“It’s for the best,” I whispered to myself.

Lolo stopped beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. Her eyes bounced from me to the TV screen.

“Everything will work out the way it is supposed to.”

“You’re right. I hope he finds happiness,” I said softly, and I meant every word. Opening my phone, I clicked on his contact and texted him.

Me:

Just an introvert looking out for another introvert. Smile. You deserve it. Congratulations, superstar.

Maybe in another lifetime.

I dropped my phone in my pocket before turning away from the screen. It was time to focus on myself and my baby’s future.

“You ready?” Lo asked.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

We exited the clinic but not before taking one last look at the screen.

Chapter 12

The sun shined brightly over the stage. I was sure the whole city had crowded the streets. Everybody in Brooklyn was hype. We’d brought them their first Super Bowl win in thirty-five years.

“Look at this shit, nigga! Can you believe we fucking did it?” he shouted over the roars from the crowd.

I was surprised to see my guy up and at it. After the week he’d had partying, I was sure he would be sitting in the corner somewhere nursing a hangover, but this fool was still going with a damn drink in his hand.

“Yeah, I can. We worked hard for this!” I replied as I stared out at the crowd.

Confetti was raining down on us like colorful little snowflakes. I’d just completed the victory parade I’d waited my entire life for, and I couldn’t even enjoy it, especially with my mom sitting inside the truck with an attitude the whole time. We’d barely spoken since our blow up back in New York. It’d been three days, and she was so mad she wasn’t even talking to my ass about business. She was sending messages through her assistant. All this shit had me ready for this entire thing to be over. Then I could get off this roller coaster of guilt, grief, and smiling for the press and maybe even chase down the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about.

“KB! You good, bro?” Braelon asked, shaking me from my thoughts.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m cooling. Just… thinking.” I forced a smile.

“Nigga, you probably over there thinking about the girl you left the party with the other night.” He was probing. His nosy ass always knew who everybody was dealing with. “I saw her leave with your security and your entourage at Disney.”

I shook my head, “You ain’t see shit, nig.”

“I did actually! She a cutie, though. What’s up with you and shorty?” He smirked, nudging me again.