Page 27

A Little Over a Year Later…

The bounce of the basketball reverberated through my body as I stood half court staring at the goal on the opposite end of me.

In my mind, I could hear the loud, reverberating roar of the fanatics before my feet even hit the court.

My heart slowed from a sprint to a crawl with every deep breath I took to center myself.

I’d studied the game so intently, I felt confident whenever I hit the court.

Knowing the one up I had on niggas was more than skill; it was also knowledge.

These niggas weren’t seeing me before, and they definitely weren’t now that I had time to rejuvenate myself.

I’d never felt so alive. Standing there the night before the start of a new season felt like I was in the right place at the right time with the right mindset.

My new goal was to overpower my father’s shadow by being my authentic self every single day.

They’d said everything they could about me after my suspension, and instead of letting each nugget sour my gut microbiome, I munched on it and allowed it to become my fuel to be better.

Because deep down, I knew I was better, but for some reason, I struggled to show it.

There would be no more of that. A new era of Kianis Kinga had already started, but tomorrow, the world would catch on.

“There you are,” a sweet voice said from somewhere behind me. I smiled, loving how my body could tell every time she took a step closer until she stood directly behind me.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Turning slowly, I came face to face with the love of my life.

She looked as beautiful as ever dressed in a fitted black dress with black shark boots and a black leather jacket hanging off her shoulders.

All her jewelry had diamonds that made her look even more elegant.

I loved it whenever she wore a high ponytail, allowing all her beautiful face to be on display.

Even without any makeup, she was flawless in my eyes.

I could stare at this girl all damn day and not get enough of it.

“Well, you found me.” I stepped closer, smelling the perfume I’d made for her on our first date wrap around me like a comforting hug.

I was obsessed with vanilla because of her.

Every whiff sent a wave of warmth through every inch of my body.

“I still love this fucking scent on you. It drives me crazy.”

She smirked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Oh, I know. That was my intention.”

I hummed before placing the ball down and closing the distance between us.

“And what else do you intend to do?”

She smiled excitedly and pulled her arms from behind her back to reveal a small black giftbox.

“To remind you that I am on your side, and you’ve got this. For luck.”

My heart began beating faster as she handed me the box. I pulled it open to find a small gold pendant of a three-leaf clover on a rope chain.

“Turn it over.”

I followed her instruction and nearly became choked up with emotion. The scripture Isaiah 40:28-31 was engraved with her signature underneath.

When I glanced up at Charm, the tears I was fighting against won the war and cascaded down my cheeks.

When things started to fall apart, she’d read this scripture every day to encourage me.

It gave me strength. It became my anchor.

It became the very reason I woke up feeling grateful no matter the circumstances or what the media said.

I snatched Charm to my body in a swift motion.

“This is the best gift someone has ever bought for me. Thank you, baby.”

She wiped away my tears with a smile.

“You’re welcome, my love.” She pecked my lips then asked, “How are you feeling about the game tomorrow?”

I rested my forehead on hers and cradled her closer to my body. I inhaled her every exhale, becoming more confident and indestructible.

“I feel good. I’m ready.”

She nodded. “I know you are. You’ve been faithful, even when the league turned its back on you.” She lifted her head to palm my cheeks. “They will regret ever doubting you.”

I shook my head as I stepped away from her. I picked the ball back up and began bouncing it while circling her.

“I don’t need them to regret their decision because it helped mold me into the man I am today. So, nah. I don’t need their regret. I need their respect.”

She smiled brightly. “Spoken like a true king.”

Out of nowhere, she attempted to steal the ball.

I chuckled, quickly ducking her, and tossing it around my back.

We horse played for a while with her never successfully taking the ball.

Eventually, I let her and used the opportunity to slide up behind her.

She melted into my frame, bringing me true peace.

“You know why I love basketball?” I asked her.

She shook her head.

“Start bouncing the ball.”

I smiled after the first thump. My lips began to kiss the edge of her ear softly. A satisfying chill ran down her spine.

