Don't Hate the Player

by Brandie

  “I’m surprised y’all showed off with the little bit y’all did. Your boy, Tim Dwight, went off with that kick return; your boy Jamal had the slippery hands, though. But you made a pretty tight touchdown, that’s all I was looking at.”

  Salone wiggled through us, “‘Scuse me, I need to see my man too.” She hugged Money tight around the neck, sliding his duffle bag onto her arm. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank—” Money paused and replaced his joy with a blank stare. Everyone noticed and followed his eyes. We all ended our stare on Luvly.

  “Oh, hell, naw. What the fuck she doin’ here?”

  “Salone!” my mother yelled.

  “Tell ’er to leave, Money,” Salone demanded, standing face to face with Money. “Tell ’er to leave!” she screamed.

  Money stood speechless, still looking into Luvly’s eyes.

  “Look, I don’t want to cause no—”

  “Bitch, you are trouble,” Salone interrupted Luvly. “Get the fuck outta here.”

  “Salone, shut up! Don’t you see my grandmother and Seal standing here? You so goddamn disrespectful. Damn!”

  “Ooooh, Uncle Money said a bad word,” Sap boasted. She jumped out of his arms and ran to her mother. “Look what Uncle Money bought me.”

  “That’s very beautiful, Babe. Look, it has your name on it.”

  “Look, I’m gone take the kids home. They don’t need to be around this mess. We’ll meet ya’ll at Spondivits.” My mother said disappointed.

  Salone stared at Money with disbelief. In a whisper, “How could you?” She dropped his duffle bag and walked towards the moving sidewalk.

  “Hi, Money. Welcome home,” Luvly said sweetly, looking like a movie star.

  “Hey to you too.” He hugged her, squeezing her hard. “Causing all this drama in here.” They smiled at each other. “Ya’ll ready to dip?”

  “Well, I caught a ride up here, so I—”

  “Ride with me. A limo is waiting outside,” Money said. Luvly looked at me, asking for approval with her eyes.

  I looked away. Her hesitation was only for a second as she let Money lead the way to the limo.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Luvly

  Nervous, I didn’t know what to say to Money. This man had always had my heart even though I chose to be with Diamond. Every woman makes a bad relationship decision. That’s what makes us wiser and able to decipher through the good and bad.

  I knew that Money loved me, always had. He had a weakness for me that Salone could never harden.

  Now here we were discussing my life, his life, and, most importantly, Sap’s life.

  “What? You came today to make a show or what?” Money asked sarcastically.

  “No.”

  “Oh, you came to see the same people you see everyday, or are you dating a football player I don’t know about?”

  “No.”

  He bit his bottom lip. “You still fuckin’ wit’ Diamond?”

  “No.”

  “Say something besides no, dammit!” he yelled, hitting the window hard enough to break it. “I haven’t talked to you in six months—and before that—barely. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Big teardrops started falling from his eyes.

  “Money, I know you hate me, but I’m sorry. I don’t have an excuse. Only thing I can say in my defense is that at the time, Diamond was a provider for me and Sap. Please forgive me.” I got down on my knees, at his mercy and wiped the tears from his eyes.

  “Luvly, you hurt me so bad when Sap was born. You had Diamond and me at your bedside about to kill each other.” He looked into my eyes. “I would have killed him for you.” He rubbed his fingers along the side my face; I, in turn, kissed the palm of his hand.

  “I played along with this bullshit ’cause I was too young to know any better or maybe even because I was pussy-whipped. But there was never a time when money was an issue. I had two million dollars in the bank, and my grandparents would have taken care of you and Sap in a heartbeat. I would have married you, Luvly; I knew I was going pro in the tenth grade; but like I said, I already had money. I think you wanted to live the ghetto-fabulous lifestyle.” He scooted back into his seat, hurt from reminiscing about our past.

  “You never told me that you would always be in my life or that you wanted me forever. You played games yourself, always tellin’ me that me or Salone could make you settle down. I knew that you loved her . . . maybe not as much as me . . . but you did. You didn’t guarantee me anything. Money, it was always about what you wanted and what was best for you.” Shaking my head in disgust, “We were just fuck friends.”

