Page 20 of Loving the Legend
“Got it. Do you buy the media’s portrayal of me as haunted, introverted, and lonely?”
“Hm. Introverted and serious, yes. Maybe a little lonely too. I mean, I understand you're focused on the game, but it helps to have someone when the day’s through, even if temporarily. As for if you’re haunted…” He sighs. “It isn’t for me to say, but it’s okay if you are. We’re all haunted in some way—whether by the secrets we protect, the truths we deny, or the inexplicable ugliness life throws our way.”
His words are a sunburst in the middle of my chest. It’s not just that I’m seen. More miraculously, he makes me want to be seen. I want to ask what haunts him, but I decide to save the question for when we’re alone in person.
“You’re a wise one, eh?”
“There are those who have knowledge and those who have understanding.”
“Oh, I see! We droppin’Count of Monte Cristoquotes casually now?”
He chuckles, and I can envision it clearly: mischievous eyes gleaming, slightly crinkled, lush lips spread in that sexy smirk, revealing the dimple on the left side of his face, straight pearly whites except for the one tooth on the lower right that’s imperceptibly crooked.
“Busted. I’m re-reading it. You’re driving?”
“Yep, I should run soon. Don’t be jealous, but my friend is sending a private plane to transport me to Miami to celebrate Christmas with his family.”
“Sounds like a dream of a friend.”
I laugh. “Yeah, let’s see if he still wants to be my friend when I wipe the floor with his team when we face off in a few weeks.”
“Talking recklessly, youngblood. You sure you’re fit to be driving?”
“Ha ha! I’ll see you in a couple of hours, Wonder Kid.”
“I’ll be the one wearing the Santa hat, Pretty Boy.”
“One could argue that we’re both pretty.” I cringe as soon as the words leave my mouth.Where’d the hell that come from?
“Huh. Can’t say I’ve ever been calledprettybefore…unreasonably handsome, sure…asmoke show, many times. According to People Magazine, I’m the Sexiest Man alive. Though to keep it a hunnit, they only confirmed what I’ve always known.” There’s a humor in his voice that tells me he doesn’t take any of what he just said seriously.
“Sexiest Man Alive, eh? I heard you can pay for that designation.”
He scoffs. “Fuck off!”
“I’m hanging up before I am dis-invited.”
He chuckles. “Never. Peace!”
The line goes dead.
A few minutes later, I receive a text with the hangar details. I make a quick detour to pick up a few gifts for his family. My mom would turn over in her grave if I showed up empty-handed. I can’t let my captain down.
CHAPTER SIX
My first private plane experience, and I slept through most of it. After deplaning, Sid’s driver waits in front of a black Escalade on the tarmac. I’m wearing shades and a beanie to fly below the radar, but it’s unnecessary since I go directly from the plane to the car.
“Mr. Washington, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Leslie.”
I catch a Caribbean accent.
I extend my hand. “What’s up, Leslie? Nice to meet you too.”
Leslie is stout, with a full head of salt and pepper hair. He has round eyes and cheeks dusted with freckles. He looks breezy, clad in linen pants and a button-down shirt. We exchange small talk. He tells me it’s a fifteen-minute drive from Miami International Airport to Sid’s house in Coconut Grove.
I, like millions of viewers, toured Sid’s estate online in a segment where he was followed around answering seventy questions. It has eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a gourmet indoor and outdoor kitchen, both an infinity and one of those swanky architectural pools, a home theater, a large, detached garage for his luxury cars, a separate guest house, a basketball court, and a gym. As a rookie, I signed a four-year contract withthe Knights for $47 million. I receive a base salary of $10 million in year one. Sid’s house costs more than my entire year one salary.
Back in LA, I purchased a relatively modest five-bedroom, four-bathroom house in Topanga Canyon with views of the Santa Monica mountains. It’s my sanctuary. The property has a pool and a home gym. It’s a ten-minute drive to the beach. I’ve never been one for super lavish things, and I don’t see the need to change that. My mom, who was a finance manager, always spoke about the opportunity cost of every dollar spent and the power of compound interest. She’d always say that true wealth is generational. I know I want kids one day. I plan to grow my wealth for them.
