Page 73 of Platinum Pressure

“No buts. I know you want to do this for Malachi, the team, and the city, but it’s bigger than that. You’re doing this for you. To remind yourself that you’re him. You’re everything you think you are, plus some. It’s to silence all the naysayers who said you were washed up and wouldn’t be shit after your injury. Do you want them to be right?”

“No.”

“Exactly. You got this, baby. Get out of your head and focus on the field. Listen to your heart. Trust your instincts and lead your team to another win!”

I pecked his lips, and he smacked my butt.

“You know there are millions of people who are watching you right now, and by tomorrow, we’re going to be all over the internet because you wanna touch my butt.”

“I don’t give a damn. Thank you for coming down to the field to talk to me. It means the world.”

“You’re my person for life. I will always speak life into you and everything you do.”

“Thank you, baby.”

With one final peck, he sent me on my way. Once again, my mind reflected on the last year of life as I strolled through the sea of people back to the suite. A Healing Meadow had completely changed home health care. On the official launch, we had maybe twenty clients in total. When the new year rolled around, we had an increase of over two hundred active patients. We had elders, pediatrics, and everyone in between. We had those with low income and those with millions of dollars in their bank account. It was so amazing to curate such a beautiful experience. All the nurses and therapists on payroll were here for the love of the medical field and not just for proximity to someone popular in the media.

Life was changing fast for my best friend and sister too. Aida had joined A Healing Meadow and quit her job at the hospital. It felt so good to see my best friend daily. Not only did she get a job upgrade, but she and Eddie were going strong. We had gone on a couple of double dates, and I could see the twinkle in her eye. I wanted her to get her happily ever after, but I didn’t know how long it would take for them to finally take things to the next level. They were so cute, though. He let her be her authentic self.

Something similar happened with Evie. She prospered at Daddy’s firm. She had five wins under her belt and made a name for herself in the legal world. Although she was interested in Lay Low, the two of them had very busy schedules that made it difficult for them to spend time together. I wanted them to work out, but I also knew my sister was very work oriented. No man would ever come between her and a check.

I made it back to the suite just as the Silverbacks scored a touchdown. The momentum of the score turned everyone up. Defense and offense had the Skyscrapers begging for mercy.

Platinum looked perfect on the field and on the sidelines. He was their motivator and kept the energy high with each play. At halftime, the Silverbacks were up 21 to 17. It was too close for comfort, but I had faith in them.

The halftime performance was a country singer I didn’t care for, but I bobbed my head to the catchy tunes as I bounced Malachi in my arms.

“Daddy’s having a great game, Chi. He’s going to tell you all about it when he wins.”

The family enjoyed some catered food: nachos, wings, pasta, and pizza. I ate a little of everything, but as soon as the second half of the game started, I placed the sleeping baby in his stroller for a nap. He could sleep through anything we had him trained so well.

Each play made my heart race. I watched enough football to know anything could happen. Luckily, the Skyscrapers couldn’t handle the pressure of Platinum’s defense. The game was so action packed it didn’t register that it was almost over until the arena announced the two-minute warning. The entire stadium was on their feet. As the clock ticked away, I held my breath, praying for a win.

“Beat ’em down, ’backs! Beat em down, ’backs!”

The cheers of the crowd gave me chills as I watched Lay Low throw the ball to one of the wide receivers. The young man caught the ball, tucked it in his arms, and ran it all the way down the field. He hurdled over defenders and got another touchdown with only forty-five seconds left on the clock.

The crowd went crazy.

“Come on. Y’all got this.”

I clasped my hands together as the defense walked out onto the field, and the Skyscrapers offense got into formation.

“Just hold them for forty-five seconds. Come on.”

My nerves were bad.

Papa P and Daddy were both pacing the floor. Mama Lottie and Mama were doing their best to support their men.

Thirty seconds.

Second and five.

Everyone lined up. The Skyscraper quarterback initiated the play. He backed up as he got into throwing position.

Twenty-five.

Twenty-four.