“Close your eyes.” I paused to give her a second to do so.

“Every time I’m on the court, it’s like the world comes alive, and every sound contributes to the most beautiful music.

I know for a fact that’s what heaven sounds like.

Whenever I can hear that music, I know everything is going to be okay.

People think I’m playing a game when I’m really dancing to a song no one else can hear. ”

“Wow. You were really made for this.”

I smiled then released her to snatch the ball away again. Her laughter brightened my aura. Moving in front of her, I began dribbling the ball between my legs, watching her with the innate need to consume her very essence.

“Nah, I’m good at this.” I tossed the ball away then closed the distance between us. Wrapping her in a bear hug, I looked lovingly into her eyes and said, “What I was really made for is you.”

The most adorable blush crept up on her cheeks. She tried to cover her smile with her hand, but I’d already seen the damage my words had done. I hummed.

“Mhm… I know I got that pussy ready now. Let’s get out of here so I can take care of that.”

The Next Night…

Looking in the mirror, I straightened my posture and brushed my hand over my waves.

The t-shirt I wore was white with the words I AM NOT MY FATHER printed in bold black brushstrokes.

I paired the shirt with camouflage cargo pants and white block walkers.

I went for no jewelry except for the good luck pendant I’d gotten from Charm last night.

I hadn’t taken it off once since she gave it to me.

Heading to my locker, I snatched up my duffel bag then slung it on my shoulder before I slammed it back shut just as Coach Atkins walked in.

“Great fucking game, Kinga,” he complimented me with a reverberating voice and cheery smile.

I gave a simple nod. “Thank you, Coach. Is it time?” I asked, deflecting from his praise to focus on the post-game press conference.

He nodded. “It is. Let’s do this.”

He continued to shower me with compliments and approval.

I allowed it to go in one ear and out of the other.

Not one word took root in my mind or heart because I no longer needed it.

I felt great about the game I played after my break, and that was enough for me.

Knowing God was smiling down was enough for me.

When we hit the tunnel, we found Charm, Jah, and Vari all chopping it up.

KK was on his mama’s hip messing with her hair.

The second she saw me, she abruptly ended their conversation to bless me with her beautiful smile.

She broke away from them to race over to me.

I opened my arms for a hug that she happily stepped into.

When she stepped back, her brown eyes looked like burning wood because of her excitement.

“You were great, baby. Congratulations on your win.”

Now, that was a compliment I allowed to seep into my mind and heart. There was always room in my soul for this woman.

“Thank you,” I replied coyly. Yanking Keanu from her arms, I placed a kiss on his cheek. “Come on.”

I took her hand in mine then followed Coach Atkins toward the area where they had the press waiting.

As we approached, we could hear the chatter of the crowd.

They were excited to discuss how well I played tonight, but the moment we stepped into the room, it fell dead silent.

Not a word was mumbled as they processed my bold statement.

Seconds later, the cameras began to flash brightly.

Charm tried to take KK from my arms, but I didn’t let her.

With a subtle nod of understanding, she stepped off to the side with the others while I made my way to the stage.

I pulled out my chair, placed my duffel bag on the floor and took a seat.

When I placed my son on my knee, he began playing with a water bottle that was waiting on the table, making me smile.

I glanced up as the reporters were told that we could begin. I adjusted the microphone and cleared my throat. Where I would usually crack a joke or say something wild, I remained silent and waited. When someone called out the first question, I sat up straighter and leaned forward.

“Kianis, this was one of the best games of your career. After a year off, the world expected rust, but you served us gold. How did you do it?”

I wasn’t quick to respond, allowing myself a chance to actually think about what was being asked. When I had an answer, I spoke slowly and confidently.

“The only thing I took a year off from was being in the public’s eye, and it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

I never stopped playing basketball during that time, but I was able to find the real me.

I would also like to credit the team as a whole for our win tonight because we work together like a well-oiled machine. ”

“Is this your comeback season?”