  Money jumped slightly off the seat and hitting his knees into my mine, “So that’s all we did, Luvly? Fucked? Girl, I loved you the first time I saw you at the gym.”

  “I loved and still do love you, Money. But what am I s’pose to do about Diamond. Lately he has been at my throat more than ever before. I’m scared for my life. The only time he wants to come over is when he knows Sap is not there.”

  “Get a restraining order. I know I send you enough money to pay for everything, so why is he still around?”

  Quietness wrapped around us like a warm blanket on a cold winter night.

  * * *

  When we pulled up to Taeko’s house, Salone was standing outside talking with Joi.

  “Damn.” He sighed loudly, rubbing his hands over his head. “I really don’t want to deal with her bullshit today.”

  “Well, Money, she loves you, and you’ve made her believe that y’all have a future.”

  He reached over, grabbed my face, and kissed me deeply. His warm tongue, tasted sweet.

  “I love you, Luvly. I know that I don’t tell you as much as I need to, but I do. We have a lot of things to talk about and get straight. I need you, Babe. I want you so much in my arms every night when I go to bed; and to look into your eyes every morning I wake up.” He hopped out the car before I could say my piece. He gave the driver an extra bill and directions to take me home.

  I put my hand to the window as if his was there. “We will have those nights and mornings, Babe.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Money

  Fuck! I didn’t want to deal with Salone. I don’t understand how she could be so pissed when she already knew the deal with me and Luvly. I wish she would just disappear into thin air.

  Before I could get into the driveway good, Salone let loose like a wild woman. Hitting me in the chest with balled up fists. “Money, how could you have that ho meet us—your family, at the airport?”

  “I didn’t know she was going to be there. But I, nor my family, had a problem with it.” I bit into my bottom lip.

  “Shit, Money, what is it! That bitch is so triflin’! She uses yo’ good-heartedness as a spleen, and you so stupid . . . you can’t even see it. Does she suck your dick that good? If I didn’t know any better, I would say she puttin’ some shit in yo’ food.”

  I looked at Joi out the corner of my eye. She was ready to vent on me, too. “Look, y’all come inside; the media and photographers are always hiding somewhere out here.”

  We entered the house still arguing. “Money, she has lied to you over and over again! And I know you know she still fuckin’ Diamond.”

  “That makes two of you.”

  She backed away from me like she was trying to save me from a slap. “Believe that dirty bitch if you want to. She just tryin’ to drive us apart.

  “You sure?” I asked, knowing in my heart that she had been with him out of spite for me and Luvly.

  Trying to change the subject she said, “That bitch won’t even give you a blood test for Sapphire. She is just stringin’ your ass along; and you steady climbin’ that shaky rope.”

  “Why you have to bring up that subject? Sap is the innocent one in this, and I plan on keeping it that way. No matter what, I’m still going to love and take care of that little girl.”

  She rushed close up to me, looking into my eyes. “Love me, Money.�
��

  She was so lost to the fact that I couldn’t do that. There was no room for her in my heart.

  “I’ve been here through all your bullshit. Don’t I get any say-so? Let Luvly live her life with her child and the man she has chosen over you a thousand times before. Stop playin’ the pussy in y’all relationship.”

  Slapping the shit out of Salone would have only justified everything she was saying. She knew that Sap was a sticky, heart-felt situation. “You know that me and Luvly have things to discuss. I can’t jus’ leave her alone.”

  “Child support for a child you don’t even know is yours? Payin’ for that ho to live in a house in Alpharetta, buying her a truck and shit. What the fuck!”

  Saliva flew from her mouth. I could almost see the steam coming out of her ears. “She’s my friend,” I said with a nonchalant attitude. “She’s my friend before anything, and that includes you, too.” I put my hands over my head and clamped tightly, wanting to squeeze all the bad shit out, and run back to my past, when me, Chocolate, and Taeko were thirteen years old, watching porno flicks, living the easy life.

