“Whimsy ignored her, and her friend likes you. Although I don’t like it, catty behavior is expected.”
“I’ll check her about that shit. And fuck her friend.”
“There’s no need for that,” I reasoned.
“Yeah, it is. She’s not about to fuck wit’ you. If I let it slide, she’s gon’ think she can come at you any type of way, and I’m not goin’ for that.”
“She’s your sister, and she probably thinks I’m trying to steal you and Whimsy from her.” I giggled then because it sounded so immature and stupid.
“Shit, you can’t steal what’s yours,” he said.
Side-eyeing him, I waited to see if he corrected his response.
“Fuck. I’d throw myself at you if I knew you wouldn’t disown my ass,” he harped.
Although he was serious, I burst out laughing. “Thank you for respecting my boundaries.”
He shook his head. “Being a gentleman never felt so wrong.”
I laughed harder at his distressed expression. “Aw, poor Synder,” I teased. “My mama would love you.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
“Nah, for real,” he said. “She would.”
For a minute, things were quiet as he drove. Clearing my throat to break the awkward silence, I said, “Is there a time in your life where you absolutely enjoyed the holidays?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, before I understood the dysfunction that surrounded me. My grandma used to throw elaborate holiday gatherings, and everyone would be there.” His face seemed to light up while talking about his grandmother.
“What’s your grandmother’s name?”
“Sylvia. Mane, you ever been whooped with a shoe and a belt at the same time?” He shook his head while I died laughing. “Every chance I got, I did some stupid shit. And every time she got, she whooped my ass for it.”
I hollered. “No! Not the sweet Synder I know.”
“Shit… I’ve calmed down, baby. Ten years ago, I wasn’t anything to play with.”
I didn’t doubt that. “The league changed you?” I asked.
“Not so much as the weight of my responsibilities did. There I was, a kid in his second year of college, risking it all to go pro. Sure, I had the stats, championships, and accolades to get me there. However, it was one thing to want to play, professionally. It was another beast to carry the pressure of playing professionally.”
“Ah. I understand.”
“So, what about you? Ya boutique is the epitome of the holiday spirit. Plus, you wear red often. You love Christmas?”
Grinning, I said, “I love it bad. There’s something about the scents, sights, and fellowship that brings my spirit so much joy. I could celebrate the holidays every day of the year.”
“Ya family celebrates together every year?” he questioned.
“Without missing a beat,” I replied. “Last year was the first time I didn’t enjoy my holidays.”
“Why not?”
Shrugging, I really didn’t want to talk about it. “It’s not a big deal. So, your grandmother hosted elaborate parties? At some point, you stopped enjoying them?”
Briefly, he glanced at me, then nodded. “The older she got, the crazier the gatherings got. I mean, every family has its issues. Mine just…” He shook his head. “They don’t get how togrowtogether. It should be family before everything. Family is supposed to root for you win, lose, or draw. Honestly, I don’t know when the last time anyone showed up to my games. I’ve done what I could to prove to my people that I love them and will forever ride for them. I’ve stopped lookin’ for them to change.”
The passion in Synder’s tone gave me pause. I loved how he didn’t mind sharing his true feelings with me. He didn’t sugarcoat them or pretend that his problems didn’t exist. His openness was so fucking attractive.
“If you could have anything for Christmas, what would it be?” I asked.
