by Royal Blue
“Man, I’m so glad to have you here. I tell you, watching your team crash and burn during the playoffs last year was painful. You guys started the season off rough with those critical injuries, but I was rooting for you. You pulled that team together and carried them to the playoffs, but things just fell apart in the second round,” Derrick says.
“I mean, we play as a team. We all worked hard last year to get as far as we went. We learned some lessons in that second round. Things I think we can avoid this year,” I reply.
“You know, that’s one of the things I admire about you as a player. You don’t take credit on or off the court. Your team is a part of the process. It would be so easy for you to claim stardom. Yet you don’t. Do you think that has an impact on how your team performs?”
“I think my team is my family. It’s my job to always do what’s in our best interest. Whether that’s passing the ball, sitting a game out when I know I’m off, being there for a teammate in need. That’s what makes us a powerhouse. Knowing we have each other’s back,” I reply.
“I’m glad you say that. I wasn’t expecting you to perform the same last year or this year after your loss. I’m sorry about your sister, by the way. Actually, you’ve played three seasons since, barely taking a breather. Can you say that your team was a part of you returning to the court so soon, seemingly without missing a beat?”
I shift in my seat, not hiding the frown that forms on my lips. I told them not to go there. I’m already stewing because my agent talked me into this interview.
I’ve had to take on more of a leadership role this season, but we’re taking care of business. Just as I thought, the media has been up my ass, but I’ve been playing my position. They get what I give them. Not that they don’t still try to put out there what they want just to give the people something.
“I’m feeling optimistic this year. The few trades we’ve had has brought the synergy back to the team. I have a good feeling about the playoffs,” I say, totally dodging his question.
Actually, I think we can take it all this year. I’d rather focus on that. This first series is one we should sail through.
“Yes, you had some big trades. I’d say it left you with the brunt of the work on the team. You’re handling it all extremely well, though. Especially now that you’ve become the sole leader on the team and for all intents and purposes you’re now a single father. How are you managing to juggle all of that? Let me tell you, the pictures from Sky Zone were adorable,” he says with a big-ass fake smile.
I feel my own face tighten. My nostrils flare. I turn to look over at my agent and scowl. Furious doesn’t begin to name how I felt when pictures of me and Mas at Sky Zone appeared on the internet. That’s my personal time with my nephew as I spent some of the break with him. I think what upset me most about the story is the fact that it added that Mason lost his mom and how I had to step in to be his guardian.
My agent received endless calls for a feature on my story. The sports networks were drooling for the opportunity. I’m just not that guy. I’m not about to do a forty-minute mini documentary on my and my nephew’s deepest pain to push the emotional buttons of the fans. They’re just not going to use us so they can fill seats in the arena and drive ratings for games.
“Thanks,” I reply sternly as I turn back to Derrick. “I’m doing what’s best in each situation.”
The interviewer laughs. “Wow, you’re always so closed off about your personal life. I, for one, enjoy seeing other sides of you. It adds to my respect for you on the court.”
“Here’s the thing, though. My life is not for anyone’s enjoyment. It’s not a game—”
“Uncle Kyle!” My words are cut off by Mason’s squeal.
My head jerks in his direction, and I groan internally. He’s rushing toward me faster than Emma can catch him. At seven, he’s not worried about the cameras and people around. This should have been over by now. If they hadn’t rearranged the lineup, this wouldn’t be happening.
Mason reaches me before anyone can stop him, and he hops right into my lap, wrapping his arms around me. I instinctively embrace him back. His tight hug melts my anger. I kiss the top of his head, and he pulls away to beam up at me.
“Are you ready? I have a surprise for you. I’ve been waiting all day.” He drags out the last two words exasperatedly.
I can’t help laughing at him.
“Buddy, I’m in the middle of work. I need a few more minutes,” I explain.
“Aw, man,” he whines.
“Hey, Mason. We were just talking about you. How are you, little buddy?” This slick-ass reporter purrs.
