Page 16 of Fumble Into the End Zone
Nathan’s job required travel, but he cheated right here in Houston. Women were sending me pictures and videos of them together after our breakup was discovered. With us trying for a baby, we didn’t use protection. I ran to the doctor for STI and STD testing. Waiting for test results, my rose-colored glasses dissolved.
Nathan wasn’t the prince charming I morphed him to be nor was his reputation as an agent. My mother believed he targeted me for my media connections. Today, I couldn’t dispute her claim.
“Hi, friend, I’m doing fine,” I said.
Stacie sucked her teeth before she extended her arms for a hug. “We need to discuss your date last night,” she whispered in my ear.
“Whatever,” I said and pulled on my Fire Bombers baseball cap.
“But you lookin’ cute. I’m sure I can hook you up with someone else.”
I rolled my eyes as I twirled, but I was most proud of my ponytail. It took me ten minutes to get my hair through the hat opening. Completing my circle, my eyes connected with Nathan. Stacie caught on and followed my attention. My heart wanted to cave into my chest as Onna and Latrice stood beside him. The life I wanted played in front of my face with no commercial break.
Onna’s facial features now mirrored Nathan’s with the shape of her nose and her eyes. Latrice appeared to have pulled it together with her petite frame and a decent wig.
“He trying to secure a deal,” Stacie said, with folded arms.
I knew I should refocus my attention, but I couldn’t help but watch. The motion of Latrice’s face as she expressed fake laughter churned my stomach.
“David Keys is the owner of the Boston baseball team and a family man. Nathan knows no bounds to his bullshit,” Stacie said.
I smirked at my friend as I tried to process the scene and the surrounding noise.
“Mia, Nathan’s reputation isn’t what it used to be. The wrath unleashed on him was brutal after you guys broke up. Players appeared to have soared after they dropped him. I, for one, encouraged Rex to follow everyone else’s lead, but he is an old faithful dog,” she said.
My eyes traveled up and down Nathan’s 6’0 slim frame and low fade. “You get back what you release in the universe,” I said.
Nathan and Latrice moved in our direction as a family unit. I held my nervous breath as they stopped in front of me.
“Mia, how are you?” he asked, as if we had never shared a bed.
The words I wanted to say remained trapped behind my teeth as I considered our surroundings.
“Onna has grown since the last time you’ve seen her,” he said.
Something pushed me to kneel on Onna’s level. She gave me an empty glare and moved behind her father’s leg.She forgot about me.
Standing, I found my bearings and entered another stare down with Latrice.
“Mia,” Latrice said, and my eyes traveled to her wig line first.
Stacie was correct. She finally figured out how to make the lace blend with her skin. She pushed her hair behind her ear, showing her engagement ring.
“Congratulations,” I said and a long, uncomfortable silence stood between us all.
“Stacie, we need to discuss Rex’s contract,” he said, gripping his daughter’s hand.
“Ah, Nathan, you know I removed myself from his contract because we’re fucking. Do you need anything else?” Stacie said, and my mouth parted.
“My daughter is here,” Latrice boasted in horror.
“Girl, you should have thought about your daughter before you came over here to pick. As if you had something on your arm to taunt with. Behave or I will put you out of this entire stadium because it’s mine,” Stacie said.
I locked arms with my friend and pulled her in the opposite direction. “Stacie, let’s go,” I said.
She turned to me with a construed face and light resistance.“ But I wanted to discuss her wig,” Stacie said in a soft, mocking tone.
“Let’s go,” I said.
