I stared at my mom. She didn’t like anybody, so I knew Phileigh was something special. I wish I could ask Ma Dukes about navigating dating a woman in Phileigh’s unique situation, but I didn’t want to ruin this moment or her opinion of Phileigh. Besides, Phileigh’s condition was none of her business.

One of the show producers stuck their head in and announced, “You’re on in five.”

I peered down at my watch. Five minutes to clear my mind so I could go out there and do my job.

“Alright. I’m going to take my seat out front.” She patted me on the back before heading to the door. “Oh, wait. Where should I book Phileigh’s room?” she questioned, raising an eyebrow.

We’d rushed straight here as soon as the plane had landed. There had been no time to discuss the logistics of Phileigh’s stay.

I shook my head. “No room. Just some more clothes. She can stay at the house.”

There was no sense in putting her in a hotel room when I had a two-story condo here in New York City.

“Your house?”

My mom’s feet halted as she did an about face. I never brought any female to my properties, so I knew she was shocked.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I like her, Kellon, but we still don’t know her like that.”

“I know what I’m doing, Mom. Trust me,” I stated firmly.

She stared at me for a minute. A thousand expressions displayed across her face.

“Just be careful, baby. Y’all ain’t gotta move fast. Take your time,” she cautioned.

“I am, Ma,” I assured her.

“Okay, Son. I’ll be outside. Have a good show.”

She exited, leaving me standing with thoughts of Phileigh playing on repeat in my head. I heard all of my mom’s concerns. They were all valid, but a little too late. I didn’t know how to slow things down with Phileigh. The undeniable pull to keep pursuing her had me operating in the fast lane.

“I got this.” I exited the dressing room and headed toward the set.

The cameras stopped rolling, and Brittani Shepard blew out a deep breath. “Woo. Thank you so much, Kellon, for being on the show today. You did great.”

She leaned back in the chair, relaxing her perfect posture and professional voice. The interview was cool. She mainly asked fluff questions about my hobbies outside of football and cracked jokes. I appreciated that there was no mention of Jeronee or the accident. It made it easier for me to stare at Phileigh as she sat big-eyed and mesmerized in the front row.

“Thank you for having me.” I stood from the sofa, preparing to leave. I had only a tiny window of time to get down the hall to the next studio for my next round of appearances.