Page 78 of Obsessive Love
Mrs. Mary smiled again, this one genuine and full of love. “For Corinthians, he’s going to level the country.”
“Damn,” I said, shaking my head. “I can't wait for that shit.”
“Me either,” Ms. Nadine said. I turned to look at her, lifted my brow, and she shrugged. “I love a good crash out from time to time. It brings excitement to my old age.”
“I’ll watch from heaven,” Ms. Arlene laughed. “I doubt I’ll be here, but that doesn’t mean I won't see it.”
“Don’t say that,” I said, turning around to face her. “You never know what life has in store for you.”
She patted my hand and smiled. “Baby, my time is limited. I know that, just like everyone else does. The only people in denial are Hood and Bowlin,” she said, and all I could do was nod. My eyes filled with tears instantly, and one fell from my lefteye. I didn’t even bother wiping it because one would replace it as soon as I did.
“You still haven’t told Legacy yet?” Mrs. Mary asked.
“No,” Ms. Arlene said, shaking her head. She wiped the tears from my face and then patted my cheek. “I need one more favor after you drop us off.”
“We’re jumping someone else?”
“No baby, that bitch was the last on my list,” she laughed.
“Name it.”
“I’ve been writing Hood letters for after I’m gone. But I need a few videos made for certain moments in his life. Do you think you can call in some favors and make that happen? I want to surprise Hood with them.”
“I got you,” I said, nodding. I swiped the screen on my dashboard to bring up my contacts and found Emrick Lancing’s name. He was a sports journalist, but he also held a degree in photography and film. When he wasn’t in front of the camera interviewing players and coaches, he was behind it, making people's dreams come true.
“What’s good, Pyrite?” Emrick answered on the second ring. “You finally ready for me to start interviewing your players?”
“Nah, man,” I laughed. “I got something else in mind. You got a few minutes to talk?”
“Yeah,” he chuckled. “What’s up?”
“You remember Hood telling you about his mama, right?”
“Yeah, man,” he answered. “Shit hits a little too close to home.”
“I already know, but you’re the only person I could think of who could handle something like this,” I sighed. Emrick had recently lost someone close to him to cancer, and even though my boy was laughing and joking, he was still mourning.
“What you need, man?”
“So I’m here with Hood’s mama, and she just mentioned that she wants to make a few videos for Hood.”
“Drop the addy so we can get started.” I looked over at Ms. Arlene for permission, and she nodded. I pulled up our text thread and sent him the address. “She knows I’m coming?”
“She’s right here with me, man,” I laughed. “She can hear you.”
“Ms. Bowlin, my name is Emrick Lancing.”
“That brown boy who interviews all the basketball players. I know who you are, baby,” she laughed. “Thank you for agreeing to do this on such short notice.”
“No need for thanks, ma’am,” Emrick cleared his throat. “Tell me what you have in mind so I can make your vision a reality.”
“Well, baby, nothing too fancy. Just a couple of videos for my son for when I’m not here. Important things like his engagement, wedding, and first baby.”
“And the first time Legacy wins a WNBA championship,” Mrs. Nadine said from the back seat.
“Right, she’s going to need a few videos, too,” Ms. Arlene agreed. “Emrick, can you do that, baby?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Emrick answered. “I’m about thirty minutes from you; I’m packing my stuff as we speak. I’ll see you soon.”
