Page 51 of Out of Bounds
“Fuck you, dog!” I laughed. “Masai’s petty ass bought me this shit.”
“Sis tryna embarrass yo’ ass. Nigga, you look like you ’bout to burst right outta that lil’ shit.”
“Who you fucking telling?” Pulling my dreads up in a bun, I glanced in the mirror one last time before walking away. “Masai’s ass lucky.”
“Anything for the kids…” Deuce chuckled.
“Anything for the kids,” I repeated in agreement.
Shutting the door to my bedroom, I jogged down the stairs with him behind me. When we made it to the lower level, I glanced out at the backyard where my family was. Tapping me on the shoulder, Deuce handed me a beer. “Here. You look like you need something to take the edge off.”
Grateful, I took it out of his hands. “I’mma need this and something a lil’ stronger to get through this shit.”
Walking out into the backyard, I made my way over to where my in-laws were seated. “What’s up, y’all?” I greeted everyone before grabbing Kree out of my mother-in-law’s arms. “Hey, big man.” I smiled and kissed him on the forehead. “Ma, you good? Need anything?”
“I’m good.” She smiled. “I need to go change into my swimsuit in a bit so I can get in the pool with the kids.”
“Yeah, I’m only giving Aurora an hour in this shit before I change.”
“Play nice.” She pinched my stomach. “She’s been talking about this all week.”
“I bet.” I snorted. Ambling away from the family, I searched the backyard for Masai. It took a minute, but eventually, my eyes landed on her standing by the treat table. “Happy now?” I asked as I came up behind her.
Masai turned in my direction and looked me up and down before laughing. “You look like a complete fool.”
“See, bruh…” I went to turn away, but stopped when she grabbed my arm.
“No, don’t change,” she said in between giggles.
“Nawl, ’cause everybody out here can see my shit.”
“They cannot. You look like a proud father.”
“Fuck out of here.” I waved her off. “How you get yo’ whole family to show up?” I asked after her ass finally stopped laughing.
“Um. About that…” She snorted. “You know how they are.”
Masai’s family ain’t fuck with her too tough. They definitely didn’t fuck with her after I went pro and we got married. They swore up and down that she thought she was better than them. That was the furthest from the fucking truth, though. Masai was one of the humblest NFL wives there was. Her folks thought that her being married to a millionaire meant her pockets were open for their advantage. I never cared about her helping her folks out, but when a motherfucker that hadneverbeen there for her asked for a million dollars, I had to put an end to the shit.
When we got married, her folks showed up for the wedding, but that was about it. Every milestone the kids had, they ain’t bother coming once they realized she wasn’t about to be paying their bills. So, if they were here today, it was only because they’d heard about the divorce and probably only showed up to throw some shit up in her face.
“You still my wife, so everybody better keep that shit cute. I’on have a problem putting they asses out of my shit. I’m not ’bout to let nobody disrespect you.”
“I’m not worried about these people. They called and asked if they could come to the party, and I said yes. I already had to tell Aunt Tina off, so please believe, the rest of them ain’t gone say shit.”
“Better stay that way.” I passed Kree off to her. “I’m ’bout to go over there with Aurora.”
“Make sure you watch her in that damn fin. She insisted on getting in the pool with it.”
“I got you.”
“Daddy!” my baby girl yelled when she saw me trekking toward her. “See my swimsuit.”
“I see, Buttercup.” Kneeling on the side of the pool, I leaned over and pulled her out of the water. Holding her up in the air, I shook her. “You being careful?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You promise?”
