Page 48 of What She Deserves
“Nervous, as if I’m the one getting the award,” he replied with a hearty, deep-throated laugh.
“This should be nothing for you,” she teased, alluding to his former career.
A former linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, he had the meaty body to prove it. Since his days of playing professional football had been over for a while, he wasn’t as big but maintained a similar physique and looked like he was about to pop out of the jacket that he wore over a white T-shirt.
“I’m nervous for Dana. She kept complaining that she hated having to wear heels and hoped she didn’t trip when she walked across the stage.”
“That’s because you’re looking out for our girl. You brought her here, right?”
“Yeah, and you know how she is. She hates the attention, but I told her she wasn’t allowed to skip tonight.”
“Good for you. Tamika and I told her the same thing. By the way, this is Rashad. I’m his better half.”
“Damn,” Rashad said, as Omar laughed.
Layla smiled sweetly and hugged Rashad’s arm. “Rashad, this is Omar, a good friend of Dana’s.”
“I know who you are,” Rashad said. “You used to play for the Falcons.”
“Sure did. Feels like a lifetime ago.”
“But it hasn’t been that long. Nice to meet you, man.”
“Good to meet you too.”
They shook hands.
“I played football in high school. Running back,” Rashad said, surprising Layla.
He’d never mentioned that before, and she tucked away that information about him. Rashad struck a pose, as if he had a football tucked under his arm. The three of them laughed.
Rashad appeared fine now, but on the ride over, the way he had released and gripped the steering wheel in quick succession revealed his tension.
“You ever go to the games here?” Omar asked.
“When I can.”
“You gotta let me hook you up. Box seats.”
“Oh damn, you’re speaking my love language. I can’t turn that down. I’m definitely interested,” Rashad said.
“Cool.” Omar turned to Layla. “Where’s the little one?” he asked, referring to Tamika.
“I’m sure she’ll be here soon. Oh, speak of the devil.”
Tamika came sashaying toward them with her fiancé, Anton, beside her.
“Hey!” she said, with her usual bubbly personality, giving Omar a hug.
Tamika and Rashad greeted each other, and Anton and Rashad were introduce.
“Now that we’re all here, and everyone knows everyone now, let’s get inside before the ceremony starts,” Layla said.
“After you,” Omar said, extending a hand.
Tamika and Layla led the way into the auditorium, half filled with family, friends, and faculty and staff from the college. They found seats in the same aisle, and within a few minutes, the lights were turned down and the emcee approached the mic.
She greeted everyone with a welcoming smile and explained the purpose of the night was to honor the instructors from each department for their outstanding work and dedication. The president of the college came up and said a few words, and then the awards distribution commenced.