Mason turns around to face him, settling in my lap to reply to him. I can see the innocence in his face showing on the monitors around us. His eyes light up when he takes in his surroundings.
“I’m great,” he sings out. Then his voice lowers to a secret whisper. “I came to get my Uncle Kyle. I have a surprise for him. Aunt Emma and Uncle Andy have been helping me plan it for a long time.”
It takes everything in me not to stiffen at the mention of Andy’s name. I place a hand on Mason’s forehead, tipping his head back to place another kiss on top his head. Lifting him from my lap, I place him on his feet.
“We’re going to go soon. Let me finish up. Emma,” I call for her to come closer to get Mason.
“Okay. Bye,” Mason says, waving at the interviewer.
“Bye,” Derrick chuckles, before returning his attention to me. “Precious kid.”
“Thank you. At the end of the day he’s the reason I work as hard as I do. But, hey, you heard the little guy. He has a surprise for me. I don’t want to disappoint him. Hope we give the fans a great playoffs to watch. I know the guys are ready and I’m ready, so it’s go time. Thank you for having me,” I say, bringing the interview to a close.
“You guys have started off strong. I’m sure your sister would be proud of you,” Derrick says slyly.
“She’d want me to keep my promise and be on time for my playdate.” I flash a smile, showing all my teeth as I stand.
Derrick rushes to close the segment as I start to walk off set. I’m pulling my mic off heading right for my agent. I’m going to ream his ass. I was very specific about them not mentioning my sister or nephew.
“Kyle, I’m all over it, man,” Mark groans, rubbing his temples. “I’m seriously sorry. I got this. You take the little guy and get out of here.”
“You ready, Uncle Kyle?” Mason asks, almost jumping out of his skin.
I bite back my words and turn on a smile for my nephew. The sparkle in his eyes soothes my soul. It reminds me I have too much to be happy about.
It was good to finally get time with him during the off-season. He has been doing so well in school. He’s crushing the first grade. I’m so proud of him and all the awards and good grades he has brought home this year.
He’s happy and safe. That’s what matters. I brush off the interview and scoop my little man up. I tickle his stomach as I glare at Mark over his shoulder.
We’ll talk, I mouth to my agent.
He gives me a defeated nod. I’m not stupid enough to think this wasn’t a well-planned ambush. The interview had been running on time until Mark and I mentioned my nephew coming to meet up with me. Someone had to have overheard. Mason just innocently fell into their scheme.
“You said you had a good practice when I texted you. Do you think you guys are going to win this time?” Mason asks, wrapping an arm around my neck.
“I think we have a great chance this year,” I reply, walking toward the exit while taking in his pensive face.
“I think Blitz will bring you luck this time. He was too small last year to do you any good. This time will be different,” he says confidently, nodding his head to himself with a beaming smile on his face.
My brows dip. This kid is up to something in that little brain. I wonder if I’ll be getting him another dog this time around. Blitz, our blue pit, adores Mason as much as Mason adores
him. I thought the kid would be crushed when his lucky charm for me didn’t work out last season.
“Luck is always great to have, but hard work and talent come into play as well. Me and the guys have to show up so we can benefit from Blitz’s magic,” I tell him.
“You got this, Uncle Kyle. No one works as hard as you do. Believe in yourself. You can do anything, and you have me, Blitz, Uncle Andy, Uncle Beau, and Aunt Emma. Happy people win, and you make us happy, so we’re here to make you happy too,” he replies like the wisest little kid in the world.
“What’s this surprise about?” I ask.
“We have to go to it so you can see it,” he giggles while I strap him up in the booster seat.
“Well, let’s get out of here,” I say.
Andy
I’VE ALWAYS known that Mason was a special child, but I’ve watched him spend over a year planning this for Kyle—I have no words. I think this is just what Kyle needs. He’s still so unsure of himself when it comes to Mason. He doesn’t give himself enough credit for how well Mason is developing.
