Unexpected Pass

by A. Blossom

“How do I look?” I asked, giving her a twirl. Maybe adding the twirl would make her go easy on me. It didn’t. Lo squinted at the screen before twisting up her face. I’d been best friends with Lola for five years, long enough to know she didn’t like it. “It’s... okay.” She paused. “But are y’all going to watch the game at church or?” “Lo!” I called as I slid my hands down the baggy blue jean pencil skirt I’d paired with the jersey. “What? That jersey is doing nothing for your figure... and that skirt... Phileigh, be so for real.”

I loved my mom, but most of the time, she was more concerned with running Kellon Barnes’s business than she was with me. I appreciated her hard work, but sometimes, I just wanted my mom.

A swell of happiness shot through me as my teammates cheered and embraced their families. I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t feel a little lonely. Everybody had somebody to enjoy this with, and all I had was my mom, who was texting her phone, probably negotiating deals and setting up press opportunities.

I hoped she was ready because I was never letting her out of my presence.

Without hesitation, I stood from my seat. My feet moved of their own accord into Kellon’s arms. His hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me in close. “I hope your first time here was perfect,” he whispered in my ear as we rocked back and forth to the sound of the soft music.

“I’m… um… pregnant!” I blurted out in between moans. The words spilled out, and he lifted his face to look at me. “That’s not how this works. You get pregnant after I fuck you.”

“You being pregnant isn’t enough to run me off, Phileigh. I still want to get to know you.” I bit my lip nervously. “But me being pregnant is a huge factor. I’ll be taking on something new, and I don’t know if I have time to invest in getting to know you.” “We’ll both be experiencing something new then. You’ve never been pregnant before, and I’ve never dated anyone pregnant. We can figure this shit out at the same damn time.”

I was down bad behind Phileigh, and I’d only known shorty for a couple of hours.

My heart went out to her. I guess she thought her pregnancy was supposed to push me away, but it only made me want to get closer to her. She didn’t deserve to go through this alone, and I wouldn’t let her.

My feet slowed as I stared up at him. Quick memories of what could have been flashed through my head. “It’s for the best,” I whispered to myself.

Ya it’s def for the best to ghost a man who spent $30,000 on you after knowing you a day and who accepted your baby with no question 🙄

If she thought I wasn’t coming after her fine ass, she was sadly mistaken.

“Phileigh Joann Read!

🤩 we have the same middle name!

was nervous to meet Phileigh’s pops. I wanted to make a good impression on my future in-laws.

“You could never be a bad friend—you’re too thoughtful.” “I try,” I replied with a wink, watching her devour the meal.

It was funny how someone I used to think was fine shit now looked so ugly and stupid in his too little Amiri shirt.

“Reggie is going to get his karma. Just you wait and see.” I sniffled, wiping my tears. “I hope he stubs his toe and his new barber pushes his lining back to his damn ears.”

“Nice to meet the infamous Lolo. I’ve heard you’re who I need to talk to about upgrading my status to Phileigh’s best friend.” “Well, that position is closed forever, but boyfriend is open, though.”

I didn’t care what anybody had to say about Phileigh or her situation. She was mine and so was the life she was carrying. “We’re family now.”

I didn’t know what I was walking into, but I knew they had to be okay. The universe couldn’t leave me without my soulmate.

“If you mess up my hairline, I’ma have to wear a hoodie until the baby gets here. Remember that,” he joked. “Maternity pictures and all.” “Boy, bye. I could line you up in my sleep.” “I bet you could.” He reached up and grabbed my hand, pulling it to his lips. “I trust you. These hands are blessed.”

I didn’t help make you. I didn’t give you your DNA, your eyes, your blood type. But understand this and never forget it. I chose you. Every single day, I chose to be your dad. I will be there the day you are born, and every day after.

“You’re headed into your second Super Bowl,” the reporter said, smiling. “But there’s been some recent controversy online. Former NFL star, Reggie Davis, made claims suggesting your son may not be biologically yours. Do you care to comment on that?” Kellon didn’t even blink. “Yeah,” he said calmly. “I heard what he said. And let me be clear. My son is my son in every way that matters—blood, bond, and love. End of story.”