  Hugging my waist from the back, she whispered, “Money Loane, I love you so much . . . more than humanly possible. I never gave you grief about any of your extra relationships, but I’m beginning to fall in a place I’ve never been before. I’ve had other men, Money, but not one of them has ever been able to touch my heart and make me feel the way you do. The slight touch of your hand sends my body to another level. When you send me those e-mails telling me how you can’t wait until we share each other again, I hold on to each and every word, hoping that will be the time you tell me you love me. I have to, because I don’t know if you will walk out of my life like you have so many times before.”

  I knew she was telling the truth. I had walked out of her life every time I thought the grass was greener on the other side. But what was I supposed to do. I was torn.

  Me and Luvly were perfect together. I loved that girl with a true heart. Even if Sapphire were Diamond’s, I would still love her the same.

  “Salone, I don’t know what to tell you. I’m not going to make a rush decision to appease you. When, and if I’m ready, I’ll let you know.”

  She looked at me, blew a kiss, and walked out the room.

  I heard the front door slam. I felt a sigh of relief. At that point I didn’t care if I saw Salone again or not.

  Chapter Twenty

  Chocolate

  It was 6 p.m., and I was chillin’ at Mama’s house, trying to figure out what had taken place between Money and Luvly. I hoped they both came to their senses and decide to get married and raise their daughter.

  * * *

  On the day that Sap was born, I remembered being in the delivery room while Luvly was giving birth.

  Shaking her head in a violent manner, she screamed, “Ahh . . . ahh . . . I can’t push! I can’t! It hurts!”

  “Breathe, Babe, breathe. Hold my hand.” Money held her hand while Mr. and Mrs. Mancini videotaped the birth.

  “I . . . can’t . . . do this! It hurtssss!” Luvly hit the bed rails. “I need . . . drugsss, ahhhh!” She continued screaming, crying, and grunting.

  “Come on, honey. You can do this. The baby will be here, and you will be a great mother,” her mother said, holding a cold washcloth to her forehead, trying to comfort her.

  Shit! I was never fond of blood, and was about to faint.

  The doctors instructed us to each hold a leg, and hand. Her father held one leg while I held the other.

  Money held her hand like a proud and concerned spouse. “Hey, Babe, just think about how good it felt when we were making this beautiful miracle. Give one last push,” he encouraged as Luvly continued screaming.

  Her father and mother looked at each other. I couldn’t tell if the look was of surprise, shock, or joy because it was possibly not Diamond’s.

  The baby came out covered with blood. I stumbled and almost fell. The nurse had to take me back to the room and give me some juice and crackers.

  Once Luvly was stable they brought the baby back in for a minute. She said that the baby had a high temperature and needed fluids and observation. But aside from that, she was gorgeous. Money and I both fell in love instantly with the baby.

  Money stayed all three nights at that hospital. On the second day, Diamond decided to come back from a cruise that he was taking with one of his extras. Luvly and him were still living together at the time. He walked in with roses and a big teddy bear. Money was ’sleep in the pullout cot, and I was sleep in the chair. Diamond walked over to Luvly and stared down at Money.

  He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “How you doin’, Babe? How’s the baby?”

  “She’s fine.” Luvly looked disgusted and insecure.

  “Was the delivery hard?”

  “No, I had Money and my family by my side,” Luvly said with courage in her voice.

  “Umm hmm. Your comforter always here, huh?”

  “You smell like Cool Water for women. Pila, huh? I know that’s who you took to the Bahamas.”

  “Look, you just had our child. Calm down and take it easy. When can I take y’all home?”

  Luvly looked uneasy. I knew she wanted to leave him. We had talked about it her whole pregnancy. “I don’t know if you are taking us home.”

  “What!” His voice got loud and forceful. Luvly flinched at the tone of his voice. “You damn right! You better know y’all comin’ home with me! Fuck that shit you talkin’!”

  “Hey, Dawg, remember we in a hospital, again. I’m sure they can fit your ass in a room.” I was on my feet ready to knock this nigga out again.