Emma outdid herself on this one. If Kyle thought she went over-the-top on Mason’s last birthday party, he will be floored by this. Mason’s focus on the details for this is mind-blowing.
I can’t wait for them to arrive.
“They’re here,” Beau calls.
“This is just so adorable,” Mrs. Dalton gushes. She pulls Beau into a hug. “I’m so proud of your brother. And that little one is an angel.”
“I’m so glad I could help and be a part of this,” I say.
“Oh, darlin’, you did such a good job. Emma has done nothing but rave about all you’ve done. This place looks amazing,” Mrs. Dalton coos.
“Thanks, Mrs. Dalton,” I reply.
“You stop that. I told you to call me Daphne,” she says. “I can’t wait until my Beau here finds someone like you.”
“Mama,” Beau says dryly.
“What? You have to live again at some point,” she huffs.
“I don’t see you dating,” he mumbles.
“Actually… I do have a date this weekend,” she says, waving him off.
“What? Who—”
“Keep your eyes closed, Uncle Kyle.” Mason’s small excited voice rings as they enter the house where we’re awaiting them, cutting Beau’s words off.
Beau curses low as Mason and Emma lead Kyle into the living room. I’m holding my breath, while feeling a rush running through my veins. I can only imagine how excited Mason must be. From the beaming smile on his tiny face, he’s ready to burst.
“Okay, you can open them now!” Mason squeals, causing Blitz to bark.
I’ve never seen Kyle look more gorgeous than in this moment. The look of awe and vulnerability in his face is breathtaking. His mouth falls open, he stumbles back a few steps, his head turns to take it all in. I can see the moment his eyes mist over. It’s too perfect a moment for anyone to speak.
This is perfect. You so deserve it, babe.
Kyle
I DON’T know what to say. I can’t believe my eyes. I have no idea how they did this. I have no words for what I feel. I place my hand on Mason’s shoulder and pull him closer.
“This was all his idea. He wanted to do this for you,” Emma says beside me.
“Do you like it?” Mason whispers, his voice sounding nervous.
I kneel beside him, partly to get eye level with him and partly too overwhelmed to stand on my own two feet. I place my forehead to his and envelop him in the biggest hug I have to give. My sister left me with one of the greatest parts of her.
“I love it,” I choke out.
“They’re all digital frames. Uncle Andy and Aunt Emma helped me to find all the pictures, and Uncle Andy loaded them to the frames. Uncle Beau put them on the walls. He said we can take them down without messing up the walls,” Mason says proudly.
“This is awesome,” I reply, still not able to express how I truly feel.
“Come on. Let me show you.” He wiggles free to tug me with him.
We move to the first living room wall that has different-sized digital frames flashing on it. My jaw works beneath my skin as I try to hold back the tears. The first few frames have pictures of me and Savanna.
We’re at my high school graduation, the day I bought my first car, my draft day, the day Mason was born and I held him for the first time. All of the images flood my mind with memories. Good times in my life.
“You have to remember all of the happy,” Mason says, turning his face up to look at me. “You’re a winner, Uncle Kyle. This is the right lucky charm this time. Our family and all our good stuff. See, that’s us with Uncle Mitch and Uncle John.”
I follow his finger to the picture he’s pointing to. It dawns on me that I’ve brought so many new people into Mason’s life and they treat him like one of their own. I never have to worry about who’s going to look after him. They’re usually fighting over him.
“These all looks amazing. Where’d you come up with this idea?” I ask.
“Remember when Mommy wasn’t feeling well and you helped me make her the picture book?” he answers.
My brow furrows as I think back. I do remember it, but that seems like so long ago.
“Yeah, I remember.”
“Mommy said it was what she needed. It was her book of love. No matter where she was she would remember how happy her family always made her, and it would make her happy and brave to get through anything, anywhere,” he explains. “Mommy would want to do this for you. She would want you to be happy and brave when you go to play. It’s your time, Uncle Kyle. Look at how big your family is now. You have all the love in the world.”
