Chapter 19 #2
“I’ve seen this play out several times. A talented athlete signs a multi-million-dollar contract and then everyone comes knocking with their hands out. It may seem like a lot of money right now, but shit goes fast when you have four mortgages, utilities, several car payments, and yearly taxes.”
“Since when did you become an accountant?”
“I work with people looking to buy homes. I’m well versed on the desirable debt to income ratio needed to achieve that.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’m fully plugged in when it comes to my expenses.”
“Tootie, is what, sixteen? And she’s smart so she’ll probably get into an Ivy League school. That’s tuition, boarding, books, and fees. She’ll need a car depending on which school she attends. That shit adds up.”
“It does. But I’ve been saving for years for that inevitability. You do remember I majored in business finance for a reason, right?”
“I just want you to be good. I see how hard you work, and I don’t want anything to jeopardize that. But it sounds like you have it completely under control, so I’ll fall all the way back.” She reached for her glass, draining it.
“Danessa—”
“I’m going to go to the ladies room.” She didn’t meet my eyes, and she didn’t wait for me to stand before rushing away from the table.
Her stance was nothing new. When we were in college she voiced her concerns about the amount of money I was sending to my folks.
It pissed me off then and it pisses me off now.
My mother worked long hours to feed and clothe us.
Sometimes there wasn’t enough to go around for five hungry bellies, and she’d go without.
She deserved the world, and I intended to give it to her to show my appreciation.
This wasn’t me just blindly spending money.
I tracked everything, wrote off what I could.
My parents weren’t in a mansion, I’d purchased a five-bedroom home in the suburbs just like my mom always dreamed of.
I knew Danessa’s objections were coming from a genuine place.
She wasn’t saying this because she wanted me to spend that money on her, she wanted me to think long term.
When Danessa returned it was obvious her bathroom break hadn’t helped to thaw the chill that was developing.
“Listen, I appreciate your concern. You have always had my back and my best interest as a priority, but my brother needs a proper place to live, and I can provide it and for that I’m grateful.”
“The last thing I meant to do was make a big deal out of this. I’m sorry. I’ll find realtors based in Philly for you.”
“Thank you.”
I didn’t receive her words lightly. But there were obligations I couldn’t escape, and I was never going to be the guy who forgot where I came from and who supported me along the way just because my bank account has a ton of zeros attached.
I grew up struggling and once I made my first million, I vowed to never go back.
As a Black athlete, shit as the first person to go to college in my family I was expected to reach back and help pull others up.
When our entrées arrived, it helped to improve our moods. I interrupted our silent enjoyment of the food and Danessa’s shoulder shimmy after each bite with a question. “When was the last time you were on a date?”
“That is such a first date question.”
“Well, this is a first date.”
“I don’t know maybe seven months ago.”
“How’d that go?”
“I’m here on a date with you so not that great.”
“Why?”
“We were just different. He was a nice guy but something was missing. What about you?”
“I went on a date right before I left Kansas City.”
“And?”
“It went well. I think because we both knew what it was.”
“What was it?” Danessa leaned in.
“So about school.”
“No you don’t get to throw out a tiny crumb. I want the whole loaf.”
“Before I speak, we need to activate the veil of non-judgment over this conversation.”
“Agreed.”
“Okay, she was a fuck buddy. And I was about to move and knew it would probably be a minute before I got laid again.”
“And she was okay with that?”
“You’d be surprised how many women are, when you’re upfront and honest about it.”
“I guess that’s the life of a basketball player. Anyone you want. Chicks posted up on standby in different area codes.”
“I don’t have women scattered across the country.”
“So no other woman could step forward today and claim you?”
“No, because I’m single.”
“I’m single too but my definition of single and an athlete’s definition of the word single is often different.”
“So, you’re telling me there isn’t some sorry sack of shit you’ve been keeping on the line for an ego boost and free meals.”
“Yeah. I’m sitting across from him.”
I tossed my linen napkin in her direction. “Wow, F you.”
“I’m kidding.”
“I kind of walked right into that one.”
“You made it hella easy.”
“Do you still talk to your ex-fiancé?”
“We still wish each other well during the holidays or birthdays. Why is that a problem?”
“Today no, three months from now … maybe.”
“You’re not the jealous type.”
“No college Aldridge wasn’t the jealous type. Me, present Aldridge is a goon about mine and I don’t fucking play.”
“I don’t think it’s that serious.”
“I bet you a million dollars old boy Marcus is somewhere kicking himself because he lost you. Trust me, I speak from experience.”
“What about you and Ashley? Are you still liking her posts with heart eye emojis?”
“First, I don’t use heart eyed emojis. And second, Ashley blocked me. Well first she made a long ass video about knowing her worth and not allowing a man to waste her time, tagged me in it, and then blocked me.”
“And were you wasting her time?”
“We were young. I don’t know what she expected. It was about having fun.”
“So she wanted more and you were looking for a good time?”
“When did you become pro Ashley?”
“I support all women.”
“Ashley was great. But I knew pretty early on we weren’t going to get married and start a family. And I made that fact very clear.”
“You told her you didn’t want to marry her?”
“No I said I wasn’t looking to settle down anytime soon. And all her influencer friends were switching over to wedding planning content and she felt left out.”
“So you no longer talk?”
“That woman wouldn’t spit on me if I was on fire.”
“Well, that’s good to know.” We both laughed.
If you didn’t get it, you should now. Shit was easy with her. Walking into this restaurant my body was a fist and now I felt completely at ease. Aside from the hiccup about my generosity, this date had gone well. I certainly didn’t want this night to end and I hoped she felt the same.
“How was your food?”
“It was great. Everything was delicious.”
“Do you want anything else? Because I want you to be satisfied.”
“I am full and content. Thank you.”
“So what do you wanna do next?”
“I was hoping I could see your hotel room. For real estate purposes of course.”
When our waiter returned to check on us, I asked, “Can we get the check? Like we do not need to see a dessert menu. We do not want to go boxes. Just the check.”