27. Ryland
Ryland
Two days away from the world had me trying to decide how many more weekends I could steal like this one. It was crazy to me how my life could be defined by two things, on the field and on go, which meant clubs, women, and drinking until I didn’t remember either of those things.
The minute I found out about my sister, my priorities changed. When I met Somee, my life began to make sense. I experienced a type of clarity that had me ready to go hard to ensure I kept the peace and purpose she brought into my life.
I loved Rylee, would give my life for hers. There wasn’t anything she desired that I wouldn’t offer up my last to provide. I was also in love with Somee. That woman had me so wrapped up in everything she was, I could no longer see any parts of my life where she wasn’t attached.
“What’s next?” my father stated with amusement, stepping up beside me. I managed to pull my eyes away from the pool area long enough to acknowledge him. I didn’t last long before my focus was locked in on where Somee, Rylee and Marlee were all holding hands, dancing in a circle.
“I get back on the field and hopefully win a championship.”
“That’s not what I mean.” I turned to face my father again. There was a smug grin on his face as he studied me. He had a drink in one hand and the other in the pocket of his slacks, looking completely relaxed.
“Then what do you mean?”
“With them.” He tipped his glass toward his lips and glanced at Somee who lifted Rylee into her arms, smiling from ear to ear. I brushed a hand over my waves, dipped my head, and grinned.
“Rylee is easy. She’ll go with the flow. Somee…” I smirked deeper. “That’s a whole other story, but I’m trying to be like you, Pop. I want what y’all have.”
I wanted to be here thirty plus years from now, talking to my son or daughter about their future while they watched the person they loved, trying to decide how their life didn’t make sense without them.
That was exactly how I felt right now watching Somee, like I wasn’t living until now.
Football gave me purpose. My career provided a lifestyle that most people could only dream of.
I loved the man I used to be, but since meeting Somee, I had become whole in ways that most weren’t, thanks to her willingness to provide space for me to be vulnerable enough to acknowledge and address the demons of my past.
This was what having that person by my side who saw all of me looked like.
A woman willing to nurture and grow the seeds that hadn’t flourished because I refused to accept that being a man meant owning my flaws and understanding who I was and who I could be.
Being a man wasn’t having all the answers, it was accepting that I didn’t.
“You sure you’re ready for that type of responsibility? The way I love your mama is a different kind of love.”
“Yeah, I know. I learned by example.”
“Good, because that right there is something special. Having a woman who becomes your home, your safe space, your reason, is invaluable, son. Not understanding how precious that is leaves room for you to fumble the ball.”
I turned my attention to Somee. “Nah, I’m not gonna mess this up. You might not be able to place value on something that special, but trust, I know her worth. I understand what having her in my life means and I’m never gonna fumble the opportunity to love her properly or be loved by her.”
“Alright then, I’ll drink to that.” I chuckled as he tossed back what was left of his glass.
“You’ll drink to just about anything since it’s my Black Barrel in your glass.”
He smirked. “I won’t disagree, son. A drink like that deserves to be enjoyed whenever the opportunity arises.”
“What time y’all heading out?”
My parents, along with Somee’s mother and Roland, were all heading to Rhythm and Vibes Lounge, a chill little spot on the island.
They decided to make the most of their weekend.
After my mom mentioned the club, Somee insisted they all go.
She was happy that they’d come for her birthday, but also wanted them to enjoy their time here.
I also sensed she was a bit overwhelmed with the attention and needed a break.
I damn sure wasn’t complaining because I needed her without having to share.
I also didn’t care about how selfish I had become with a need for all her time.
“Hell if I know. Should have been gone an hour ago, but your mother has changed three times.”
“Since when do you have a problem with me taking my time to look good for you.? My father smirked and glanced over his shoulder when he heard my mother’s voice.
“It’s never a problem, baby, and you always look good. You looked damn good in the first three dresses you had on, but I can’t say I’m all that upset with what you’re wearing now.”
After thirty-six years together, my parents still flirted like they were teens.
You could see and feel their love. Their marriage wasn’t perfect.
I experienced their good and bad days, but they stood by each other, loved each other through the highs and lows, and were still committed to a lifetime together.
