Page 8 of Love & Streetball

I grinned as I removed the burnt wieners from the oven and turned it off. I placed two slices of bread on a paper plate, used a fork to put a wiener on each, then squeezed mustard and sprinkled cheese on each, while I told her how I got pushed.

“You hurt?” she asked next, voice going up a few octaves. Her tone shifted into immediately.

“No,” I replied, taking my plate and a cup of grape Kool-Aid into the living room. “I ate that.”

“I know that’s right, Scottie, but be careful, baby. Some of those girls don’t play fair. Sounds like that girl tried to take you out.” She exhaled.

“I know, Mama. I play streetball with the guys. Now that’s rough,” I snickered. I took a huge bite of my hot dog.

“Mmhmm. Well, let me get back to work. Make sure that the door is locked, you hear? Niggas be outside at all times of the night,” she fussed.

“It’s locked, Mama,” I assured her, eyeing the door. It was locked.

“Alright. See ya later,” she said with a sigh.

“See ya later,” I sang out, and the call ended.

I sat there watching Wheel of Fortune and eating. I chewed slowly, letting my mind drift from trying to solve the puzzle on the TV screen to Kane.

I can’t like a girl who ball?

Kane didn’t even know shit about me to like me. I didn’t like him. Not like that. I mean, he hooped good, but that’s where that shit ended. Kane had a damn death wish coming over to the projects with no care in the world. Guys from Heart Heights weren’t built for this side of town, and the towns were just maybe fifteen minutes apart. Still, fifteen minutes made a big difference.

I scraped the last smear of mustard off the plate with my finger and licked it, leaning back on the couch. Wheel of Fortune went to a commercial I blew out a heavy breath because I was full, and who knew what tomorrow would bring. We were running out of groceries until Mama’s next check. Between practice, games, and playing streetball at the park, I couldn’t keep up with her paydays.

Outside, someone yelled, and I don’t know why, but it made me wonder if Kane got home safely. I could text Vani, but he would think it was more than what it was. He probably already thought that, because why did I care if Kane made it out of Love Heights safely? I ain’t never cared. I minded my business, and that’s just what it was.

I stretched my legs under the table while finishing up my Kool-Aid, trying to talk myself into getting up to throw my paper plate away. After a beat, I got up, tossed my plate, washed, and rinsed my cup, then set it on the drying rack. I caught my reflection in the hallway mirror I’d gotten for Mama last year at a thrift store. Sweatshirt, basketball shorts, and my durag. I huffed out a laugh. I looked ragged.

My phone chimed with an incoming message. When I ambled back into the living room, I picked it up from the coffee table. My brows pushed together as I peered down at the unknown number.

Unknown: Thought you’d want to know I got home safely.

I froze. My heart stopped beating for half a second before picking up speed. I never gave Kane my number, and I didn’t get his. So…

I typed slowly.

Me: How did you get my number?

Kane’s reply came fast, like he was waiting.

Unknown: A friend of a friend

I sucked my teeth. Vani.

Me: I’m guessing Daddy just yelled and told you to go to your room. He didn’t take your phone or nun, huh?

Instead of responding, a call came in, and I just stared at it. What did Kane think this was? We weren’t friends.

I blocked his number and called Vani.

“Yooooo!” he answered through a cough.

“Why’d you give that nigga my number, Vani? No one has this number but you and Ma. Not even the damn school,” I fussed.

“Maaan, that’s a good lil’ nigga. He like yo mean ass Slim. I don’t know why either. You cold…on the courts and in yo heart.” Vani laughed at his own joke.

“Vannnnni,” some whiny voice whimpered out, and I hung up. Ain’t no way Vani answered the phone for me while inside a bitch. Nasty ass. I understood he always answered when I called, not knowing if it was an emergency, but that was disgusting. I couldn’t wait to curse his ass out.