~Stenton~
“You meeting up at Delilah’s?” Alton asked, holding his duffle bag, about to leave.
I turned toward my locker to grab my watch. “Nah,” I answered, not really looking at him.
“What the fuck is up with you? You ain’t seen them golden tits and ass in months, man.” Alton’s 5’ 6” frame was facing me, awaiting a response.
We were the last in the locker room, having had a long conversation with the coaches right after leaving the court. I was drained and just wanted to be alone with a cold brewski. I realized Alton was still there and therefore not dropping the subject, whatever the fuck it was.
“Your point, man?” I asked, now turning to give him my undivided attention.
His neck snapped back. “My point is what the fuck done crawled up your ass and is holding your balls? The whole crew is going to be in the building tonight. Don’t sweat the trading leads from tonight. We won. Bottom line.” He pumped his free fist. “Now let’s go celebrate with hard nipples and soft asses!”
I chuckled. “I’m good for tonight, man.”
My phone went off as I spoke. I grabbed it from the locker shelf and saw it was a text from Zoey. I felt a fucking million butterflies in my stomach at the sight of her name across my screen.
Zoey: Hey! I know you’re busy in your season and all (by the way, great game tonite) but I just realized I have no winter break plans. My parents are going to a prayer conference in D.C. and asking me to attend. I’m sooooo not interested. So now I’ll be bored and alone.
“What the fuck you smiling at? I hope that’s Erika Erceg, finally wearing your biker-boy ass down.” My head shot up at the sound of Alton’s voice. I’d totally forgotten he was there.
“The fuck you talking about?”
“You, fool! You smiling like a lil’ bitch at your phone, man.” Alton’s one peaked brow matched his tone.
“Fuck outta here, man,” I rumbled as I typed back.
Me: When exactly are you talking?
I couldn’t believe I was considering this shit. I didn’t want to taint this girl. She was everything I wasn’t used to: smart, funny, lighthearted, fun and…fucking sexy. My Ni?a was so much the women who ran in my circles were not, which is why I did entertain her idea of spending time together. I’d missed her quirkiness.
Zoey: Well when do you have off, dork?
I found myself quietly chuckling at that.
Me: My professional schedule is online. Is yours?
“Man, fuck this. I’m out!” Alton huffed. “I hope that’s golden ass you arranging right now, my man.” He turned and left out the main area.
Zoey: Hang on. Searching your schedule now…
I finished tossing my things into my bag and made my way out of the locker room. I could now feel the smile plastered on my face. Shit!
Seconds later, my phone pings again.
Zoey: Christ! You have no life between October and June! So I was able to find three days in the second week of January. Do you have personal plans?
She was determined. And I was nervous as hell. I didn’t want to fuck this up. I wanted to spend some time with her. Hell, I could see myself coming home to her every night. Hanging out for a few days meant more than she was proposing. Was it something she understood she could be getting into? Was I ready for that shit?
Me: I do now. Send me the dates and we’ll make it happen.
After hitting Send, I felt excitement like never before. This girl had no idea how much she got under my skin.
Zoey: Yippee! Guess who won’t be bored the entire winter break? #Zoey! Yeah, boy!
I laughed my ass off at the door of my car.
Me: Wait. What are we supposed to be doing exactly?
I couldn’t deny the anticipation. I felt like a fucking kid, talking about Christmas morning expectations.