“Yeah,” I tell her, getting a little tired of the twenty questions. “I went to the Atlanta Tech game.”
Freak invited me to an away game in Atlanta, because it was important to him that I come and see him in his element (I’m paraphrasing).
“You’re the smartest one in the room when we’re working on my essays, Teach, but I’m the star when I get a ball in my hand. I need you to witness my greatness.”
It was the perfect day. He had to travel on the team bus with his teammates, so he ordered an Uber just for me. Once I arrived, I had great seats next to his friend Maverick (who made sure I had my fill of hot dogs and popcorn), and while he did his best to explain the rules of the game, I didn’t understand much. All I know is that according to the scoreboard, Freak had a great performance, and the Panthers won. And when Freak is happy, the world is a better place.
“Just be careful, boo. You know how some of these thirsty ass girls can be. There are plenty of them who spend their time plotting on how to get with an athlete, especially ones with pro potential like Freak. They’re always tagging him on posts on social media. Tits and ass out half the time. Total thirst traps.”
I try not to allow Kia’s warning to scare me half to death, because I don’t want anything to ruin the good head space I’m in now.
Freak makes me laugh.
He makes me feel beautiful.
And he makes me feel seen.
If Nana was here, she’d tell me that he’s a “keeper” like her beloved Ronnie (my grandfather).
I also love how he’s not intimidated by my dedication to my studies. He applauds it. And while we haven’t been seeing each other very long, he’s made me do and feel dirty things that I’ve only read about in romance novels. So, I don’t care what whispers she’s heard around campus, or what half naked coeds are up to on the gram, I don’t want to sabotage myself.
I won’t.
An incoming text from my phone chimes.
It’s Freak.
I have to laugh every time I get a message from him because he input himself as Bacon Boy in my contact list.
That’s another thing I like about him.
He’s crazy for coco puffs.
* * *
Bacon Boy: I’m downstairs.
Me: I’m coming.
Bacon Boy: You were already supposed to be downstairs. I’ve got an Uber waiting.
Me: I’m coming! Stop fussing.
* * *
“Thanks for the concern, Kia.” If it’s actually genuine. “But I can’t let myself worry too much about other people.”
“Okay, boo. Like I always say, if you like it, I love it.”
***
“Is Scorpio back?” Freak asks.
“Funny you should ask. Yeah, she’s up there.”
“Were y’all catching up?”
“I wouldn’t call it exactly catching up,” I say flatly.
