Page 72 of Set me Free

But I refused to call her. Sienna had been blowing up my phone—calling, texting, even reaching out through my daddy and Sevyn. But I hadn’t responded to any of it. Not because I didn’t think she wasn’t sorry, I was sure she was. But because… I just wasn’t ready. And after what she said? I didn’t know if I ever would be.

The energy in the Barclays Center was electric. Inside the green room, the air was thick with anticipation, conversations happening in hushed tones while cameras flashed, capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments.

I sat with Creed and the rest of our group—his mama, Grandpa Joseph, Nasseem, Brodie, Ari, and me. Creed looked calm, collected, like he was built for this moment. Me? I was lowkey nervous as hell. Not just for him, but for us. This was the start of something huge, and I knew everything was about to change.

I excused myself to go to the bathroom, trying to shake the weird energy that had settled over me. But when I came back, I stopped in my tracks. Creed and his mama were talking. Whispering. I wasn’t supposed to hear it. But I did.

"I’m not happy about her, Creed," Tasha said, her voice sharp. "I just don’t like her. Something about her don’t sit right with me."

My stomach dropped, but I stayed quiet, listening.

Creed let out a frustrated sigh. "Mama, please chill. I’m tired of you disrespecting my girl."

"I’m just saying, you got the mother of your child sitting at home, and yet here you are with some girl who just popped up in your life. Gianna was with you from the start?—"

"And me and Gianna are over!" Creed snapped, his voice low but firm. "Serenity is who I’m with now, and if you can’t accept that, then maybe you don’t need to be around us."

I bit the inside of my cheek, feeling my heart tighten. I knew Creed had my back, but hearing him defend me like this? It meant everything.

Instead of reacting, I cleared my throat loudly, letting them know I was back. Tasha didn’t even look my way. Creed, though? He turned instantly, his eyes locking on mine, searching my face to see if I had heard. I just smiled and slid into my seat like nothing happened. Because I refused to give Tasha the satisfaction of thinking she got to me.

After a few minutes, I struck up a conversation with Grandpa Joseph.

"So, Creed told me that you like classic cars?" I asked, tilting my head.

His face lit up instantly. "Love ‘em. Been working on a ‘67 Chevy Chevelle with Creed for years now. But I been stuck since I can’t find one of the parts I need."

"Really?" I smirked. "My grandfather has a collection of cars—used to take me to car shows all the time when I was younger."

"No kidding?"

"Nope. Maybe I can see if he knows where to get that part for you."

His eyebrows lifted. "You serious?"

"Of course." I smiled. "You’ve been nothing but kind to me. It’s the least I can do."

He patted my shoulder. "I like you, Serenity. You got a good head on your shoulders."

I felt Creed’s eyes on me, watching me interact with his grandfather, and I could tell he was pleased as hell.

Nasseem grinned, nudging me. "I already told you, you a real one for what you did for me. Lenox really thinks I got potential?"

"He wouldn’t have vouched for you if he didn’t."

He nodded, a look of determination crossing his face. "I’mma make sure I don’t let y’all down."

"You won’t," I assured him. “But, when you start getting that Mayweather money, just remember I want 5%.”

Shaking his head and laughing Nas replied, “I got you.”

The lights dimmed, and suddenly, the energy in the room shifted. This was it. Everything Creed had worked for came down to this moment. We waited anxiously as they announced the first three picks, my nerves getting so bad my leg was literally shaking under the table.

“Stop shaking Toot.” Ari whispered, putting her hand on my knee under the table.

The first three picks came in quickly— The Clippers, Sacrament, Detroit.

And then?—

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