Page 35 of Only for Me

“You’re a ball player. No matter how good you are, public perception plays a role in how your team feels about you. Do you want a trade because you’re labeled as problematic and a liability or do you want to keep your spot and win another ring?”

“You already know.” His pride kicked in. “What do I need to say?”

I navigated to another screen and pulled up the draft I prepared. “I’m about to send you something now. It’s a statement that acknowledges the impact of your words and not in the ‘I’m sorry if you were offended’ way you guys like to apologize.”

“What’s wrong with that?” He frowned.

“There’s no accountability. You’re basically saying, I meant what I said but I’m sorry it offended you.”

“Shit, I did mean what I said. She’s fine as hell.”

“Brenden…”

“Aight, aight. I feel you.”

“You will apologize directly to her, promise to be mindful of the things you say and how they affect others, and also mention that you’ll do some sensitivity training.”

“Nah, I’m not doing that.”

“You are. It will show that you’re taking this seriously and want to learn from your mistakes. The worst thing you can do is be labeled as an athlete who doesn’t respect women.”

“This shit is about to have me looking weak as fuck.”

“What it’s going to do is keep you on the Royals roster which means you get another ring. The choice is yours.”

“Aight, I don’t like it but I trust you.”

For the next twenty minutes we went over his statement, adjusting a few things ,and my muffin provided commentary in the background with her babbles and squeals. By the time we worked out all the details, I felt confident that he would come out of this okay. But if he made any more sexist statements, he was going to pay the price, which might be a trade. The Royals were very particular about things like this due to having a woman with part ownership. Alexcia Stansfield didn’t play about the team’s image when it came to disrespecting women in any way.

“Alright, I think we’re all set. Post this to your social media accounts in exactly two hours. That will give you time to make sure the news cycle picks it up and makes it go viral because of peak engagement hours.”

“Bet, I can do that. ’Preciate you handling this for me.”

“That’s what you pay me for.”

“Damn, so it’s about the check.”

I grinned when he frowned at me. “No, I genuinely want to see you win, Brenden, but your mouth is going to get you in trouble. You have to do better or even I won’t be able to save your image and I’m the best.”

He smiled, showcasing beautiful teeth and a grill that outlined some on the bottom. It wasn’t permanent because I had seen him without it in plenty of times and he switched out the design.

“Just gonna stroke your own ego, I fucks with it.” He chuckled and pushed his locs out of his face. “I’ll holla at you though.”

We ended the video call, and when I looked at Avi, those big bright eyes were on me. Their mismatched color had me thinking about her father and I slammed my laptop shut and smiled at my baby. “What do you think, Avi? Did mommy do a good job?”

She offered a smile that had my heart melting. “I’ll take that as a yes. Mommy once again saves the day for these silly athletes who keep putting their foot in their mouths.”

I placed my laptop to the side and climbed off the buttery soft section of the sofa, hating how much I had been enjoying it since it had been delivered. Avi and I snugged on here and I had a few naps that were heavenly.

Once I lifted Avi from her bouncer activity station, I kissed her cheeks. “Okay, muffin, let’s get you ready for our girls’ day out. I need to get you clean and pretty.”

She squealed and slapped her tiny hands on my face while kicking her legs. “Are you happy?”

The babbling kicked up so I kissed her face several more times. “We’re going to see your Tee Tee today and I’m sure she’s going to spoil you rotten.”

I balanced my baby while getting her plastic tub seat then turned on the water, getting it just right, letting it fill while I undressed Avi.

Once it was ready, I eased her down into the seat and let her splash around until my shirt was soaked. I reached for the stack of washcloths on the shelf across from me and her baby wash and began cleaning her up.