was.
He really wasn’t playing about me and damn it felt good.
“Thank you for having us, Sterling. You both look beautiful.”
Billy had brought in her family to the suite once I had her passes waiting for her at will call.
True to her word her father-in-law tried to pay me for the market cost of the suite rental even when I told him I wasn’t out anything.
When we boarded his plane, he had a check waiting for me and wasn’t happy when I told him I wouldn’t take it.
He wasn’t pleased but there was nothing he could do.
“Thank you. I’m nervous about all this.”
I’d made sure that the suite was completely stocked with just about every type of food and drink on the menu.
We had the full bar with the additional Bellini and Mimosa bar package with top-shelf alcohol.
There were the typical snacks for the kids of chips, popcorn and hotdogs.
Aldrich had let me know that Billy’s oldest son ate like a teenager so I had them order extra kid-friendly portions of chicken tenders and kosher hot dogs and pizza.
Theatre-style box candies were also lined up against a wall to ensure everyone could snack as they wanted.
For the adults, I’d ordered every variety of wing they offered, tenders, shrimp cocktail that was on ice and chilled until it was time to eat, fries, dips and soft pretzels and dumplings.
After halftime, they would bring out fresh salads, pasta salads, grilled veggies, wraps, steaks and a mix of filet, cheesesteak, pulled pork and tender sliders.
Was it overboard? Yes. But I wasn’t about to make a bad impression.
If nothing else, my family would throw a memorable party so I was channeling my inner Sanders with the spread I’d ordered.
I was close to having the suite decorated but I had to pull back because that would’ve been overkill.
“I don’t see why. With the way Miss Sonya was laughing with you, there’s nothing you have to be worried about.
Besides, you and this beauty are part of our family.
” She cooed when she spoke Ami’s name and then leaned over and stroked her hand.
Her youngest daughter was staring at Ami and imitating her mama like she wasn’t still two seconds off being a baby herself.
“I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard but I wouldn’t be a good hostess if I didn’t go out of my way to make sure you guys had everything you needed.”
When Billy smiled ruefully I felt slightly on edge until she spoke. “You’ll feel much better next week as you see how ridiculous it gets when Mac and everyone else host. It’s three suites that connect and turn into one big party. We are more than thankful that you took the extra step for us.”
I could only smile especially since she didn’t realize she’d all but told me I was going to be with them next week. It wasn’t a big deal to her because it was normal, but I’d never experienced camaraderie like this before.
Aphrodite had left us to speak with Rye and I grinned at how easily they got along with one another.
“She needs to sign up for her last name to be changed before the end of next year. Anthony is in love with my girl.”
I nodded because she had brought her US Open trophy with her the way he’d requested. The jersey dress that I’d made for her and the black boots she’s paired it with would’ve made her a head turner even if she hadn’t just made history last night. “They are so cute together.”
Billy huffed and I turned to her, seeing that she was looking at me with an eyebrow raised.
“Darling, do you realize that you’re wearing Money’s chain?
Living in his house and he trusts you with the most precious thing he has in this world?
You might not make it out the year with that same last name.
” She touched the chain around my neck with a grin on her face and I dipped my head bashfully.
“We are…”
“About to have an infant and a toddler running around. I know that look, honey. Do not let that man play with you. They’re in prime physical condition, that damn testosterone is at its peak and their virility is unmatched.
Not even gonna touch on the stamina.” She shivered then blinked twice before she looked dazed. “Where the hell was I going with this?”
“Girl, I don’t know but I feel you might need to take your own advice.”
Billy pointed as my words triggered her memory.
“Oh yeah, that’s where I was going. Don’t trust these fools to pull out.
Especially not Money. His entire life is geared around breaking through barriers…
” She paused again and then shook her head.
“Girl, I hope you're on the pill unless you’re ready to birth your own tribe.” She pointed down at the daughter she was carrying before glancing back over her shoulder.
“We are more than good I promise.” Ami started to wiggle and I knew I needed to get her bottle soon.
“Listen, do what makes you happy. I've got four kids so I’m never one to tell someone not to have little ones.
“She’s absolutely more than enough for right now and we’re still new and figuring things out.”
She looked at me sympathetically probably because she knew the road we were on but looked genuine in her desire for her to make it through.
“I get that. I think all of us had stuff we had to figure out and it was different and unique to every situation. But I think we’ll all tell you it was worth it. ”
“Thank you. I don’t know why but I feel like I needed to hear that.” I blinked back tears because her words touched me deeply. She looked stunning in her simple royal blue dress but the large 90 brooch that was made of diamonds really set it off.
“Any time. I told you the day we met that just because Money is my client doesn’t mean I’m going to be walking around taking his side on shit. We all stick together no matter what and now you’re one of us. And that goes for whether you and Money work out. You can’t shake us.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Good. Now let me get away from you for a minute. Being around her gives me baby fever and I gotta go curse out my uterus real fast.” I laughed as she leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“You are crazy.”
“Nah I got the living proof that if my body gets too busy wanting a baby it’s going to speak to his and they gone make something happen.
Since he’s down with whatever, I've gotta be the adult in the situation.” Billy rolled her eyes but I could tell that lady wouldn’t have minded having another baby.
“As long as I can be in charge of the baby shower outfit.”
“Girl, I would tell you to go to hell but I like you too much. But that ain’t happening this way.
It’s my time to be the fun auntie.” She grinned proudly and looked at Yzzy as Sampson brought her a mimosa before kissing her on the lips.
“Samp is plotting and I doubt he’s ever failed at anything in his life. ”
“Not you setting your sister up.”
“Please, she’s already said she’s more than ready. I think she enjoys fucking with him though…” Her voice trailed off and her brows dipped down. “How the fuck she get in here?”
My head turned to what she was looking at and I noticed a woman with Antwan’s jersey on talking to Aphrodite and Rye. Well, talking wasn’t the right word. It looked as though Rye was reading her to hell and back.
“I can get her kicked out—”
“And spoil my fun? No, thank you. You’ve done enough work and I know that whine Ami’s doing. It’s why she’s got my boobs tingling like they’re ready to lactate again. She’s ready to eat.”
I knew boobs were magical but I didn’t know they were trying to feed America. “She is—”
“Good. Do you mind walking her to Mac? I need to handle this.” She motioned down to her little girl and I stooped down to pick her up.
“I got her. If you need me please let me know. I’ll have a word with security too.”
“You won’t but I’ll let you know. Be good for Ms. Sterling and Granddaddy Mac, Josie.” Josie nodded to her mama who grinned at her. When she looked back toward the suite entrance I could see her face switch to all business.
I didn’t bother to wait to see what the issue was.
Mac was more than happy to have his granddaughter and he even asked me if I wanted to leave Ami with him.
This man was in grandkid heaven and looked like he wanted to start a granddaddy daycare because all the kids in the suite were with him and Billy’s mama.
I sat down and got Ami’s bottle fixed in record time while I was monitoring the situation with my friends.
Rye looked ready to fuck up whoever this was and when Billy walked over I knew something serious was going on.
I stood up to intervene since I was the suite owner, but I was going to troubleshoot whatever was going on.
Before I could get up Aphrodite waved me back down and Ami pulled at my hair as a reminder that I had something more important to worry about than some strange lady.
Since I couldn’t physically be in the middle of anything I beckoned over the nearest suite attendant for assistance.
“I need some help.”