“I’ll bring it by and we’ll eat together.”
The tone he used made me feel like there wasn’t any room for debate. Besides, it would be nice not to eat alone.
The next day,Zyah came by and helped me eat the delicious leftovers from Heirloom Soul. After we stuffed ourselves on ox tails and gumbo, she did my shot for me, then we headed out for the game. The Bison were playing the Richmond Rebels.
When we got to the stadium, Zyah led us in through a private entrance and waved at the security guard who opened the door for us. After doing Christian’s social media for more than eight years, everybody knew who Zyah was. She was at every home game getting images and commentary to post on his professional pages. I wasn’t a regular at the games. My position didn’t require me to attend, so most of the time, I didn’t. But now that I had a commitment to have a baby with Brixton, Iwanted to get back in the habit, because I knew I would be bringing our son or daughter to the games.
Zyah and I took our seats in the family section.
“You doing all right, Ry?”
I looked over at my younger sister. “I’m doing good. Today is my second day on the hormones, so I’m not feeling any different.”
“You nervous?”
I sighed with relief. “I have a lot of nerves, Zy. I’m nervous about how all these hormones are gonna affect me. I’m nervous about how many eggs they’re gonna retrieve. I’m nervous about whether or not I’m gonna get pregnant.”
“What’s your day looking like tomorrow?”
“The usual.” Now that the pre-season had started, my days were pretty routine. “Chris doesn’t have any interviews or photoshoots lined up. So, I’ll be at their house making sure everything runs smoothly over there.”
“What time can you leave? I’m booking us a massage. All of this stress isn’t good for you.”
“Ugh, you sound like Brix.” I mimicked him with, “You need to stay off your feet, Ry. You need to pamper yourself during this time, Ry.”
Zyah giggled. “He’s right, though. You do need to pamper yourself. Aww. It’s good that he cares. Listen, I don’t care what anybody else thinks or says, I think you made an excellent choice in a baby’s daddy. Christian’s talking his shit, but he doesn’t see Brix the way women see Brix. Your baby is about to be gorgeous. Brix is finer than a motherfucker.”
I had to laugh. “It’s funny because it’s true. Brix is handsome as hell.”
“And rich. And kindhearted. And loyal. And easy going. And?—”
“Yes. Yes. He’s all the things.”
She turned her nose up at me. “Thought you said those hormones weren’t affecting you yet. What’s with the attitude?”
“I don’t wanna be reminded of all of Brix’s good qualities. The plan isnotto fall for this man. This is a platonic endeavor.”
“I don’t know, big sis. You all are gonna be spending a lot of time together. You’re gonna be sharing and opening up to one another. I heard that pregnancy makes you horny. Don’t beat yourself up too bad if you find yourself busting it wide open for his gorgeous ass.”
“Stop planting seeds. That’s not happening. That can’t happen.”
She laughed.
“Close your mouth.”
By the time I made it home from the game, my phone was pinging with a text message.
Solid Brix:
What’s up? Were you able to get the shot done today?
Me:
Hey. Yeah. My sister came through to take me to the game. She gave me the shot and she helped me eat the leftovers from Heirloom Soul. When can we go there again?
Solid Brix:
Whenever you want, lil mama.