I shove my fist in my mouth to bite back the sob that wants to tear through me. Beau and Andy come to my sides to wrap their arms around my shoulders and waist. I feel like they’re holding me up. Mason wraps his small body around my leg.
“I’m so proud of you, Uncle Kyle. I want to be just like you when I grow up. You’re the best uncle ever,” Mason says, taking my knees right out from under me.
My arms go around him as I fall to the floor. I do something I haven’t done since the day my sister passed. It just feels right. It’s the only way I know how to let out what I feel.
Andy
I’M STUNNED. The room has stopped. No one has moved since the first note left his mouth. I’ve never heard Kyle sing before. I have goose bumps, chills, and every hair on my body is standing up.
He is crooning out “A Change is Gonna Come” in such a soulful way each note is running through me straight to my core. Mason has his arms bound around Kyle’s neck while Kyle rocks back and forth singing. I feel like I’m intruding on something that’s not meant to be seen by anyone else.
Emma is to my left with her arms wrapped around her middle as she sways to the words that are pouring from somewhere deep inside of Kyle. Beau has his head bent, with his mother tucked under his arm. Daphne has a hand raised in the air as her head shakes and tears roll down her cheeks.
I read so much into the lyrics. Kyle’s harder days have ended and it’s time for change. This will be his new beginning. He starts to sing his own lyrics to the song.
“My change has come. Oh… little one… you’ve help me stop running. It’s been too long… so long for me… but you open my eyes for me… I know….”
He falls silent, still rocking Mason. I don’t realize I’m trying to rub my chills away until Emma reaches to grasp my hand. I squeeze her fingers tightly.
Kyle lifts his head almost on cue. He looks over Mason’s head at me, capturing my gaze and holding it. The intensity in his eyes sends a tremor through me. He bites his lip as he sends a heated look of promise my way.
Thank you. I love you, he mouths.
I feel my entire face go up in flames. He’s lips turn up at the sight of my blush. Almost two years and he still has this effect on me.
“You know, you could have just said thank you,” Beau deadpans, breaking up the t
hick atmosphere.
Everyone bursts into laughter. Kyle flips him the finger behind Mason’s back. Beau shrugs, pulling a face that says, what?
“I’ll remember that the next time you ask me to sing for one of your little friends,” Kyle tosses back.
“When was the last time that happened?” Beau waves him off.
“It needs to happen soon,” Daphne mumbles.
“Oh boy. See what you started?” Beau rolls his eyes. “Wait, we need to talk about this date.”
“My daddy has been long gone, son. I don’t need to talk you about a thing,” she says.
“Wait, what?” Kyle’s head whips in Daphne’s direction.
“Exactly,” Beau replies.
“Come on, Mas. It’s getting crowded in here. Grandma has ice cream,” Daphne sings and saunters off.
Emma and I look at each other, trying to hold in our laughter. I roll my lips, but the shake of Emma’s shoulders makes me release my laughter. That woman is feisty. Her date is in for a surprise.
I turn to look at Kyle, and he winks at me. That promise of things to come highlighted in his eyes again. I give my own sly smile and wink back. I’m totally game.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: BLINDSIDED
Kyle
WE’VE BREEZED through the first round and the conference semifinals, two teams so far. None of them made it easy for us, but I’ve been on fire like never before. I feel unstoppable. I’ve been averaging thirty points and better.
Every time I think of Mason sitting in front of the TV cheering me on, thinking of me as his hero, I push harder. I’ve dug so deep with each game I’ve been surprising myself. I can’t wait to start the next series. I know we can bring this one home once we move to the next level. The conference finals will be ours once we get there.
Tonight we’re all celebrating. The complex is 75 percent of the way complete, Andy received a raise at work, and there may be an opening for the principal position at his school sooner than he thought.