I looked at him suspiciously because calling me track star could mean a couple of things. Instead of asking him to clarify, I took my phone from my fanny pack and unlocked it. He called his phone, letting it ring once before ending the call and returning my phone to my hand.
“Don’t block me, and don’t ignore me when I call you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
I put my headphones on and walked away before he could respond. Our interaction played back in my mind for the rest of my walk, so I’d have to listen to the last chapter of the audiobook again.
I wanted Kilo in the worst way, but I didn’t think starting a relationship with my son’s coach was a good idea. We could always sneak around and keep things on the low, but I had afeeling Kilo wasn’t the kind of man who’d agree to being my sneaky link if he wanted more.
I arrived home and did a few stretches on my porch before going inside. When I entered the house, Nyeem was waiting in the living room.
“You okay?” I asked because his expression concerned me.
“I think I made a mistake.”
“What happened? Are you hurt? Did you hurt someone?”
“Nah, Ma. Nothing like that. I think I made a mistake agreeing to play football.”
“Why? What’s changed since last night?”
He sighed. “Coach Kilo hired him.”
“Hired who?”
“Ambrose.”
My stomach hit the floor, and I suddenly felt nauseous. I inhaled a few times before confirming what I’d heard.
“Did you say Ambrose?”
“Yeah. He hired Ambrose as the DB coach.”
“Ambrose Ward.”
“Yeah, Ma. He hired that piece of shit nigga as my position coach. I’m sorry. Excuse my language, but I’m pissed.”
“It’s okay, Son. I feel the same way. I need . . . umm . . . give me a minute to process.”
“You can take all the time you need. I’m about to call Coach Kilo and tell him I changed my mind.”
“Are you planning to say why?”
He shook his head. “I have a right to change my mind. He doesn’t need to know why.”
He lifted his phone, which had been in his hand this whole time, and swiped on the screen. As much as I would prefer for him to focus solely on track, I knew he’d be happiest doing both.
“Hold on, Nyeem. Let’s talk to Robby and GP before you talk to Coach Kilo.”
“No, Ma! No! I don’t need them to tell me what I don’t want!” he shouted with tears filling his eyes.
I pulled him into my arms, and he let his head fall onto my shoulders, wrapping his arms around my torso. His body shook as he released tears he’d probably been holding in for years, causing me to do the same.
“It’s okay, baby. I hear you.”
“Ambrose Ward is trash, and I don’t want him in my life. Coaching me is a privilege I don’t want him to have. He doesn’t get to just pop up and get credit for all my hard work. I don’t want to be anywhere near him.”
“I understand, Son. You do what you think is best. I’ll always support you.”
