“I’m going to take Jazmyn’s stuff to her car for her,” my dad told her. “I’ll be right back.”
Silently, we walked down the hall, stopping only to pick up my bags. We didn’t speak again until we got outside, and I unlocked the car doors.
“What made you ask me that question yesterday?” I wondered, before I tugged on the handle. “About you and mom making me fearful?”
He walked around me, placing my bag in the backseat. “A conversation with Addison. We were talking about the lists you two created, and she said something along the lines of wanting you to not be scared to live your life. I asked what that meant and she said that ‘perfection stifles’…” He cleared his throat. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I wanted to ask you face-to-face.”
I nodded. “I was curious because you’ve never asked me anything like that before.” I gave him a hug. “Thank you and I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
I got in the car, and he closed my door for me. I started the engine, and with a wave, I backed out of the driveway. I knew in my heart that the next time I’d be back, Aunt Addy would be close to death. That thought made me sick.
I need a distraction.
Going to the sports network app on my phone, I selected the Monarchs’ playlist of post-game press interviews. I listened to coaches’ and players’ breakdowns of the game. It was a good distraction while I drove. But when I heard Lamar Anderson’s voice, I almost swerved off the road.
Collecting my composure, I turned the volume up and resisted the urge to pull over to watch the clip.
“They call you Hollywood,” a reporter started. “Where did that come from? Is it because you’re a star?”
Lamar chuckled. “My initials areLA, so since I played last week, they just started calling me Hollywood, and it stuck.”
“This is your first league start, and you are already making a name for yourself due to your play. How exciting was it for you to get that sack to start the game?” a different reporter asked.
“Anytime I’m able to make a play to help the team reach our goal of winning, I’m excited,” he answered.
“Okay, media training!” I exclaimed giddily, turning the volume up a little more.
The next eight minutes showcased his knowledge of the game, his ability on the field, and his overall intelligence. It was incredibly sexy, and I found myself wanting to squeal with excitement. Someone announced that the next question would be the last question, and I was disappointed because I could listen to him talk for five straight hours.
“And what would you tell others on the practice squad?” a reporter asked.
“I would tell them that it’s your time when it’s your time. The work you put in, the mindset you have, and the patience all work together. When it’s your time, it’s your time. So stay ready.”
“Last question, last question!” a younger-sounding reporter shouted. “What motivated you to come into this game the way that you did? What was on your mind for your first career start?
“Someone special told me to play my game and to be excellent. Not perfect, but excellent. So I made it my mission to do that.”
I gasped when I realized he was talking about me. “I said that!” I exclaimed giddily. “I’m the someone special!”
Fifteen minutes after I’d listened to his press conference, Lamar called. “Coach shouted me out specifically and gave me a game ball.” His sexy tone and cool demeanor couldn’t mask the excitement and pride in his voice.
“I’m so proud of you.” I caught a glimpse of my smile in the rearview mirror, and my face flushed. “Aunt Addy actually grabbed my arm when you got that sack on the first play of the game. It was … you were incredible!” I gushed.
“She was impressed? I was trying to make a good impression.”
I giggled. “Yeah, I think you did. She wouldn’t have reacted if you didn’t.”
“And what about you? Were you impressed?”
“I am constantly impressed by you,” I admitted.
“Good. That’s all I wanted,” he replied.
“So not to win, just to impress me?”
“Impressing youisthe win.”
