“Let’s go!” Fallen shouted, wrapping me in a hug that lifted me off my feet. We weren’t cool to begin with, but having fought out the season with her, we were cool now. The shot clock was at zero, the score settled. We won! Me and my girls did it, capping off a crazy-ass season. One that was historical for Coach, who stood off, embraced by her parents and sister.
We fought hard, each of us dogging it out to the end. Chicago gave us a run for our money, but we were determined to bring this win home for Naomi and Coach.
Back on my feet, I was enveloped by my parents.
“We’re so proud of you!” Daddy exclaimed.
Mama was crying happy tears. “You did that, Baby Girl!” She beamed.
All the happiness and excitement I felt for winning a ring was eclipsed by the man standing courtside, clapping for me. I loved that Zoo didn’t force himself into my success. He stood by, allowing me to bask in my accomplishments without trying to gain the spotlight for himself. At the same time, he supported me and didn’t try to stifle me in any way. If I needed him, he was in place, being whatever help he could. He’d done all that without so much as kissing me.
He caught me staring and bit into his lip as if he knew I was thinking about them. Whatever happened tonight, I wanted to taste his lips before it was all said and done.
I went through the postgame ceremony and interviews with my heart in my throat. The best part of my night came when I was crowned Finals MVP. Everything felt surreal. I teared up several times but kept my composure, for the most part. The one time I did really cry was when Naomi was mentioned. My baby was still going to get her ring. As much as she loved basketball, Mimi was in love with becoming a mother.
The locker room was a mad house. Champagne bottles were popped, tears were shared, and raucous screaming carried on for what felt like forever. Although I didn’t really want to, I agreed to meet the team at a pre-planned afterparty.
I walked out of the locker room, expecting to see Zoo, but he wasn’t there, nor was he waiting in the tunnel. A part of me almost worried until I saw Brooklyn walking my way.
“He’ll be at Boss,” he said, referencing the club the team was going to.
My relief was palpable.
Security led me to my car. Once inside, I dialed Mimi. She’d been waiting on my call as she answered on the first ring.
“Bittcchhh!” she shrieked.
“Aye, calm down,” Sin uttered from the background. “You scared the fuck outta me.”
I busted out laughing and screamed with her.
“Congratulations! I’m so proud of you! I’m getting ready now, so Sin and I can meet you at the club.”
Excited that Mimi was getting out, I grinned. “See you soon!”
It was late, nearing ten by the time I made it home, showered, changed, and pulled into club Boss. I was escorted into the building, with clubgoers clapping for me. I thanked them and kept my focus on the one person I was there to see. Otherwise, I wasn’t staying long. I saw a few of my teammates in the center of the dancefloor, already lit, and acting a complete fool.
Zoo. He stood out in the crowd, wearing designer everything and looking like someone I needed to let curl my toes. He sauntered towards me, eyeing me up and down, causing my body to tingle in delight.
"Congratulations, Champ." Zoo's smile as he handed me a bouquet of roses and a gift bag was heart-warming.
"Thank you," I replied, somewhat shy. Seeing my name laying against his chest caused me to do a happy dance on the inside. What nigga wore a woman's name on him unless he planned to claim her? I had the chain made, hoping he’d see the sentiment in it. Obviously, he saw it loud and clear.
"What's in here?" The gift bag had no name on it, but it was small.
"You gotta look in it, Baby," he said.
I missed him calling me baby. It opened up the floodgates to my middle.
Handing him back the roses, I dug in the bag for whatever was inside. A black velvet box emblazoned with LUCAS surprised me. Lucas was one of the most sought-out jewelers on the East Coast.
Opening the box, I was stunned by what laid inside.
"Zeus!" I gasped.
"Oh, damn," he drawled. "I thought we agreed on you not callin' me that anymore."
"No," I countered. "You said I wasn't entitled to call you that anymore. When did I ever say I agreed?"
