“You’re right but I didn’t expect him to be so vocal about it. I thought he’d be passive-aggressive. That I could handle. It would be like talking to my dad.”
Her features darkened. “How is your dad?”
“I’d rather we talk about Colin.” My father was a lot of things and one of them was my biggest hater. My mother made excuses for him, claiming he had a rough childhood and despite his lack of enthusiasm, he was very proud of me. He wasn’t proud, he was jealous. You don’t expect that from your parents, but that’s what it all boiled down to. His son was living the life he wished he could. I could see it in his bloodshot eyes, he would sell his soul for a do-over or a reset button. But the thing about that is a reset wouldn’t change the fact he’s a gambler and an alcoholicwho would rather spend his last dime at a casino or racetrack before using it to provide for his family.
Danessa knew about my history with my father and the disappointment and anger that clouded our relationship. “How do you plan to coexist with Colin?”
“I plan to perform and once I start solidifying wins, all that bravado Colin is carrying around will dissipate.”
“He’s still the starting point guard.”
I scanned the area. The museum was closed and there was no one else around. “Actually, I’m going to be starting.”
“What, the Ramblers are going to bench their star player?”
“I don’t even think Coach has shared that with Colin yet. But yeah, I’ll be replacing him in the starting lineup.”
“No pressure.”
“Pressure I can handle. I came out of the womb feeling the pressure.” According to my mother, I was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck. The doctor had to resuscitate me.
“When Colin finds out?—”
“He’s probably going to be looking for a fight.”
“You could pull him aside and have a conversation man to man.”
“That’s not my responsibility. I’m here to win and if Colin stays out of my way, we’ll all go home with a ring.”
“Being an athlete requires balls of steel. Because I could never.”
“Don’t act like you’re not competitive. Miss Delta Phi Omega … cheerleading captain … debate team co-chair … Black Student Alliance president.”
Danessa held a hand up like she was warding off my words. “That was a long time ago.”
“I hate when you do that.”
“What?”
“Sell yourself short.”
“It’s just hard to explain.”
“I’m listening.”
“Everything has just come easy to you.”
My face crumpled. “I grew up in the hood with a mother who worked two jobs and a father who barely kept a job because he was always drunk.”
“I know and that sucked. I’m not trying to downplay that. But you’ve always been smart, handsome, and athletic. It’s like God endowed you with the tools to be successful despite your circumstances.”
Stopping, I looked at her straight on. “Danessa you’re way smarter than me. And far better looking.”
“I had to study every night to maintain my GPA. While you barely cracked open a book and aced every test.”
“That doesn’t mean that God didn’t … What did you call it? Endow you with gifts.”
“According to my mother my face card and phat ass are my gifts.”
