Page 68 of Breaking the Rules
“If they didn’t fuck up the way they had, I wouldn’t have you. You were what I was missing. You brought in color and a very smart mouth I can’t seem to get enough of.”
Savanhi snorted in laughter. “The smart mouth is never going away.”
“I know what to do with it.”
TWENTY-TWO
“Part of me was thinking you weren't going to show up,” Savanhi gushed as she opened her arms to welcome Yandi.
“Girl no,” Yandy replied, hugging her. “How many games did we have back-to-back. I love those kids. God knows I love that man, but this break is what I need.”
“I hear that. I figured the season was busy, but I feel like I’m spinning,” Savanhi said.
That was the truth for the last couple of weeks. She’d woken up spinning and chalked it all up to her demanding schedule, trying to keep Areli’s schedule and be present for Noble. It was a lot. Sure, at times she taught her classes sitting down. She attempted to eat more and drink more water to combat her dizziness. Even now, standing in the tattoo shop with the weed smoke serving as an air freshener, she was feeling the queasiness.
“Girl, do not drive yourself into the ground trying to do everything. Home games, be there. They know how to behave on the road. We burn out now by the time the playoffs come, we can barely be present.”
“I appreciate that advice. Because trying to do it all, oh my God,” Savanhi huffed.
“How are you feeling, though?”
Savanhi smiled wearily. That’d been the question of the night – the week really. If she took a longer nap than Areli, there would be doctor toys spread out over the bed and a fake thermometer shoved in her mouth.
“Like being the new girl on the block, are the other wives and girlfriends actin’ like they have sense?”
Savanhi chuckled and gave Yandi a knowing look. “Girl, I don’t be paying attention to them for real. But for the most part, yes. There have been some side comments about me being a stripper or whatever, but they’ll never say it to my face because I’ll think about beating them up.”
Yandi and Savanhi shared a laugh.
“Sometimes some of these bitches need to be slapped in their mouth,” Yandi spoke. “If you got to lay hands, do it and say amen afterward.”
Savanhi dropped her head back and laughed. “Not amen.”
“Amen. Because why are you trying me and not Jesus? That’s insanity,” Yandi snickered. “Did you get a tattoo?”
“Crazy that this was my bright ass idea and my skin isn’t having it.” Savanhi showed her the dots on her side. “Everything is so damn sensitive.”
Yandi hummed, seeing the signs, but chose to leave the reveal to Savanhi. “You probably need to get some real rest.”
Savanhi yawned. “I will soon, as you bitches are too drunk to get home.”
Another hour of girls night, laughs, tears, and women bonding without the need to tear one another down was beautiful. She had this with Lawryn and Remi, but to have this with Yandi and a handful of women she brought with her felt good. It felt like she was finally getting all the things she desired and didn’t have to go through any additional pain. Without question, Savanhi knew there would be pain in life. That was a given. But the purpose behind that pain was becoming clearer to her.
Deuce: you want the JoyRide now?
Savanhi laughed to herself.
Sassy: please. I am tired. Can I have a cuddle?
Deuce: you can have whatever you need. Areli is knocked out. Fell asleep waiting on her Sassy
Sassy: our Sassy and Areli days have been surrounded by busy days
Deuce: if you need to take a break, take one. Taking a day off isn’t going to stop you
Sassy: I hear you
Deuce: yeah but you won’t do it unless something makes you
