“And I still do. That hasn’t changed. But people can’t expect you to deliver a ring in your first year with the team.”
“That’s what I was brought here to do.” He nodded and we walked back to our table. Taking our seats, the waitressappeared to check if we wanted more drinks or appetizers. Aldridge ordered truffle fries.
My chest tightened at the thought of all these expectations being laid at his feet. Ramblers Nation could be fanatical. And their love came with conditions and the minute Aldridge didn’t deliver they would turn on him. “But what if you can’t?”
“I’ll disappoint a whole lot of people.”
“And that’s why I don’t like sports. It places undue pressure on players that no one can realistically live up to.”
“They aren’t paying me millions of dollars for my sparkling smile and winning personality. What would you tell me before each game?”
I paused to recall our many pregame conversations. In college it became quickly apparent Aldridge was a phenom. There were banners with his face front and center. Anywhere we went in our small college town, business owners would comp him. I don’t think he ever paid for a meal the four years we were there. He also experienced an immense burden at nineteen with grown adults looking up to him like he was their idol. “Try your best but if you lose, you’re still a winner to me.”
“While you were telling me to do my best, which I appreciated, I was telling myself winning is a habit, and I’m in the habit of winning.”
“You’ve already accomplished so much and I’m sure you’re going to do much more, but I just want you to be realistic.”
“World class athletes aren’t realistic. If I train hard and I’m disciplined, I will reap the fruits of my labor.”
I slipped my hand in his. “No matter what happens this season, I want you to know I think you’re an amazing human. And your value isn’t just derived by how many games you win.”
Aldridge released a nervous chuckle.
“I mean it. I’m really into self-care and positive affirmations. I always keep a self-help book on deck.”
“This is a real reach coming from the woman who always had several irons in the fire.”
“And you know where that got me? Burnt out. I’m just offering up some friendly advice. I know this is going to be an exciting season filled with ups and downs. But just remember even when things are down, you’re still important and loved.”
His right eye twitched and he let go of my hand. “You love me?”
“Aldridge I’ve always loved you. That never stopped because we ended. I’m sure you feel the same.”
He swung his head in a no. “I was mad at you for a really long time, so my feelings are kind of muddled.”
“Oh.” My lungs constricted making it hard to breathe. Breaking up with Aldridge was the hardest relationship decision I’d ever had to make, because there wasn’t an inciting incident. He never cheated, he put me first, he was a gentleman, he didn’t ignore me to hang out with his friends, he’d text back almost immediately, he was genuinely supportive, and in his eyes I walked on water. Our breakup was a case of the right person at the wrong time. Or the right person who just happened to pick the worst career.
He rearranged the condiments on the table. “Danessa you have to know there was nothing I wouldn’t have done for you.” He met my gaze, and his brown eyes were layered with regret and pain. “I honestly don’t understand why I wasn’t enough.”
My heart bowed at the thought he’d been carrying that belief around all these years. “No … Aldi?—”
Anika came walking up to our table dancing like she was Mary J. Blige, kick and all. “Dante just asked me to marry him.”
The blood drained from my face. “What?” Aldridge and I said in unison.
“I know. He just dropped to one knee and proposed.” She flashed her ring finger with a fake ruby ring you get from oneof those candy machines. It barely fit her finger, but she was beaming with pride.
I went into problem solver mode. “You can’t get married, you two barely know one another.”
Dante smacked my sister on the ass. “I know I can’t live without her.”
I popped out of my seat and yelled, “Are you out of your fucking mind?”
Aldridge stood standing in between us. “Danessa, chill.”
“No, I will not chill. My sister just got engaged at an arcade with a plastic ring.”
“You need to get over this because you’re going to be my maid of honor.”
