“Of course. I like hearing you call me that, A.”
“Well, I’ll keep trying. How’s the workout going?”
“I don’t want to get my hopes up, but this place is fucking unreal.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. I wish you could’ve come to this one, for sure.”
“I’ll talk to James about it. I mean, it is my job after all and we don’t have much time before the draft. Seven days, right?”
“Yup, not long at all. Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Love you, too. I’m gonna go meet with James. Call me when you’re done. Love you.”
“Okay, baby, love you, too.”
Walking in, I find James. He already has a table for us. Sitting in front of him is an iPad and a Blackberry box. I know already this will be a whirlwind of a meeting. With the brand new electronics, he means business. I exhale deeply, knowing all I can do is listen and pray some of this clicks.
“So, we’ll see you tomorrow morning?” Ron, the shooting coach asks me.
“Of course. I’m gonna rest tonight and I’ll be back.” I shake his hand and walk into the underground parking garage of this new facility, in the heart of downtown Brooklyn. Getting in my car, I grab my phone and quickly go to my baby’s number.
“This is Ari—”
She stops and begins to laugh.
“Are you all right?” I ask her.
“Oh my God, yes. It’s been a crazy day, baby. Let’s just say the second I turned on the phone James gave me, it’s been ringing off the hook. I guess I now answer my phone like that.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, like seriously, we need to talk about a lot of things tonight.”
“Can we talk on a date?”
“Of course. What did you have in mind?”
“It’s a surprise. Let me run home and shower, then I’ll pick you up in an hour or so?”
“Come on, just tell me where we are we going.”
“Not telling you, baby. I love you, I’ll see you soon.” I hang up before she can get out another word. I know she’s fuming and wants to know what we are doing. She’s not a big fan of surprises, but tonight I want to have fun with her. I know we both need it. We went through so much, breaking up and separating and not knowing what the next day would bring. So now that we are back together and our relationship is different and stronger than ever, I want to get out and have some fun. I just want to see her smile.
Traffic is a fucking bitch trying to leave the city. I call my dad on the way, to see if everything is all set for my mom’s homecoming tomorrow. He’s set to pick her up in the morning and has a long trip ahead. I’m excited and proud of my mom. It’s amazing that she has completed her treatment, and that it’s gone so smoothly. I had so many doubts and now only hope that she stays on the right path going forward.
Thinking back on the day, I really can’t believe that I worked out with the Nets. They have been my all-time favorite team and where I’ve always wanted to play. I can honestly say, regardless of where I get drafted, I know being fortunate enough to have visited their facility and met everyone has fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams. Not many people in the world can say they did something like that.
Fuck, most men can’t even fathom being drafted into the NBA. With a smile on my face, I pull into the driveway. My dad’s car is gone; he must still be working. Rushing inside, I shower quickly and dress before getting back into the car and darting to Arion’s.
On the way, I stop and pick up a bouquet of flowers, just like I gave her on our first date. Walking up to her house, I knock like a gentleman, when really I want to barge in and show her I’m the boss.
My beautiful girl answers in a pair of tight ass jean shorts and a tank top.
“Hi, gorgeous,” I say handing her the flowers.
She pulls me in and responds with a kiss, no words, she just holds our lips tightly together. I can’t help the animalistic noises that ensue from deep within me. I’m horny as fuck and want to have my way with her right now.
“Hey, Bain,” Aubrey interrupts as she walks in from her room.
Reluctantly, I pull away and say, “Hey, Aubrey, how are you?”
“Good. Are you getting excited for the draft? Your name is all over the news.”
I bust out laughing. “I try and not watch that shit anymore.”
“I’d do the same thing if I were you.”
“It’s the smartest thing to do,” I tell her, then Arion asks me, “Are you ready to get going?”
I nod my head and she grabs my hand. “Bye Aubrey,” I say, then walk out into the warm June evening.
“Where are we headed?” she asks.
“I’m about to take you to my bed dressed like that.”
“Not yet, you promised me a date night. You have to deliver.”
“Are you saying I wouldn’t deliver in my bed?”
“Absolutely not. I know you would deliver there, you always do. But I was looking forward to going out with you.”
“Then out we shall go, beautiful.”