It's been a month since I asked Diana out. She hasn't been back since, but she calls every night to talk to Amira— and we'd end up talking for hours. So we're getting closer in a sense as she finally agreed to give me a chance— probably worn down by the constant flowers and little gifts I sent her every day for the past month as I learned she loved cute things.
In the meantime, Amira had been spent her time moving from my parents house to mine between games.
Tonight's a game night and I ended up bringing Amira since Diana said she'd be at the game tonight and that I should bring her— since she's been having attitudes these days.
She's now running late and I have a pre-game interview with a clingy Amira who wouldn't let anyone touch her.
"They're ready. Is she here yet?" The assistant coach asked referring to Dia.
"Traffic" I said shaking my head.
Sighing he rubbing his temples "Just take her. You can't have them waiting any longer."
"I was going to," I said, handing Amira her toy before heading toward the interview room.
"We got this, right?" I whispered to her as she fiddled with my chain.
Taking a deep breath I pushed the door open. The sound of cameras clicking filled the air immediately.
I walked to the center of the room and sat beside Coach Bennett.
"Where's her mom?" Coach whispered
"Caught in traffic," I answered, settling Amira on my lap.
"Let's begin," Coach signaled, pointing to a bald reporter in the front.
"How are you feeling, knowing you were benched for most of last week's game after just coming back a month ago?" the man asked.
"Honestly? I was pissed off because of that play," I admitted. "But we pulled through in the end, and that made it better."
"Even if you barely made it?" he pressed.
"Hey, at least we won. Maybe not the way we wanted but it still counts." I shrugged as the interview went on in that same back-and-forth tone.
"Daddy," Amira called out suddenly drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
"Yes baby?" I said, glancing down as she reached for the water bottle. She didn't talk much if she didn't have to and I'd gotten used to it.
I checked the temperature, unscrewed the cap, and helped her drink.
"How old is she?" a middle-aged reporter asked smiling.
"She'll be one in a few weeks," I replied.
"We've been seeing you with your daughter a lot recently" another reporter cut in. "It's given us a glimpse of you outside of the game. But we haven't seen your partner, and that's led to a lot of speculation. So, my question is— any thoughts of getting married soon? Or is the baby's mother not in the picture?"
There it was. The question I knew would come. I just didn't expect him to be that bold. Then again, what did I expect from someone who sometimes writes gossip for a living?
His smug expression only added to my irritation, but as I looked around I saw all the others were waiting for my response as well.
I smiled. "She's present actually— just busy." I chuckled softly. "As for marriage, I'm tryin—"
"Mommy!!" Amira shout cutting me off as she tugged on my shirt and pointed toward the crowd.
I followed her finger, and there she was. Diana. Standing near the back— face hidden under a cap pulled low a lollipop in her mouth. How Amira spotted her in the middle of all those people I'll never know.
Feeling Amira wriggle in excitement, I held her tighter. "In a while," I said with a smiling.
"Is she here?"
"Can we get a comment from her?"
"Was she the one you've been talking about in interviews?"
Coach shot me a warning look as I leaned into the mic calmly. "This isn't part of the interview, but yes—she's here."
"Will she be joining you at future games?" another voice asked quickly.
"That's up to her," I said with a grin. "But for now, let's keep the focus where it should be—on tonight's game."
One last hand shot up. "Final question: what's motivating you more right now? The game or your family?"
I glanced at Amira, still playing with my chain, then at Diana in the back. "Both" I said honestly. "One fuels the other."
Coach Bennett stood then, clapping his hands once. "Alright, that's enough for tonight. Let's wrap this up."
I stood holding Amira close, as the cameras flashes went off again.
"Alright do what you gotta do." Coach said leaving a slap on my shoulder as he made his way to the locker room.
Feeling arms sneaking around my waist I smiled as she played with Amira.
Letting go she stepped around me taking Amira.
That's when I saw she was wearing the jersey I had sent.
"Hi baby" she said kissing Amira.
"You look good." I grinned looking down at her.
Smiling she give me a side hug. "Thank you. Sorry I'm late." She said pouting a bit
"That's fine. Your beside Aliyah in the second row." I told her leaving a kiss on both their cheeks as she pushed me to the locker room.
"Hm. Hurry up." She said