Page 161 of Rome: The Ballerina

“She wa– she was pregnant.”

Without any words shed, my father closed the gap between us. He placed his arm around me and brought me closer for a hug. He squeezed my body against his. Things I’d felt since Rome’s body hit that stage came crashing down on me at once.

“She was fucking pregnant,” I wept like a newborn.

When my tears stopped flowing and my breathing returned to normal, my father loosened his grip.

“That tears me apart. Hearing that. I didn’t know. Does your mother know?”

I shook my head.

“Nah. Neither does Nadia. But, they were there when it happened.”

“Let ‘em feel your pain tonight, son. Leave it all on the court. And, take her that ring. She deserves it.”

“That’s not the only ring I’ve got for her, Pops. I’m going to marry her. No waiting around. No stalling. Nothing. I’m going to marry her. I’m going to make her my wife. I don’t care what everybody else is doing or how everybody else is moving. I have exactly who I want. I ain’t letting up off her. Time waits for no one. I’m ready to be a husband.Her husband.”

“Never let the social norm determine your timeline. Move how you want to. I’ve always taught you that. Hell, your mother had a ring on her finger and was pregnant with your sister by the third date. Hell I was gone wait for? She was mine after the first night. Live your life, son. It’s yours. Nobody else’s.”

“Appreciate that.”

“I’d appreciate a motherfucking win tonight. Let me see what you ’bout.”

“You already know what I’m ’bout.”

“Show me, then.”

I mademy way toward the locker room where the team was filing out.

“De Bacco,” Coach Downy called out to me.

“Yeah.”

“Let me talk to ya,” he insisted.

I made my way to his side.

“Your mother told me you have some personal things going on. While your tardiness is excused tonight, I need you on top of your game. We have the chance to bring this series on in with four games straight. Skunk! You with me or what?”

“I’m with you, Coach. Ready to put this shit to bed so I can get back home to my woman.”

“Let her be your motivation then, player.”

“She is.”

“Alright, let me run this down to you right quick. Ain’t nothing you haven’t heard in practice. Just a refresher before we go out here and kick some ass.”

“I’m all ears.”

I watched the board as he scribbled on it, reminding me of one play after the other. By the time we made it to the court, the board was under his armpit and our team was prepared to shoot around until tip off.

Naturally, my eyes landed where Rome was game after game. Tonight was different. Everything about it was uncomfortable. However, I’d made a promise that I fully intended to keep.

FIFTEEN

Land.

Land.

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