Page 154 of Me For You
I threw my head back and laughed.“Maybe we should rethink this you moving here thing.”
“Or maybe you should just slide me your man’s phone so I can get a head start on finding my husband. I know he has all his teammates’ numbers saved in his contacts.”
“Yeah, not happening,”I signed, then lifted from the lounge chair.“I need food or I’m not going to make it until dinner.”
“Same.”
Marlee tossed back what was left of her drink then followed me. The idea of Joy’s seafood tostadas and lobster rolls had mystomach growling within seconds. Food first, followed by a nap, then dinner with my favorite people. Happy birthday to me!
Chapter 27
Ryland
Two days away from the world had me trying to decide how many more weekends I could steal like this one. It was crazy to me how my life could be defined by two things, on the field and on go, which meant clubs, women, and drinking until I didn’t remember either of those things.
The minute I found out about my sister, my priorities changed. When I met Somee, my life began to make sense. I experienced a type of clarity that had me ready to go hard to ensure I kept the peace and purpose she brought into my life.
I loved Rylee, would give my life for hers. There wasn’t anything she desired that I wouldn’t offer up my last to provide. I was also in love with Somee. That woman had me so wrapped up in everything she was, I could no longer see any parts of my life where she wasn’t attached.
“What’s next?” my father stated with amusement, stepping up beside me. I managed to pull my eyes away from the pool area long enough to acknowledge him. I didn’t last long before my focus was locked in on where Somee, Rylee and Marlee were all holding hands, dancing in a circle.
“I get back on the field and hopefully win a championship.”
“That’s not what I mean.” I turned to face my father again. There was a smug grin on his face as he studied me. He had a drink in one hand and the other in the pocket of his slacks, looking completely relaxed.
“Then what do you mean?”
“With them.” He tipped his glass toward his lips and glanced at Somee who lifted Rylee into her arms, smiling from ear to ear. I brushed a hand over my waves, dipped my head, and grinned.
“Rylee is easy. She’ll go with the flow. Somee…” I smirked deeper. “That’s a whole other story, but I’m trying to be like you, Pop. I want what y’all have.”
I wanted to be here thirty plus years from now, talking to my son or daughter about their future while they watched the person they loved, trying to decide how their life didn’t make sense without them. That was exactly how I felt right now watching Somee, like I wasn’t living until now. Football gave me purpose. My career provided a lifestyle that most people could only dream of. I loved the man I used to be, but since meeting Somee, I had become whole in ways that most weren’t, thanks to her willingness to provide space for me to be vulnerable enough to acknowledge and address the demons of my past.
This was what having that person by my side who saw all of me looked like. A woman willing to nurture and grow the seeds that hadn’t flourished because I refused to accept that being a man meant owning my flaws and understanding who I was and who I could be. Being a man wasn’t having all the answers, it was accepting that I didn’t.
“You sure you’re ready for that type of responsibility? The way I love your mama is a different kind of love.”
“Yeah, I know. I learned by example.”
“Good, because that right there is something special. Having a woman who becomes your home, your safe space, your reason,is invaluable, son. Not understanding how precious that is leaves room for you to fumble the ball.”
I turned my attention to Somee. “Nah, I’m not gonna mess this up. You might not be able to place value on something that special, but trust, I know her worth. I understand what having her in my life means and I’m never gonna fumble the opportunity to love her properly or be loved by her.”
“Alright then, I’ll drink to that.” I chuckled as he tossed back what was left of his glass.
“You’ll drink to just about anything since it’s my Black Barrel in your glass.”
He smirked. “I won’t disagree, son. A drink like that deserves to be enjoyed whenever the opportunity arises.”
“What time y’all heading out?”
My parents, along with Somee’s mother and Roland, were all heading to Rhythm and Vibes Lounge, a chill little spot on the island. They decided to make the most of their weekend. After my mom mentioned the club, Somee insisted they all go. She was happy that they’d come for her birthday, but also wanted them to enjoy their time here. I also sensed she was a bit overwhelmed with the attention and needed a break. I damn sure wasn’t complaining because I neededherwithout having to share. I also didn’t care about how selfish I had become with a need for all her time.
“Hell if I know. Should have been gone an hour ago, but your mother has changed three times.”
“Since when do you have a problem with me taking my time to look good for you.? My father smirked and glanced over his shoulder when he heard my mother’s voice.
“It’s never a problem, baby, and you always look good. You looked damn good in the first three dresses you had on, but I can’t say I’m all that upset with what you’re wearing now.”
