“Well, sir, apparently she’s pregnant.” Sarah cupped her face. And I felt like shit. My nervousness belied my predatory deeds. “…and I wanted to come to you and stand for what’s been done. I can offer an apology…if you feel that’s necessary.” But I won’t mean it.
I glanced towards Michael to see him stunned into silence. Sarah started to sob quietly while she sat perched on the arm of the chair her husband sat erect in. I quickly withdrew the notion to apologize. It would be disingenuous.
“Where’s Zoey?” he grated alarmed.
“She’s in school. She should be home today.” I looked over to Sarah’s now red eyes and repeated, “She should be home today. She needs her mother.”
“And what about you?” Michael asked with bravado. His forehead was wrinkled, sharp eyes still daring.
“I need her to be okay. I need for her to be supported by her family,” I qualified directly to him.
“And what are your plans for her?”
I knew he was referencing marriage. Zoey’s sharing about the girl, Karen, at their church prepared me for this. Zoey wasn’t ready for that, and I wouldn’t be rushed into shit. That was something I wanted with her in the long run, but now wasn’t the time.
“My plans are to support her as well. All the way. I plan on taking care of her and the baby.”
“Well, when did this happen? Why hasn’t she come home yet?” Sarah cried.
“She called me with the news yesterday. I would have to let her tell you the rest of the details,” I answered her then turned back to Michael. “I flew in right away to speak with you. I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot, and considering the circumstances, I have a lot to prove.”
“Son, I know what you do for a living. I know women love throwing themselves at basketball players.” At the mention of that, Sarah’s shoulders straightened and she grabbed her chest with an audible gasp, I’d guessed she’d just pieced together who I was. “I appreciate you being a man. I just hope you mean what you say about supporting her. Babies are lots of responsibility.”
“Is this like Angela’s situation with that other basketball player? Are you going to drag her through court and sue us?” Sarah asked with tears running down her face.
My eyes hit the floor and I shook my head. “No. I’m here to take full responsibility. I know time is of the essence, so to speak, so I wanted to talk to you right away.”
Sarah abruptly stood then paused. “Can I call my baby?”
My eyes shot up and mouth opened and closed. “By all means. She’s your daughter. She needs you. I just didn’t want her to have to break the news alone,” I tried to explain.
Sarah damn near ran out of the room, I’d assumed to the phone to call her oldest child. I was right; within seconds I heard her call out her daughter’s name as though she was in pain. I heard the barrage of questions that followed, but what I heard loudest was relief. I guess my presence here instead of Zoey’s was frightening for her. I couldn’t lie and say it didn’t please me that Zoey listened when I told her to hang tight. It also made me feel a sliver of guilt for having the trust of someone I betrayed.
I didn’t realize Michael was staring me down.
“You came here to offset the lashing,” his knowing tone brought my attention back into the living room. He was now sitting with his elbows on his knees staring right in my face.
“I did.”
“Now, I respect the man in you to come tell me about this, but I hope you’re being up front with me. Zoey has a promising future ahead of her. This is gonna set her back. I don’t have time for no shuckin’ and jivin’ with my baby girl.” He gave me a pointed gaze.
I swallowed hard, and not because I didn’t plan on taking care of Zoey and the baby, but because there was some shucking and jiving going on to some degree. I’d dishonored his daughter. At that reminder, I started feeling lightheaded.
I stood and extended my hand again, this time to leave. I needed sleep.