“And you’ve completely closed the door on football and basketball,” my father continued.
“I think so.”
“What if I told you the new BEU head football coach reached out to me for your number?” Robby asked.
Nyeem shrugged nonchalantly. “I guess that’s cool, but I’m good with track.”
My brother was a high school science teacher and football coach atBlack Elm Academy, a private school for grades six through twelve, where Nyeem attended.
“Did you give it to him?” I asked.
“I was tempted to, but I didn’t. I respect my nephew’s decision not to play football.”
“Thank you. We appreciate that,” I responded.
“Don’t be surprised if he reaches out, though. These coaches are resourceful,” Robby warned.
“As long as the coaches aren’t rude and respect my decision, I don’t mind talking to them. A lot of the football coaches I’ve talked to are shocked I chose track over football and think they can convince me to change my mind.”
“Have you considered doing both?” Robby asked.
“Both?” I questioned before Nyeem could respond.
“Yeah, both. It’s possible. I just hate to see my nephew’s talent go to waste,” he responded.
“It’s not going to waste; it’s going elsewhere,” I said with a whole attitude.
“I didn’t mean it how you think, Ny.”
“How did you mean it then, Robby, because you’re always?—”
“Aht aht!” my mother interjected. “I know y’all aren’t about to argue over the dinner your father and I worked hard to prepare.”
“There’s really nothing to argue about. Nyeem made his decision,” Dad said.
“My bad, everyone. I wasn’t trying to argue, and I apologize if it appeared that way. Nyeem’s talent can take him far, and I just want to see my nephew live up to his full potential.”
“To answer your question, Uncle Robby, I’ve never thought about doing both, but maybe I should consider it.”
“Are you serious, Son?” I asked, surprised by his response.
“Sure, why not? If the BEU coach reaches out, I’ll think about it. Right now, I doubt I’ll change my mind, but things could change.”
I didn’t talk much during the rest of dinner, and my mother noticed. After we finished eating, I helped her put all the leftovers away and straighten the kitchen, as I always did.
“What’s wrong, Sweet Pea? And don’t tell me nothing, because I know my daughter.”
“I was so happy when Nyeem told me he wanted to run track in college. I feel so honored to have him following in my footsteps.”
“From what I understand, that’s still the plan.”
“I know, but if he plays football . . .”
“He’s following in his father’s footsteps.”
“Yeah, and I don’t know how I feel about that.”
“He hasn’t made a final decision, and you’re getting yourself worked up about it.”
