Page 27

SERENITY

T he morning of the draft, I was sitting cross-legged on the couch, sipping on my matcha latte, while Ari paced in front of me, arms crossed, her face tight with anger.

I had just told her what happened at dinner last night; how Creed’s mom had basically treated me like crap the entire time.

It was the first time I got to talk to her since it happened, now that Creed, Brodie and Nas were off getting haircuts and picking up their suits for the event later.

"I swear to God, we can jump that bitch, Tootie. Just say the word."

I snorted, nearly choking on my drink. "Ari, no. We are not jumping Creed’s mama."

She huffed, flopping onto the couch beside me. "I’m just saying, she’s real bold for coming at you like that. You should’ve cussed her old ass out."

"And then what? Make Creed’s life harder than it already is?" I shook my head, tucking my legs under me. "She doesn’t like me, okay. I can’t control that. I’ll just have to deal with it."

Ari looked at me like I had lost my mind. "You’re a better person than me. Cause let that have been Brodie’s mama, I would’ve?—"

"Arielle." I cut her off, smirking. "Please."

She rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath before grabbing her phone.

I leaned back, exhaling. Lowkey?

This was something I wished I could call my mama about. Even though she hadn’t been the best to Creed, I knew she would have at least had some good advice on how to deal with his mama. At this point, they were both mean girls and it took a mean girl to know how to deal with another one.

But I refused to call her. Sienna had been blowing up my phone—calling, texting, even reaching out through my daddy and Sevyn.

But I hadn’t responded to any of it. Not because I didn’t think she wasn’t sorry, I was sure she was.

But because… I just wasn’t ready. And after what she said? I didn’t know if I ever would be.

The energy in the Barclays Center was electric. Inside the green room, the air was thick with anticipation, conversations happening in hushed tones while cameras flashed, capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments.

I sat with Creed and the rest of our group—his mama, Grandpa Joseph, Nasseem, Brodie, Ari, and me.

Creed looked calm, collected, like he was built for this moment.

Me? I was lowkey nervous as hell. Not just for him, but for us.

This was the start of something huge, and I knew everything was about to change.

I excused myself to go to the bathroom, trying to shake the weird energy that had settled over me. But when I came back, I stopped in my tracks. Creed and his mama were talking. Whispering. I wasn’t supposed to hear it. But I did.

"I’m not happy about her, Creed," Tasha said, her voice sharp. "I just don’t like her. Something about her don’t sit right with me."

My stomach dropped, but I stayed quiet, listening.

Creed let out a frustrated sigh. "Mama, please chill. I’m tired of you disrespecting my girl."

"I’m just saying, you got the mother of your child sitting at home, and yet here you are with some girl who just popped up in your life. Gianna was with you from the start?—"

"And me and Gianna are over!" Creed snapped, his voice low but firm. "Serenity is who I’m with now, and if you can’t accept that, then maybe you don’t need to be around us."

I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling my heart tighten. I knew Creed had my back, but hearing him defend me like this? It meant everything.

Instead of reacting, I cleared my throat loudly, letting them know I was back.

Tasha didn’t even look my way. Creed, though?

He turned instantly, his eyes locking on mine, searching my face to see if I had heard.

I just smiled and slid into my seat like nothing happened.

Because I refused to give Tasha the satisfaction of thinking she got to me.

After a few minutes, I struck up a conversation with Grandpa Joseph.

"So, Creed told me that you like classic cars?" I asked, tilting my head.

His face lit up instantly. "Love ‘em. Been working on a ‘67 Chevy Chevelle with Creed for years now. But I been stuck since I can’t find one of the parts I need."

"Really?" I smirked. "My grandfather has a collection of cars—used to take me to car shows all the time when I was younger."

"No kidding?"

"Nope. Maybe I can see if he knows where to get that part for you."

His eyebrows lifted. "You serious?"

"Of course." I smiled. "You’ve been nothing but kind to me. It’s the least I can do."

He patted my shoulder. "I like you, Serenity. You got a good head on your shoulders."

I felt Creed’s eyes on me, watching me interact with his grandfather, and I could tell he was pleased as hell.

Nasseem grinned, nudging me. "I already told you, you a real one for what you did for me. Lenox really thinks I got potential?"

"He wouldn’t have vouched for you if he didn’t."

He nodded, a look of determination crossing his face. "I’mma make sure I don’t let y’all down."

"You won’t," I assured him. “But, when you start getting that Mayweather money, just remember I want 5%.”

Shaking his head and laughing Nas replied, “I got you.”

The lights dimmed, and suddenly, the energy in the room shifted. This was it. Everything Creed had worked for came down to this moment. We waited anxiously as they announced the first three picks, my nerves getting so bad my leg was literally shaking under the table.

“Stop shaking Toot.” Ari whispered, putting her hand on my knee under the table.

The first three picks came in quickly— The Clippers, Sacrament, Detroit.

And then?—

"With the fourth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft… the Phoenix Suns select Creed Langston from Rutgers University." The table exploded. Brodie was yelling, Nasseem was pounding on the table, Grandpa Joseph was beaming with pride.

Ari grabbed my arm, screaming, while Creed stood, hugging his grandpa first, then Nasseem.

Tasha clung to him, looking proud despite her earlier complaints.

And then, he turned to me. I stood as he wrapped his strong arms around me, lifting me off my feet, holding me tight.

I felt his chest rise and fall, felt the pure emotion radiating off him.

I could barely hear what he whispered over the roar of the crowd— "We did it, Beautiful."

I pulled back, looking up at him with tears in my eyes. "You did it, Creed."

He kissed me—deep and slow, like he didn’t give a damn about the cameras flashing all around us and honestly, neither did I.

Then, he turned and walked toward the stage, slipping on the Phoenix Suns hat, shaking hands with David Stern before holding up the jersey with his name on it.

I watched, my heart swelling, knowing that this was just the beginning.

When Creed made his way back to us, the first thing he did was pull me into his arms. I felt his breath against my ear as he murmured,

"Looks like we moving to Phoenix, SB."

A slow smile spread across my lips as I whispered back, "I’ll follow you anywhere, Langston."

And just like that?—

We stepped into our next chapter.

Together.

Forever.