Page 5 of Fumble Into the End Zone
I blew out the candle, not being able to finish the song, and tossed it in the trash.
“It’s Mia invading your podcast airwaves. We are the number one go to for the culture and sports news. We are back with my guest Rex Lyles, the starting pitcher for Houston’s Fire Bombers.Before we close out this interview, tell fans what to expect for the rest of the season?”
“Come out and support the Fire Bombers. This is the year we are bringing the Series home,” Rex said.
Scott added the sound of missiles and horns in the background.
“You heard it here. Rex Lyles said the Series trophy is coming home to Houston. As always, follow me on all social media platforms. Remember, I will be on set at USPN Sunday morning for the draft breakdown. We will be dissecting the Armadillos and their selections,” I said.
Scott threw me a thumbs up and I removed my headset careful not to get my hair tangled.
“Thank you, Rex. The interview was great,” I said, and he gave his signature smile.
He should inquire about a toothpaste commercial with his perfect dimples and straight teeth. I could see why my friend settled down. Rex stood at 6’3 with a slim muscular build, clean-cut face with a caramel skin tone and green eyes.
The one strike I held against him was his relationship with my ex, Nathan. He was both his agent and cousin. I had no business dating a thirty-two-year-old man at twenty-one. Things were good in the first year and a half, then the mask came off. He brought a child into my life just to snatch her away, leaving nothing behind but chaos.
I followed Rex out of the booth and into the hallway, where we met Stacie and Addison.
“Thank you, Stacie, for allowing me to borrow your man,” I said, and she rolled her brown eyes.
Stacie has a sultry, sensational appearance she played into with her fashion and her classic, deep-red lipstick. The warm, golden-brown hue of her skin made everything pop. Being 5’9 with a full but medium curvy figure, she attracted the wanderingeyes of men. What defined her was the kick ass attitude and the confidence she carried. Being raised by a father who didn’t accept excuses could give you a hardened exterior.
“Mia, your voice is as smooth as silk over the mic,” Addison said as he stood next to Stacie.
She bounced her brows a few times, and I held back my annoyance. As Rex’s new publicist, Addison tagged along, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off me. Throughout the interview, we made eye contact several times, but I diverted my gaze.
“I owe it all to Mr. Carter’s Intro to Speech 101,” I said and turned toward Stacie.
I smirked in her direction, hoping she’d step in on my behalf, but she answered with a half-smile. With a clear conscience, I could assume Stacie asked him to tag along for this sole purpose.
“Your voice is seductive, but so are your eyes,” Addison said.
“Thank you,” I said, forcing yet another half-hearted smile.
It had been a little over two years since the breakup, and my body rejected any flirtatious banter. The rawness of how Rex left and losing Onna coated my heart with pain.
“All right, Stacie, I will let you guys leave. Scott and I need to get the polished version of the interview ready. The draft also comes on tonight,” I said.
My best friend squinted in my direction, but I dismissed her gesture and motioned everyone up front. The last time I allowed her to hook me up with a man, I lost myself. I finally found Mia again, and she was busy building her podcast and media career.
Stacie
Mia, someone wants your number.
I sat my phone down and rested my head against the mustard gold tufted headboard. Being bothered with a man wasn’t on the forefront of my mind, and I needed Stacie to understand my position. My laptop was the only thing welcomed to the other side of my bed. When I needed a sexual release, my trusty vibrator, Mr. Batteries, got the job done. Unlike Nathan, he didn’t complain about trying new things. The sound of my phone vibrating against my leg pulled at my attention again.
Stacie
I know you ain’t ignoring me. I have your address and the passcode for your alarm.
A hard giggle left me, causing my upper body to shake.
Me
Let me call Kindness and have her reset it for me.
The three buttons jumped on the screen and left again. I imagined how fast her fingers were moving to tell me off and I continued to laugh.