If I had to sum up what I wanted my future to be with Somee, it was my parents.
My blueprint was laid from the time I met them.
“Mmhmm, good save.”
“I told you Pops got game,” I teased and my mother rolled her eyes.
“Game gets you played. Be careful with that, Land.” She shot him a playful glare and I chuckled, knowing that game was what kept their relationship from fading.
“We’re ready, baby. Roland and Miranda are out front.”
“That’s my cue, son.”
“Y’all have fun, but not too much. No three a.m. calls with me having to come get y’all.”
My father smirked. “I’m pretty sure we owe you a few three a.m. calls. Isn’t that how this goes? You grow up while we relive our youth. The roles are reversed.”
“I damn sure hope not,” I mumbled, thinking about my reason for the early morning calls. I gave my parents hell. I didn’t want that type of stress in my life.
“I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” My mother smiled mischievously before my father made his way to her, pulling her into his arms with a kiss I didn’t need to witness.
After our parents were gone, I walked down to the pool just as Marlee and Rylee were heading back to the house.
I spoke and signed, “Where y’all going?”
“TV marathon. I owe Rylee two seasons of Bear With Me.” She spoke the words to me but signed them animatedly to my sister, like watching cartoon bears going on adventures was going to be the highlight of her evening.
I fucked with the show heavy after watching a few episodes.
When they added a bear named Ace who was a lyricist and always rapping through his situations, I was locked in.
The voice for Ace was one of my favorite rappers, A’so.
He secured the bag with that one. Kids and animation were a huge market.
“It’s my favorite show and Marlee’s too,” my little baby signed, not having a clue that Marlee was preventing a cockblock, giving me and Somee time alone since our parents were out for the night.
I glanced at Marlee who mouthed, “You’re welcome.”
“Let me get a hug then.” I lifted Rylee into my arms, squeezing her tight. All day in the sun, swimming, and playing in the ocean meant she would be out before the first episode ended and they were only forty minutes long.
They continued to the house and I made my way to Somee who was seated at the foot of one of the lounge chairs, legs crossed with her phone in the air, angled toward the beach.
I sat down with her, dropping my legs on each side of her body, adjusting the back of the chair so I was comfortable and admiring the woman who had my heart.
When she finished taking her pictures, she dropped the device into her lap and smiled at me.
“I think Marlee is trying to give us space.”
“I figured that when she pretended that doing a marathon of Bear With Me was going to be the highlight of her night.”
Somee smiled beautifully. “Not too much on my show and stop acting like you don’t have the crew in heavy rotation too.”
“This season, yeah. I have to support the culture with my boy A’so.”
She rolled her eyes. “A real man is not ashamed of owning and embracing his guilty pleasures.”
I chuckled. “Then I’m real as fuck because I’m damn sure not ashamed of owning and embracing you.”
“Whatever.” Her pretty ass blushed. “Did they leave yet?”
“Yeah they’re gone. Now you can stop pretending like you weren’t rushing them up out of here.”
She smiled big as hell. “I wasn’t. Your mom kept bringing it up, telling my mom about the lounge since the environment was chill, the music from the live bands was loud, and the drinks were strong.
I think they felt bad about bailing since the weekend was supposed to be about me.
I just wanted them to enjoy their time here too. ”
“Speaking of, did you enjoy your weekend?”
Her smile expanded fast as hell. “I did.” She lifted from the end of the lounge and made her way to me, draping her legs over my thighs.
She leaned forward enough to reach my mouth for a quick kiss, but I gripped the back of her neck, holding her in place and allowing my tongue to explore for a minute longer before I let her go.
The taste of rum and blueberries still lingered.
Joy had them lit all day with those drinks and she kept them coming.
“This weekend was perfect.” She pouted. “I don’t want to leave in the morning.”
We’d arrived in Crescent Keys on Friday and were leaving in the morning, which meant Rylee would be missing school Monday.
I was prepared for a fight but she actually didn’t crash out.
The idea of staying here one more night meant having an additional full day at the beach worked in our favor. She brought it up once and let it go.
“If you can convince Rylee to miss the week, we can stay for a few more days.”