CHAPTER 15
NAOMI
My team rolled into the playoffs high off excitement. We'd made the playoffs before. However, with PJ and me in the back court and Fallon and Tony in the paint, we had more than enough power to not only make it to the finals but to win a championship.
The night before game one, PJ, Bri, and I FaceTimed to give each other some encouragement. My boo, Bri, was a case of nerves. Having had a historic first season as a WNBA coach, she was still trying to process all her success thus far.
PJ was like me, ready to get on the court and be the powerhouse that we were. Playing alongside my sister was a dream, and I'd yet to want to wake up from it. There wasn't anyone else I wanted to celebrate my success with more than my sister.
Game one was a bitch. Being at home made the win special, but none of us were able to celebrate. We barely got the win, which wasn't good when we were only in the first round.
The Stars had a bone to pick with us, though. Our overtime game during the regular season had their team believing they could take us, and honestly, they could. It was shown by us walking away with a two-point win, not to mention that game two was in New York. That atmosphere was going to be crazy as fuck as the fans already felt some type of way about PJ.
My sister was always nervous before a game, but for some reason, she was ready as hell to play in New York. Part of me knew she was itching to go in that arena with her head held high despite the fans' reactions. She wanted to put New York behind her for good, and with this game, she hoped to.
We went into the Stars' arena amped and ready to do what we did best. Gina, the Stars' point guard guarding me, decided she'd be extra aggressive since she was in her home state. In front of the home crowd, she had to prove herself. We dueled it out. I had to let her know a few times to watch her fucking hands. As loud as the arena was, I still heard Sin's ass blasting the referees for not making calls. Zoo was right alongside him, doing the most.
The second game ended up coming down to a foul situation, with New York taking the W by one point. My team was devastated, yet we'd fought like hell. Tired and ready to get out of New York and back home, we didn't make any complaints. Coach didn't even cuss us out for losing. She, like us, was just glad to have been able to hold our own in a city like New York because their basketball fans did not play!
As for PJ, she walked away proud that she didn't feel an ounce of nervousness as she faced her old crowd. That was enough for her to know she'd moved on. We left New York heavy-hearted, knowing we had to go home and fight for this win.
I was in my head over the next couple of days, running play after play through my mind. I was right there on the cusp of accomplishing something I'd wanted since stepping into the league. If I could accomplish my goal alongside my sister and best friend, it would’ve made the win that much sweeter.
Sin did a wonderful job rubbing my sore feet and massaging my body. It was sweet coming home to a man who waited for me just so he could pamper me. I'd gotten so used to him being by my side that being without him caused me to panic, especially after he practically told me he loved me. Now that I'd reconciled with myself that I was in love with him, I was doing anything I could to show him that I deeply cared for him. So, whatever he gave to me, I reciprocated.
He had workdays where he came home worn out, so I'd pamper him just like he would me. Our relationship was the healthiest I'd ever been in, and the thought made me smile.
GAME DAY…
My day started well. Sin woke me up with some of his delicious head and then fed me breakfast. He gave me a pep talk in the kitchen that turned into me sucking his dick. I had so much shit to do today, yet I was fooling around the house with Sin.
On my way to the arena, my parents called. I put them on speaker and smiled so hard my cheeks hurt.
"We just got off the phone with PJ," my mother said. "We're so proud of you two!"
"We're watching and shouting all the way from Orlando," my dad added, bringing a grin to Sin's face.
Sin had yet to officially meet my parents, but I couldn't wait for him to. He and my dad were too much alike, regarding me on the court. Sin's antics brought back memories of my college days when my dad would be in the stands acting a fool.
"Please don't get your pressure up, Daddy." I snickered.
"I already told him," my mom chimed.
"I'on know why you and PJ insist on not allowing us to be there," my daddy griped.
"Because Daddy,whenwe make it to the finals, we want you and Mama to be here for every game. We don't want you missing work just for round one."
"Yeah, yeah," he grunted.
"We love you, though," I stated. "And we know you're watching, so we're gonna make you proud."
I teared up then. My parents went from being skeptical about our choice to play basketball to fully accepting that this was what their daughters loved to do. Their support meant everything to me.
"We love you, too, Baby Girl," daddy said. "You've already made us so proud. We just want to see you happy."
Now I had tears running down my face. Although Sin was driving, he reached over to wipe them.
"I am happy." I sniffled. In more ways than one, I was completely happy. I told them I loved them again before hanging up.
