“We go on offense, not defense,” Mom continued. “The first rule of a media frenzy is to control the narrative. If we stay silent, the public will make up a story for you. And trust… it won’t be anything nice.”

I nodded. I already knew that shit. That’s why I called her first.

“We need to prepare the public to see you two together. Soft launch… no interviews… no sit downs. Thank God the Super Bowl press tour is over. We can do just a few social media breadcrumbs to show love, happiness, and chemistry. Kellon, maybe make a post about having someone special in your life and tag her. Don’t let them have to speculate.”

I gave a slow nod, taking it in. “I got it.”

“Phileigh, get ready because they are going to attack you, your looks, how you wear your hair, you being plus sized… everything. You’re taking one of the most eligible black bachelors off the market, and they’re going to crucify you for it before they cheer you on.”

I glanced over at Phileigh, feeling bad. She hadn’t asked for any of this, and we hadn’t even gotten a chance to discuss how being in the public eye would make her feel.

“I understand, Ms. Barnes. I don’t care about my image. I just want to make sure Kellon’s doesn’t suffer because of me,” she said, and I went over to her, sitting on the arm of the couch.

“We in this together, Phee baby.” I grabbed her hand and kissed it.

“They’re going to expect to see you together—charity things… red carpets. Anytime you’re out and she’s not there, they will speculate a scandal.”

“But, Ma, one thing. What about her baby daddy? He’s texting her. His fiancée’s harassing her. What if they try to sell a story?” I checked.

“They won’t,” she said calmly.

“It’s Reggie,” I told her, and her mouth fell open as she stared at me, pinching the bridge of my nose. “God dammit, Kellon! Of all the girls, you had to decide to date one of Reggie’s mistresses?”

“I didn’t know they were involved, Ma.” I tried to calm the storm, but she was already on her phone pressing buttons.

“I’ll have my legal team prepare some cease-and-desist letters in case they either speak to a blog or post any of your personal messages online. This could get messy, Kellon, especially with the team trying to acquire Reggie for next season.”

“And if they do post?” Phileigh questioned.

She smiled coldly. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. In the meantime, you two will attend the couples’ pre-Valentine event tomorrow night. It’s a private function that’ll garner the teams’ support for your relationship. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for Phileigh to mingle with the WAGs. She’s going to need their support.”