Page 31 of Intercept My Heart

“We have Dinero Sutton, a senior who will be graduating with honors this year. He will be attending Douglasville University with a full ride to play for the Douglasville Eagles. He is accompanied tonight by his aunt Tondalia Richards and his uncle Roman Sutton.” I kept my emotions in check because I hated being soft. It went against everything I had been taught as a young boy. However, my chest swelled with pride as I walked across the field. This was the closest thing I would ever get to having parents. I chose to embrace the moment.

The rest of the night consisted of lots of hugging and picture taking. I wanted to catch up with Uncle Ro because I had a feeling he would be on the first thing smoking before the sun could rise. He hadn’t stepped foot in our hometown in years, and when he did come, the visits were short.

My eyes scanned the field until they landed on the person I really wanted to see. Charae. I’d been so stuck in my head today, I barely got a chance to talk to her since we’d left for school this morning. She stood next to Tootie with blue balloons and what appeared to be flowers. Her face lit up the moment she saw me, and I couldn’t describe the feeling it gave me. I wasn’t a sensitive individual, but the feeling of being wanted was healing for someone like me. No matter what kind of day I was having, her excitement when I came through the door made it so muchbetter. Love was foreign to me, but there were no doubts in my mind that our love was real. I would take a bullet for her pretty ass, and I would deliver them if anyone tried to take her away from me. Everything about her brought me peace, even when her difficult ass refused to ask for help.

“Congratulations.” Charae squealed, jumping into my arms with her hands full. My hands gripped her as I hoisted her up into my arms. I kissed her cheeks repeatedly before I placed her back on her feet.

“You got me flowers? You must really love me, huh?”

“You should know that already. Plus, it was a big day, so I wanted to do something special for you. Your other gifts are at the house, and Tootie and I cooked you a nice celebratory dinner.” I glanced over to Tootie and Uncle Ro. She held a forced smile on her face, but based on her body language, I had a feeling they were arguing earlier. The two of them fought like cats and dogs, which was why I never understood why she stuck around for so long.

Especially now. Nothing about their relationship made sense, but they couldn’t seem to leave each other alone.

“Thank you, shug. I would have been cool with us chilling and watching a movie tonight, but I appreciate everything you do for me. I love you.” I leaned over to kiss her on the lips. PDA wasn’t really my thing, but I never cared when it came to her. I’d become obsessed with touching her. I needed to touch or kiss on her; it didn’t matter where we were. I would smack her ass in the church if I felt led to do so.

“You’re always doing things for me, so this time, it’s my turn, and I don’t want to hear your mouth about what I spent on the gifts because you literally won’t let me pay for anything. It’s the least I could do.” She must have read my mind because I planned to replace whatever money she spent on my gifts. Rae worked for every dime she had, and I wanted her to be able to have a nicesavings for when she needed it. I was fortunate to be able to take care of all our needs, so I allowed her to stack her paper.

“I love you so much, and I’m so proud of you. You rallied your team together and brought home another win. I already know when you get to Douglasville, you’ll be doing the same thing, and I’ll get to watch you from the big screen.” I waved her off, bringing her body closer to mine. As excited as I was to play on the college level, I didn’t want to think about her being apart from me. Eventually, we would have to prepare for it, but not tonight.

“Nephew, you did your thing out there. I’m glad I got the chance to watch your last game. Your future looks bright, and this is only a steppingstone to the greatness you’re destined for. I’m proud of you.” Uncle Ro hugged me and stood next to me.

“What are you even doing here?”

“Well, your girlfriend left me several voicemails telling me how terrible of an uncle I would be if I missed this day. I figured I needed to get my ass on a plane and come see about you.” I glanced over at Charae and Aunt Tootie talking amongst themselves.

“She cares about you,” he stated. I nodded with my eyes still trained on her. The fact that she went through these links to make sure I felt supported tonight made me love her even more.

“Yeah, she does. When are you leaving out?” I cut right to the chase so I could prepare myself accordingly.

“The day after tomorrow. I’ve got a few things I need to check on before I head out.”

“Alright.” My vision shifted over to Drake and his sisters. Things between us had been off since I brought Charae home with me. After the blowup at his house, he acted as if nothing happened. He never once asked about Charae or how she was holding up, and it bothered me more than I cared to admit.

His parents were arrested a few weeks ago and he’s been missing in action ever since. It surprised me to see him at the game tonight because he barely showed up to practice this week. He hadn’t said much of anything to me or Dreis, but I noticed him talking to a few of our other teammates. We’d been boys for too long for me to cut him off without a conversation, but something in me told me things would never be the same between us. I watched him smile while posing for pictures with his sisters as if all was right in the world. I guess I couldn’t blame him for trying to hold on to some sense of normalcy, considering the storm brewing in his household right now.

“You need to be careful of who you allow in your circle,” Unc advised.

“What do you mean?” When I looked at him, I realized his sights were focused on Drake as well.

“People often think their enemies are the opponents on the other side, but that’s not always the case. In order for a snake to bite, they must be in close proximity to you. I may not be around physically, but I see and hear everything. You’re about to step into a new level of success, and distractions are detrimental to your journey. Anyone who isn’t an asset becomes a liability, son. Keep your eyes open at all times.” I took in his warning, wondering what information he knew that I wasn’t aware of.

We spent a few more minutes talking before we all decided to head to the house. Of course, Rae went crazy with the decorations. When I walked into the house, I grinned when I noticed the sign in the foyer that read “Congratulations.” There were balloons and streamers everywhere, and even though I hated the attention, I appreciated the effort she put into it.

“You did all of this yourself?” I quizzed with my arms wrapped around Rae’s waist.

“Ms. Tootie helped me toward the end because I went a little overboard.”

“You’re damn right about that. It’s cool, though.”

“You haven’t seen all of it yet. Wait until we get to the bedroom.” She snickered. I glared at her because she knew I hated my room being touched. We argued about the purple and blue comforter she put on the bed a few weeks ago. I hated change, especially when I wasn’t in control of it.

“Don’t make that face. I promise you’re gonna love it.”

“Naw, I love you. That’s the only reason I’mma let you rock. Now come on so you can feed your man.” I huffed, reaching for her hand. Her eyes met mine, and I adjusted the hard-on in my shorts.

“I meant the food. I’m saving you for dessert.” I winked, pecking her on the lips.

Dinner went smoothly, and I actually enjoyed my time with Uncle Ro and Tootie. I caught them glancing at each other a few times, so I figured they planned to spend some time together before he headed out. Something was up with the two of them, but I chose to mind my business. If it were meant for me to know, they would tell me.

---