“Richie!”
My head snapped up because even with the noise of the stadium I could recognize my mama’s voice anywhere. Sonya was standing there with her hands on her hips like she was annoyed that I had taken so damn long to get to them. My siblings were beside her looking less like teenagers and more likeyoung adults and that shit was killing me to watch them grow up so fast. Beside my sister was my lady holding our daughter, who had noise-canceling headphones on her ears clapping as she reached for the confetti that had fallen from the cannons. I excused myself from Runt and went into a group hug of all my family. I loved them all too much to single them out initially, but as I took in their congratulations, I gave them each love individually. I, of course, took my baby from her mama and kissed Ling’s ass because she had the nerve to be crying.
“Stop them tears,Tesoro.”
She nodded and wiped at her eyes, the long ponytail she’d worn for the game bobbing as she did it. “I’m just so proud of you, baby.”
She leaned up and kissed as Ami continued to look around with wide eyes.
“You did it big bro! I’m happy for you but I can’t lie, it’s going to make dating that much harder.” Cass was smiling but she had her top lip curled up.
“Dating? Cass, don’t piss me—”
“Money! We need you!”
My words were interrupted by one of the media handlers that I had all but ignored on my way to finding my people. I nodded at her and looked back at my baby sister as I handed Ami back to Sterling.
“We gone talk about this dating shit in a minute.”
“Richie!”
“Aldrich, leave her alone.”
I looked at Sterling as she stuck up for my baby sister with wide eyes. “You know about this, Ling? You keeping secrets?” Sterling shook her head but glanced at my sister fighting a smile. I loved the fact that they were so close but I was gone have to talk to her about whoever this boy was sniffing around my sister. Iwas just as protective with Teo, but he didn’t really deal with too many people like that.
“MONEY!”
The media assistant was calling me again but I looked at my sister and my girl again before I nodded. “I’ll be right back.”
I kissed Ami before jogging over to where the assistant was waiting for me. They were trying to gather all the players together again to do the trophy presentation and to give individual awards. I thought I would be settled once the clock hit zero, and as much as I wanted this moment, I wanted it with my people more than talking to the media.
I had to make a few stops and I was thankful that all our people were together, waiting for us to finish with this so we could celebrate together. Someone had passed out cigars and folks were getting restless. I made my way on stage with the rest of my people dapping up and congratulating everyone along the way. I stood a few people back and to the side of the podium and searched until I found my people in the crowd. My mama was crying and I knew she’d witnessed me win a championship once before, but this time everything was different. I wasn’t just a kid who got drafted to a good team. I’d been through a lot last year and I knew that was what was on her mind as her tears fell. My brother and sister were on live recording everything from their vantage point and Ling was bouncing Ami and pointing me out so Ami could see where I was.
“We’re starting off with the MVP award today. I know you guys are ready to get to your families. Your Super Bowl MVP is… Aldrich ‘FAST MONEY’ Dinero!”
I’d barely been paying attention to the announcer, too busy mouthing to my family I loved them. But when they called my name my head snapped up in shock.
The noise around me was loud as the crowd cheered and the congratulatory hands of my teammates hit my shoulders and back as I walked up to the front to take the trophy.
Once it was placed in my hands, I got choked up at the weight of my emotions.
“You earned this shit, man.” Stew embraced me and then stepped to the side to let me get to the mic. I wasn’t sure what to say but I closed my eyes and thanked my dad for watching over all of us before I spoke.
“I was told by somebody I’d be holding this trophy but I didn’t believe him. I should’ve known with his connection to the ancestors not to doubt him. For the offensive line, and especially to Runt, thank y’all for giving me the time to run and break the records that I have this year. None of what I’ve done would be possible without y’all doing your jobs as well as you do.”
“We gettin’ trucks this time?” One of the linemen down at the front hollered up at me and the rest of the line started to laugh.
I glanced back at Grant who just shrugged like he was on whatever and I had to laugh.
“Uh, QB1 and I will have to discuss finances and get back to you on our appreciation gifts. Speaking of QB1, Grant, you’re a friend, a mentor and I’m thankful to back up the arm that you possess and help make this team better.” He waved me off like he didn’t deserve appreciation and I should’ve known better than to think anything else would happen.
“To my teammates this wouldn’t have meant anything without y’all here. We aren’t besties but we brothers. We’ll fight, we’ll argue and we’ll come together when it counts every time. Defense, offense, special teams all bought in to the words of Stew, the rest of our coaches and the front office to get us here today. To my family, my mama who has always stood in the paint with me and for me. To my brother and sister who have always kept me on my toes, I love y’all so much. And to my twoangels, my daughter Ami and my girl Sterling I’m so grateful that God put you both in my life last year because none of this would be as sweet without being able to share it with you.A mi papá en el cielo, gracias for enseñarme a ser un hombre. Tus enseñanzas vivirán conmigo para siempre. Te quiero, papá.” I kissed my fingers to the sky after speaking with my dad and looked out at my people.
Ling’s ass was crying and my mama was grinning because she knew what was in the works. I had more to say but I couldn’t jump the gun on my plans. I blew a kiss to them and then moved away from the podium. The reporter who was covering our side of the field called Parker up and he hesitated before moving forward damn near dragging Tiana with him. She looked like she was going to cuss him out when they got off the stage but I understood why he wanted her there with him.
“As the owner of theDesperados, Parker Phillips, may I present to you the Lombardi Trophy that represents the excellent achievement of your team tonight.”
The trophy was pulled out of the case but Parker waved up Stew to come and grab it.
