Page 114 of Fumble Into the End Zone
“Nonsense. I bought Clarence two,” she said and refocused on Harley. “Let’s open this box,” Mom said to Harley.
“Baby, do you know how much this watch costs?” Marcus whispered to me, and I shook my head yes.
In half an hour, Harley had designer clothes, a damn fur coat, sunglasses, a necklace, a custom tutu, two chickens forher to name, a trust fund, a checking account, and several doll accessories.
“Marcus, we want you to have this,” my father said and passed Marcus an envelope.
I dropped my head when the blue folder came visible.
“Nooooo, I can’t take a private jet,” Marcus said and stared down at me.
“Sure you can. When I heard about Mrs. Allen getting on a commercial flight we couldn’t stand it. We’ve secured private transportation for you and the family anytime you need to travel,” Mom said.
“No lines,” Harley said and I chuckled.
“Baby,” Marcus stammered with widened eyes but I looked the other way.
I tried to warn him about how my parents spend and gift things.
“Thank you but this is a bit much,” he said to my parents.
Trendy had oil money long before she met my father. He built a sports media empire on his own. This jet? Just a mere tax write off.
Marcus, Harley, and I sat on the couch as my parents opened their boxes. She shuffled through the gift paper and lifted a body suit.
“Mia, what...” My mother paused and shoved her face into my father’s shoulder.
I slipped on my ring while her head turned.
Weeping escaped her mouth, and Harley turned to me. “Is she okay?” she asked.
I shook my head yes.
“Mia, we’re getting another grandchild. First, we’re blessed with Harley, and now?”
I paused my mother’s statement, and I held up two fingers.
“Twins! We’re having twins!” my mother screamed, and I confirmed with a head nod.
Trendy’s gaze flew over to Mrs. Eddy and she smiled back.
“Oh, then there is this,” I waved my ring finger and put my diamond ring on display.
My mother’s eyes turned into a slot machine. I saw the amount of money she planned to spend rolling in her head.
“This is the very best Christmas gift anybody could give me,” she said.
“Marcus, when you asked me a few weeks ago, I was honored. I thank you for following through,” my dad said.
Harley ran over to my parents. “Can I call you Grandma and Grandpa? Mia is my mom now,” she said.
A tear left my mother’s face as she reached for a hug from Harley. “We would be honored.”
Marcus
Khalil and I met outside the Virtual Towers building and shook hands. Bryce connecting me with Prime Stride sports was his second-best hookup. One being my future wife. Khalil had already landed me several brand deals, and he had a stellar reputation in the industry. We mainly communicated via email and video chat.
“Marcus, it’s nice to meet you in person,” he said, and we shook hands.
