Page 83 of Love & Streetball

“The minute she finds out you put me on a private jet after my game, flew me to Vegas, and married me without her there, she’s gon’ blame you.”

“I didn’t put you on shit. You walked onto that jet willingly…Mrs. Stone,” he joked. Kane shrugged. His left hand remained on the steering wheel, his wedding band shining as the sun hit it. “Gotta change your jersey.”

I groaned. We argued about this all the way back home from Vegas. I still wanted Grant on my jersey because that was my last name coming up as I dreamt this shit. I understood I was married now, but damn.

Kane cut his eyes to me. “We ain’t arguing about this shit again, wifey,” he sighed.

“It’s a discussion.” My heart didn’t look over the way it fluttered when he called me wifey.

“You’re married to me. Why the fuck you wanna run around with another nigga’s last name on your back?”

“Kane!” I screeched, covering my mouth when I laughed. “Another nigga? That’s my mama’s last name, remember? Not his.”

His face softened a little. “Oh. The answer is still no. Better tatt it somewhere on your body ‘cause you a Stone now, baby.”

“Fine,” I huffed.

He put a tatted hand on my thigh and I playfully knocked it away before grabbing it and putting it back. I loved my husband’s touch.

“Better get some act right,” Kane joked, smirking.

“You know what I need then.”

Kane looked at me, then back on the road slowly licking his lips.

‘You gon’ get it once we leave yo’ mama’s. Where today?” he asked.

“On the basketball court,” I answered, wiggling my brows.

Kane’s head reared back as he eased into my mama’s driveway. “You’re out your damn mind, Slim. You ain’t finna taint the court.”

I slapped his arm. We exited the car and walked up my mama’s driveway. I had a key, but still knocked because the last time I used it without warning, I accidently scared Mama, and she nearly took my head off with a lamp.

“Come in!” she yelled, already expecting us. I’d called ahead of time to make sure she was home.

Kane grabbed my hand before I could open the door.

“What?” I asked.

“You telling her,” he stated.

“Why me? I know you’re not scared.” I snickered.

Kane cackled. “A little.” He reached around me to open the door. “After you, Mrs. Stone.”

I walked inside and immediately smelled fried chicken. Mama was in the kitchen with her apron on, and music playing from the speaker on the counter. She stood over the stove in a house dress and slippers. Strolling over to her, I placed a kiss to her cheek.

I’d retired my mama. She had nothing but time on her hands and I loved that for her. All the stressful days and night wondering how she was going to pay each bill and feed us were long gone. I took care of everything. She had access to my bank account whenever she needed anything. Her bills were automatically coming out, and whenever she didn’t feel like cooking, I had a chef come out to cook for her.

“Hey, son,” she greeted Kane. He kissed the top of her forehead. “I hope y’all are hungry.”

Kane nodded and rubbed his stomach. “We are, but Scottie has something to tell you.” He pushed me forward. Ms. Grant’s eyes squinted.

“You pregnant, Scottie?” she asked. A hand went to her chest as if bracing herself for an answer.

Scottie’s eyes stretched. “What? No!” A nervous laugh escaped from her lips. “No, mama. Scottie’s left hand went to her chest and Ms. Grant’s eyes followed it, noticing the diamond ring.

“Wait… Is this an engagement ring?” she quizzed, eyes darting to my husband.