“I’m proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish. We came into this season with the mindset that we were going to give it all we had, and in the end, we were victorious. I’m happy to have been a part of this moment in history.”
I was exhausted, and the last thing I wanted was to do interviews, but it was a necessary evil.
“How do you feel about the comments Coach Parker made regarding you leaving the Cleveland Hawks?”
While I knew the question was coming, I was still annoyed about it. Days before we were set to play in the Super Bowl, my former coach made some disparaging comments about me and my contributions to the team. He was on a podcast and said I was difficult to work with, and he didn’t think my presence on my new team would affect the outcome.
The media outlets crucified him for his comments, calling him a hater and a liar because there had never been any negative reports about me in the past. Everyone was waiting for me to address him, but it hadn’t been a priority for me. Once I put in my request to be traded, I received many offers. After consulting with my family, I made the choice I felt was best for me, and I had no regrets.
“I’ve heard the comments, and to be honest, I don’t feel anything about them. One thing I’ve learned in life is to ignore negativity, especially when it comes from someone who wishes they were in my position. Based on the highlights I’ve seen throughout the season, I think he should spend his time rebuilding his defense and adding in some more strength training, so he won’t have so many players out with injuries.
“I have a lot of respect for many of the players, and they have reached out in support of my team making it to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, having a leadership position doesn’t mean the person possesses integrity and sportsmanship. I hope Coach Parker is able to find peace in his life, and if he ever wants to see my championship ring up close, I’m only one phone call away.” I winked at the cameras in front of me and then waved goodbye to everyone.
There were paparazzi everywhere, but my sights were set on one person and one person only. When I got past the crowd, my eyes scoured the area until I found the person I was looking for. She looked radiant as usual, although I knew she was tired and ready to go. As soon as she saw me, a big smile graced her beautiful face.
“Congratulations, baby.” She attempted to stand up, but her round belly made it a little more difficult.
“Thank you, baby. How are my two favorite people doing?” I asked, palming her belly to see if I could feel any movement.
“We’re sleepy and hungry. Your daughter has requested tacos from Not Yo Mama’s Tacos. I can literally taste them.”
“Is that right? This is like the third time my princess has requested those tacos in the last week. I’m beginning to think she’s not the one who wants them.”
“Don’t look at me. If this baby doesn’t get what she wants, none of us are going to have any peace tonight, and I know you don’t want that.” Laikyn batted her lashes knowing damn well I was going to make sure she and my baby girl got what they wanted.
Laikyn was six months pregnant and carrying her pregnancy like a champ. I never thought it was possible, but she was even more beautiful as she carried our daughter in her womb. Her skin was glowing, and I made it my mission to keep a smile on her face even through the uncomfortable parts of her pregnancy. I was one of those men who believed in a happy wife, a happy life. If there was anything I could do to make her day better, I did it.
“I’m really proud of you. I could barely stay in my seat because I was screaming every five minutes. You went out there and played your heart out, and you deserve to celebrate this moment. You’re amazing.”
Her tiny hands cupped my face as she stood on her tiptoes for a kiss. I chuckled, then leaned down to kiss my wife. When we pulled away, I noticed Keonte and China standing off to the side with Nigel, Roxy, and her boys. I held Laikyn’s hand as I made my way over to them. I grinned when I saw China’s matching belly.
“How’s my niece doing? Does she want tacos like her cousin over here?” I asked, rubbing her belly too.
“I don’t give a damn what she wants. Her momma wants two shots of tequila, a fat ass burger, and a nasty foot rub.” China huffed.
“Well, I can’t help you with the tequila because Keonte’s big ass isn’t about to beat me up. I got you on the burger, and I’m sure my brother is more than happy to rub your crunchy ass bunions when we get back to the house. Just make sure you wash those mothafuckas before you put them on my furniture. We’re family and all, but we’ll never be that cool.”
“Kyon, you can really go to hell. You’re lucky you won tonight, and I won some money from a couple of bets. Thanks to you, I’ll be buying myself a new Louis bag. Thanks, cousin,” she boasted.
“Aye, get your money, fam. Anybody who was betting against us needed to lose anyway.”
“Congratulations, Bro. You did your thing out there tonight. All the blogs and magazines are already going crazy trying to get exclusive interviews. I saw the clips from your post-game interview, and I already know Coach Parker is somewhere red in the face. He should have kept his jealous mouth shut,” Keonte grumbled.
“It’s all good. At the end of the day, everything worked out the way it was supposed to. He has every right to be upset because he lost one of his best players, and now he has to watch me succeed somewhere else. I would be pissed too,” I said with a shrug.
When I found out the truth about what they had done, there was no way I was going to stay on the team. There was too much bad blood, and unless they wanted me to be fighting in the locker room every day, it was in their best interests not to interfere with my trade. Even though I was a free agent, I never planned on leaving my team, but there was no coming back from what they had done.
The ladies were talking amongst themselves as we headed to our cars. I made sure they were parked in the back with the team so we could avoid the large crowds. We all headed to the house,and I ordered food for everyone. Of course, I made sure to get my baby her tacos, because I knew I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I hadn’t.
“Mmm, these are so good.” Laikyn moaned as she devoured her chicken tacos.
“There you go, moaning over food with your greedy tail,” I teased, placing her swollen legs across my lap.
“There you go, being a hater. You should pick a new hobby.” She stuck her tongue out while wiggling her toes in my lap.
I sat there for a moment, taking her in. We used to talk about getting married one day and having a family, but experiencing it in real time was indescribable. I woke up every day feeling favored and blessed by the Most High because I had the one thing I always wanted in life: a family. There was no greater feeling in the world than coming home to people who loved me unconditionally, and I loved them the same.
We all laughed and enjoyed each other’s company until the pregnant women both fell asleep at the same time. Roxy and her children left after we ate, but everyone else was staying with us. Roxy divorced Aaron after she found out he was cheating on her with his assistant. She wasn’t looking for anything serious, but I had overheard enough conversations between the ladies to know they were encouraging her to get out and find herself. After all, she ended up with a nice settlement in the divorce and was able to afford a nanny and a new house. Her and Nigel were friends, but I could tell they liked each other.