  The nurse came in with the baby. “Here’s your mommy, sweet baby. She’s so beautiful. Have you thought of a name yet?”

  Smiling nervously, Luvly received the baby in her arms. “No, Ma’am. I haven’t thought of a most unique, beautiful name yet. Hi, there, Sweet Girl.” She kissed the baby on her forehead.

  “Well, if you think of the name before you leave let me know so we can get the birth certificate filled out.” She smiled, spoke to everyone, and tapped Money on the leg. “Mr. Loane, your daughter is here.”

  Luvly covered her face, as Diamond’s face got tight. At that point I knew we were going to have to wear his ass out.

  “What the fuck did that white bitch just say?”

  Money jumped out of his seat ready to stomp a new hole in that nigga ass. “Nigga, she said my daughter. The only man who has been here with her. The first man’s arms she’s been in.”

  “Look, Luvly, I’m not for no games. You better get this shit straight before you come home.”

  He dropped the roses on the floor and stood face to face with Money. “Nigga, you know I ain’t got no love for your wanna-be-somebody ass. This is, always has been, and is always going to be, my woman. And this is my daughter. So whatever bullshit y’all done sat up here and concocted, flush that shit.”

  “Stop it! Just stop it.” Luvly had pushed the nurse’s button seconds before they stood face to face.

  A nurse and nurse’s aid came in, “Is everything okay? I could hear you all in the hallway.

  “Can you ask him to leave, please?” Luvly pointed to Diamond, not looking him in the eye.

  * * *

  Ring . . . Ring . . . Ring.

  “Starr residence.” My mother caught it before I did.

  “Yes, he’s here . . . No, I need to know how you are? You and that nasty girl didn’t get into a fight did you? Well, that’s good to know . . . She’s outside with Trinket. Are you coming to dinner? It will be a good idea. Luvly, you are family, and that’s more important than anything. I am more than a babysitter; I am your surrogate mother. Hold on, sweetie . . . Chocolate, Luvly on the phone.”

  “I got it.” I grabbed the portable phone and walked outside. “Luvly, what was that all about? I asked you, ‘Did you want to come?’ and what did you tell me? You still playin’ games just like Salone.”

  �
��Don’t you ever compare me to that tramp!” she screamed. “I didn’t want to go to the airport at first, but the more I fought myself, the more I knew I needed to be there,” she said in a softer tone.

  “So did y’all come to an agreement about Sap?”

  “Sort of; we suppose to talk some more.”

  “Are you going out to eat with us?”

  She hesitated for a minute. “Do you think I should?”

  “Yeah, bighead, I wouldn’t want you to make another grand entrance.”

  * * *

  Money and Taeko arrived at the house high and drunk.

  “Man, y’all smell like a damn weed plant,” I said to them, disgusted. They laughed, ignoring the fact that the girls were right inside the house.

  “Chocolate, you need to puff on one. Maybe you’ll relax enough to wanna poke on something.”

  There they go again wit’ that crazy shit.

  They dapped and laughed even louder.

  “The kids in the house takin’ a bath. And you know they notice every little thang.”

  “Chocolate, you always actin’ like a bitch,” Taeko responded, with anger in his voice.

  “Man, y’all too old to be acting like this. Let’s ride for about an hour until everyone is ready.”

  We jumped into my truck and rode out.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chocolate

  I put in a mixed CD of Pac and Biggie, layed my seat back, relaxed, and headed up 85 North toward anywhere.

  “Money, let me ask you a question,” Taeko said.

  “Shoot.”

  “Are you happy with your life as a professional football player? All the ass you want; Phat-ass gear and rides. Platinum everything. Are you happy with your freedom?”

  “Yeah, I’m happy for the most part, but I’m missing the woman of my life. I wish I could do a lot of things different.”

  “Well, I ain’t happy and I want out,” Taeko said, as he leaned back against the soft leather.

  “Out of what? All your money, your kids, your house, and most of all, your sanity?” Money asked with a frowned up face.