“It’s an honor to be invited. Thank you for having me,” Lamar replied.
“How does it feel to be on the short list of defensive players up for September’s Defensive Player of the Month?” the interviewer asked.
“It feels great,” Lamar answered. “I’ve worked hard, but football is a team effort. I couldn’t do what I do without the great defensive players around me. We work as a unit, so if I do get the honor, it’s not just for me, it’s for all of us.”
“There are a lot of women who love the game and are passionate this season.”
“Well, one of the most passionate football fans I know is a woman.”
“How are you handling this newfound fame? You went from the practice squad to the spotlight. How are you navigating that transition?”
“I’m handling it. It’s a change, but I’m handling it.”
“There’s a lot being said about your personal life. How do you deal with rumors?” the interviewer asked.
“I ignore them. I only want to deal with what’s real.”
“Some people are saying your personal life is overshadowing your playmaking on the field. They think you that you egged it on by not confirming your relationship with the mystery woman. What do you say to those individuals?”
“I didn’t realize that was being said. But football is my career and that’s your business. My relationship is my personal life, and that’s my business.”
“Is it okay if I ask you one more question about your personal life?”
“As long as it’s not about the woman in the picture.”
“I’m sorry, it is.”
“I’m not answering questions about her. There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Well, just answer this… are you single?”
Lamar hesitated before finally saying, “Let’s move on.”
Hearing him confirm we were not in a relationship threw me for a loop. But the number of people who were in the comments laughing at the idea of Lamar breaking up with me was unsettling. They didn’t know anything about me, so their commentary was based solely on the amount of fat on my body. The fact that people were gleeful—saying it served me right and I needed to be humbled for thinking I deserved to be with an athlete—was chilling. It hadn’t taken long for people to start speculating that he’d rekindled with Milan.
There’s something seriously wrong with these people, I said as I made my way home. When I arrived, Lamar was sitting on the couch with his paperwork in front of him.They have no idea.
“I’ve been waiting for you to get home all day,” Lamar said as he walked toward the door.
Warmth crept up my neck when I saw the way his eyes lit up at the sight of me. Everything in the way he looked at me told me how he felt about me. But the comment about him not claiming me in public popped in my head when I remembered what had happened when I told him I wanted to be with him.
He didn’t want to be with me let alone claim me when given the opportunity. But if he did claim me, how much further would I hurt his career?
My smile faltered just as soon as the thoughts hit me.
Looking at that gorgeous man as he approached me, I knew I didn’t want to lose him, but I also knew I couldn’t be the reason his dreams got deferred. It hurt to even think of how his achievements were being overshadowed.
“What’s wrong?” he wondered as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. He kissed the top of my head, my cheek, and then my lips. “How was your day?”
Letting his arms and his cologne temporarily distract me, I nuzzled him. “I missed you. Today was… tough.”
“What happened?’”
I hesitated for only a second. “Some kids saw your interview withFlex Magazine, and since you said you didn’t want to talk about me, they think I was out last week because we aren’t together anymore.And it’s become a whole thing at school because of the pictures, and you said you were single…”
He leaned back a little to see my face. “Like you wanted me to.”
“I know, I know.” I licked my lips. “I just… it’s not just the students. When I was reading some of the comments, it made me feel…”
