Page 45 of Full Court Press

“Nope! I’d rather watch you sweat.” She bit her lip and smiled as I kissed her lips and pulled her on top of me. I told Alexa to hit the lights as we fell into a comfortable silence before falling asleep.

The Next Day

I walked into the gym where all the athletes worked out on the weekends. We had an away game this upcoming Monday, so I knew I’d find the crew there today.

My eyes scanned the gym until I spotted who I was looking for. He was flirting with the trainer, as I knew his friendly ass would be. He swore he was so into Sabrina, but now that he had taken her down, he was back to his dog ways.

“What up, Lilo?” Keith asked, holding out his fist for a pound as I walked past him on the weights.

“What up?” I offered nothing more and headed to the locker room. While putting my stuff away, I heard Lamar’s dumbass voice enter through the entryway. He was talking to Jalen about the upcoming Halloween party at Jalen and Keith’s frat house. They couldn’t see me, because I was on the other side of the lockers.

“I hope Lilo don’t show up with Piper’s ass,” I heard Lamar say. I paused and tuned in.

“Nigga, you’re only saying that shit because you wanted her, but he got her. Just like he got every other broad you set your sights on except Sabrina.” Jalen chuckled.

“That shit ain’t funny. I think that nigga is doing that shit on purpose. That’s why I put a bug in his girl’s ear to make her doubt that nigga. And when she leaves that nigga alone, I’ma come in like Jordan in the paint and shoot my shot.”

“You cold-blooded, my nigga.”

“Say what you want. He’ll be on to the next chick by next week. Watch.” I grabbed my Beats, Apple Watch, and water bottle, then locked up and stepped around to their side.

Jalen saw me first since Lamar’s back was to me, and his eyes widened a bit before he smiled. “What’s good, Lilo?”

I leaned against one of the lockers and gave him a head nod just as Lamar turned to me.

“You good?” Lamar asked, looking nervous.

I rubbed my beard and stared at him. “Nah, . . . I ain’t. You got an issue with me or something, my nigga?”

He frowned. “What you mean?”

“I’m trying to figure out what would make you say that bullshit to my girl, and you over here saying that hating-ass bullshit about a nigga who bossed your wardrobe up when you used to rock them dusty-ass Payless shoes and Kids-For-Less ’fits?”

His face twisted in confusion. “Nigga, you trippin’. I’on even know who ya girl is. Who that?”

I pinched my nose a few times, trying to reel back my anger. “My nigga, I’m trying to be patient with you, but you testing me like I won’t knock you the fuck out. You know exactly who I’m talking about and what I’m talking about.”

He chuckled, then turned all the way to look at me.

“Look, man. I don’t know what shorty did to you, but you fucking changed, bruh. What the fuck are you even doing with her? You’re just blowing money on a chick you’ve only known for five minutes. She got you dissing the crew and acting like she’s some damn prize. She’s using you, and you’re too blind to see that shit. That bitch put some voo⁠—”

I lost it.

I pushed him against the lockers and put my forearm under his chin. He tried to push me back, but I was stronger than him.

“Watch your fucking mouth. You so fucking worried about what I’m doing in my personal life instead of worrying about your girl who’s fucking the whole basketball, football, and soccer teams. Let’s not forget the girls she plays with too.

“I don’t speak on what the fuck y’all got going on, and I don’t disrespect her. So respect my lady, and watch how the fuck you talk to her.” I leaned in closer, our noses almost touching. “And if you ever think you about to slide on mine, I’ll end ya fucking dreams of going to the league, bitch-ass nigga.”

“Aye, come on, y’all. Chill. We’re a team,” Jalen said, trying to step in between us.

“Jay, back the fuck up. This is between me and a nigga who’s supposed to be my brother and have my back.” I sneered, pushing his head against the lockers before releasing him.

Lamar grabbed his neck and shook his head. “I’m only trying to protect you, bro. Everybody is saying you’re falling off fucking with her. She don’t even like you for real. She just likes what you can do for her.”

“And what the fuck does it matter to any of you niggas? Sitting around gossiping like bitches; meanwhile, I’m minding the fucking business that pays me. Even if she was using me, which she isn’t, what does that have to do with any of y’all?”

“I was just trying to look out for you,” Lamar said, puffing his chest out like I wouldn’t cave his shit in. The only reason I wouldn’t was that I did consider his gossiping ass a brother. I didn’t want to fight him, but this was the only warning I was extending.