Page 80 of Full Court Press

“Wait.” She grabbed my arm. “You have not been present during this process, Khalil. I’ll need your thoughts and opinions as well.”

“Do you? Because you didn’t need my thoughts and opinions when just three days after I proposed, you started booking shit without consulting with me. You’ve been doing well without me, so keep that same energy, baby.”

“I don’t want to fight with you, Khalil. We both know that getting married benefits us both. I will finally have a life outside of my father’s ruling, and you will get endless endorsements, deals, and more money than you could imagine. Why do you think you were this year’s MVP?”

My frown deepened. What the fuck does she mean by why?

“Because I’m a damn good player. What the hell do you mean?”

She chuckled. “You are. You’re a stellar player on the team, but Isaiah has held that crown for years, baby. Isn’t it funny how, after you proposed to me, you suddenly became MVP? I made that happen, and I can do a lot more once we’re married.”

It was my turn to chuckle. Only mine wasn’t humorous at all. Shorty had me fucked up and had me looking at her even more fucked up than I already was.

“You ain’t gotta do me no favors, baby. I can get to wherever I want to go without your help. My work ethic speaks for itself.”

“Fine. I’m only trying to tell you what’s in store for us. I love you, and I want you to always win.”

“Yeah, . . . okay. I’ll holla at you.” I didn’t wait for a reply as I ascended the stairs to check on Kiy.

I knocked before I heard her voice telling me to come in. I opened the door and walked in, seeing her already in her pajamas, sitting at her vanity, putting rollers in her hair.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hey, baby girl.” I smiled and took a seat on the edge of her bed. “How you feeling? You ready to kick it with your pops tomorrow?”

“I am.” She turned to face me. “Can I ask you something, and you won’t get mad?”

I chuckled. “When do I ever get mad at you?”

“Never, but I’m scared if I say it, you might get mad at me.”

“Come here,” I told her, waving her over to me. She stood and sat next to me. I put my arm around her and kissed her head. “You know I always tell you to speak your mind as long as you do it with respect, right?” She nodded. “So talk to me.”

“I don’t want you to get married to that lady. I don’t like her.”

I sighed. “I figured that. Can I ask why?”

“She just, . . . I don’t know. You guys don’t seem in love with each other. I overheard GG and TT Ky saying she’s a bougie fake who just wants you because of your fame and fortune. I think I agree with them.”

I laughed and pinched her side. “Stop eavesdropping on grown folks’ conversations.”

She giggled, and I lifted her head to look her in the eyes.

“You might get your wish, baby girl. I can tell you don’t care for her, and if I didn’t feel the off-putting energy between you two, I probably would still marry her. But I can’t marry her anyway.”

“Why?”

“I’ll tell you another time. Right now, I don’t want you to worry about anything. Get some sleep. We got a full day ahead of us tomorrow.”

There was a knock on the door, and I stood to open it. Donnie stood with a bowl of chocolate ice cream with sprinkles.

“Two scoops of ice cream for the princess,” he said, moving into the room and setting it on her nightstand.

Kiy smiled. “Thanks, Donnie.”

“You’re most welcome.” He bowed and left the room.

“Alright, baby. Your auntie will be here in ten minutes. Don’t stay up too late.”