Page 92 of Intercept My Heart

“The school offered me a contract for a full-term coaching position. I pitched the idea of off-season training and conditioning as well. They approved it, so I’ll work with my players throughout the year. I’ll also be offering one-on-one coaching and development for players who need extra help. I’ve already had a handful of parents reach out to me about it. They’ll pay independently, but these parents are invested in their kids’ progress.”

His passion was evident in the way he spoke about his players and the game.

“I’m proud of you. You accomplished everything you ever dreamed of.”

“Not everything.” I gulped, suddenly feeling a ball of nervous energy. Sleep began to take over while Dinero continued to work his magic on me. Within no time, I fell fast asleep.

“Every time I turn around, you’ve got your mitts on my mama.” Moolah’s voice jolted me out of my sleep. When I opened my eyes, my boys were standing in the living room with their backpacks on their shoulders.

“You sound like a hater. If I never put my hands on your mama, you wouldn’t be here,” Dinero fired back.

“Eww, you could have kept that to yourself. I just want to know if you put this much energy into that plastic lady with the dry knuckles.” I didn’t mean to laugh at Moolah and his antics, but it slipped. Even Dinero let out a low chuckle.

“Your mama should have whupped your ass more. How was school?”

“It was straight. We got our report cards today,” Cash informed us, reaching into his backpack to retrieve his.

“Dang, bro. We haven’t been in the house for ten minutes. You’re way too pressed.” Moolah huffed.

“Naw, he did the right thing. Go ahead and get yours out. I need to see what you’ve been doing in those classrooms besides flirting.” Nero interjected. I loved being able to sit back andallow him to run the show. Moolah had changed for the better since he’d been around.

“Before we hand these over, I need to know how much money you have in your pockets.” Moolah badgered.

“Yeah, I agree with my brother. You told us that if we got all A’s and B’s, you were gonna give us a hundred dollars for every B and two hundred for every A. I need to make sure you’re gonna uphold your end of the deal,” Cash pressed.

“Are y’all ganging up on me?” Dinero pretended to be shocked as he sat up in his seat.

“Call it what you want, but we want our money.”

“You should already know how I’m coming. My pockets are never empty. Let me see what I’m working with.” They both handed their grade cards over to him. He started with Cashmir first.

“Damn, Son. I see you weren’t playing any games. All A’s in all seven classes. That’s what I’m talking about! This is dope as hell.” Cash beamed with pride as Dinero hyped him up. When he moved to Moolah’s grade card, he grew silent for a moment. Moolah performed well in school, but we’d been pushing him to apply himself more. Colleges loved a great player, but you wouldn’t last long if your academics weren’t up to par.

“Are you serious?” I grew nervous until I saw the cocky grin on Moolah’s face.

“Let me see.” I snatched the paper before Dinero could even object. When I saw his grades, my eyes widened. Five A’s and two B’s. “Moolah, this is the best report card you’ve ever had!” Getting up from the couch, I hugged both of my boys. They were doing exceptionally well in school and in life.

“Way to go, y’all. You might not see it now, but with grades like these combined with your football skills, many doors will open for you in the future. I’m proud of you,” Dinero praised andhugged them both, and I swiped the tears from my cheek as I watched them.

“I appreciate it, but it’s time to empty those pockets. Didn’t you tell us that a man is only as good as their word?” Moolah reminded him.

“Don’t you get enough of my money as it is? Damn.” Dinero fished into his pockets before pulling out a knot of money. He counted out the bills before passing the money to each boy. I fell out laughing when Moolah licked his thumb and proceeded to recount the money.

“You ain’t shit,” Dinero grumbled.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you. I look forward to the next quarter.”

“Mom, can we walk to the corner store?” Cash pleaded.

“Naw, you can ride with me.”

“Oh, are you leaving?” I tried to keep my tone casual, but my feelings were hurt.

“Yeah, I’ve got to get the Lambo cleaned out. Plus, I have to call and adjust my reservations so the queen can come with us,” he replied with a wink.

“Where are we going?” Cash inquired. I tuned out their conversation, thinking about the fact that I would be spending the weekend with Dinero and our kids. We’d been to a few outings together but nothing that required us to stay overnight.

“Cash and Moolah want soul food from Hattie Mae’s spot. I told them I would pick it up when they were ready to order. If you want something different, send me a message, and I’ll grab it for you,” Nero offered, leaning down to kiss my forehead. I bit down on my bottom lip as I waited for him to step back. Instead of moving right away, he squatted down and placed kisses all over my belly.

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