Page 33 of Love & Streetball

I waited a moment to see if she would send another message. After two minutes, I sent another text.

Me: You good over there, though? You have enough food?

I counted the minutes it took for Slim to reply. Ten minutes and my eyes were growing heavy.

Slim: We’re making it, Kane. Thanks for asking. Good night.

Me: Good night, Slim.

I pinched the inner corner of my eyes. If there was more I could do for Slim, I would do it. I closed my eyes, imagining her stomach growling from the hunger pangs while I was full and satisfied. That didn’t sit right with me. After basketball practice tomorrow, I was taking her to an all-you-can-eat soul food buffet over here in Heart Heights, even if I had to drag her kicking and screaming. I had a feeling that whenever I took her to eat, that was the only time she actually filled her stomach up. If only Slim were comfortable with asking me things she needs. I chuckled to myself and ran a hand down my face.

At first, I thought this would lead to a friendship, but I was falling for the girl.

Saturday

Last night, we all met to practice for today. No lie, that hard concrete can mess up your body, but I had to shake that ache off so we can win this money. I was doing it for Slim and her only.

After my dad told me that he was gonna let me make my mistakes by befriending Slim, he didn’t say anything else to me when he checked my location. I was hanging out with Slim a lot this week after practice, missing dinner with my parents. Still, nothing was said. I knew my dad like the back of my hand, and his silence was a test. He was betting on my downfall, and just like I ball, I was playing to win.

I caught a Rideshare to Slim’s home. Slim suggested I didn’t drive my fancy shit to Dreamview. The surrounding towns call Dreamview Murderview ever since the Crockett Murray case. That shit had everyone spooked and side-eyeing their friends.

The Rideshare dropped me off in front of Slim’s apartment and burned rubber out of the complex. Vani’s uncle’s car was already out front. Slim, Jalen, and Vani were standing by it. Vani’s eyes were scanning the street, his eyes narrow and watchful.

“Rich boy,” Vani grunted as I walked up.

“Kane,” I mumbled with my eyes focused on Slim. Her hair seemed to be in started locs. I reached out and pulled one and she slapped my hand down. “Starter locs?” I quizzed.

“Yeah, Mama had time and started them last night for me,” she answered, bouncing her ball.

“At least you have nice, long hair and don’t have to go through that awkward little locs phase,” Jalen joked.

“I know right?” she muttered. “Y’all ready?”

The rhymes of Lil’ Wayne carried us all the way to Dreamview. The farther we got from Love Heights, the more the landscape changed. Overgrown lots and barred windows came into view. This was another city my dad warned me about. The side he was terrified of.

We played Dreamview in basketball, and although we never won against them ‘cause those boys played with more heart than I’ve ever seen. Like a cry to get out of that city on a basketball scholarship and to the NBA. Anything to get out of Dreamview because you either sink or swim if you stay, especially as a Black man or female.

The court was packed with onlookers, ready to see a game…a good game. I was sitting in the backseat with Jalen, behind Vani so I could see how Slim nibbled on her bottom lip. She was a nervous wreck. Perspiration formed on her temple as she peered around. There were big niggas on the court, shirtless, and covered in tattoos.

“Don’t sweat them, Slim,” I told her. “They just regular ass niggas. Don’t let them intimidate you.”

Slim smacked her lips, playing it off. “They don’t.”

I let it go. I just hoped her nervousness didn’t cause us to lose the game knowing how much this money meant to her. Vani found a spot to park the car and before he cut the engine, he lit a blunt.

“Anyone wanna hit this?” He questioned, peering at me through the rear view mirror.’

I shook my head. Jaylen reached his hand out and took the blunt from Vani. I ran my tongue along the inside of my cheek.

“Y’all don’t need to be smoking anyway,” Slim spat, saying what I wanted to say. “Our heads need to be in the game.”

“Not the clouds,” I mumbled. Slim side-eyed me. Her head bobbed as she agreed with me.

“Man, Slim… You know this shit don’t affect me. I’m always high when I’m hoopin’,” Vani fussed.

“And that’s why you be slow,” she shot back, causing Jalen to snicker. He handed Vani the blunt back.

“Plus, you getting the scent on mine and Kane’s clothes.”