“Absolutely.”
“Do you believe in aliens?”
“I believe in something that exists in space. More of my money would be on Bigfoot though.”
“Another good answer.”
“I would love to know how this is an interrogation of her intentions.”
“I need to know if she’s a sane human being before I question her heart.”
“Did I pass the first test?”
“With flying colors, unfortunately.” Celeste’s face didn’t move.
“Why is that unfortunate?”
“Because it all comes down to this moment.”
“In regards to my sister, Brittney Lee—”
“—Thank you for the clarification.” I heard Bee interject behind me.
“What is your biggest regret?” Celeste kept unwavering eye contact with me, her eyes blinking, all-knowing like an owl’s, ina way that I didn’t know if she would strike at any moment or quietly observe the rest of my existence.
The Miami Waves home opener was easily the loudest game I’d ever played in during my professional career. It could be the overpowering energy of a reactivated team back for its second year, the familiar faces of half of the starting team or the chaotic energy Brittney and I brought to the city.
Every time I thought about this moment, I dreaded it. That first feeling stepping into another uniform that wasn’t the Violets. Seeing my name inked on another locker stall that wasn’t somewhere in Chicago. I anticipated this moment to feel like pain, predicted that the only way through was the promise of everything just getting better with time.
But the time went by quicker than I could have thought.
I felt unstoppable from the moment I came out onto the court to run practice layups and shooting drills. I was still in the warm-up gear but knowing what laid underneath didn’t sting like I thought, it felt comforting.
By the time the arena lights dimmed and the screens started playing our team intro, my energy couldn’t stop me from moving. The crowd roared when Farrah, Poppy and Courtney came on the screen, but everyone went crazy when the clips of both Brittney and I standing back to back appeared. For two people who managed to be fire and fire, we burned brighter together and I couldn’t help but smile that not only did our on court relationship benefit but so did what happened off of it too.
I was crazy about Brittney Lee and I couldn’t wait to demolish the Los Angeles Rush.
We started the game slow and steady, both teams getting a lay of the court and how hard we could push each other. But by the end of the first half we were up ten points and no one could keep up with the way Bee and I played together. She wasfast where I was sturdy, we tested out the new dynamic plays the coaching staff developed. We stuck to our roles with Farrah as point guard but when the Rush started closing the gap, our coach got the idea to have Bee as the point guard with me playing as a forward.
From there we widened the gap back up. My threes sank easily when I switched to point guard, Gia got her first minutes as a rookie in the league and managed a sick block when someone from the Rush tried to get a breakaway.
We ended the game up thirteen points. A killer home opener that had me on the verge of kissing Bee on the court, but I stopped myself and settled for our first public hug instead.
After the game, I rushed through my shower and got ready so I could head over to the family lounge. Tonight was perfect, but there were a few more things I wanted to do before heading and going out to celebrate with the team.
For my first tunnel fit tonight I went with a white button down and black tie with graffiti painted black jeans to match. It was one of my calmer outfits for the season but it still felt like I was making a statement. As soon as I stepped inside, the crowd started to clap for me, but I waved them off in order to find where the Lee siblings stood with Rashida and Allison.
Amir and Aaliyah huddled with my aunts while Celeste hung off to the side chatting with Gia, who dapped me up when I passed. Celeste didn’t have her usual resting murdery face so I was perplexed at that dynamic. But I needed to stay focused. From my peripheral I thought I saw Colette twirling her hair with Poppy but there were so many bodies in here I couldn’t be sure.
“Aaliyah, can we chat?”
Her short pixie cut accentuated every facial movement, similar to Bee’s. “Sure.”
Amir’s forehead rose with surprise but thankfully didn’t try to intervene as I led Aaliyah out the door and back into the hallway.
“Good game, Young.”
“Thanks.” I smiled genuinely. “Look I just wanted you to know I understand where you’re coming from.” I lowered my voice. “With Bee and I.”
