The new season came quicker than I thought. I haven't had much downtime, and when I do, I take it. I decided to hit up a small diner a little outside of where I live. It was late, so I was trying to be low key.

I just got back from Denver after a game loss. It's our first loss of the season, and I'm bummed out about it. Our last game the other night in Utah, we came close to losing. Luckily we were able to pull through that over time. This loss pissed me off because some of it was easy fundamental mistakes. We can't have that because I'm trying to get a ring. I feel like we have the team to take it all way, but we need to regroup. We can't lose to teams like Denver or come close in Utah. Next two games were here at home, and I'll be damned if I fail.

I sat in my car a second before getting out, needing to fix myself up a bit. I pulled my hat down and grabbed my shades, tucking them in my pocket. I was hoping to go unnoticed.

I finally worked up the courage to get out of the car, making my way into the diner. I wore my worn cream-colored pullover and my friends' logo cap with some relaxed blue jeans. I kept my hand in the way of my mouth and pulled my hood over my hat, hoping no one would recognize me tonight.

"Hi welcome to Darby's, are you dining in or taking it to go sweetie?" An elderly lady greeted me as soon as I opened the door. I walked over to her cheerful smiling face.

"I'm dining in," I spoke softly and gave her a warm smile.

"Alright, right this way. My name is Wanda, and it'll be my pleasure to serve you tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink, while you look over the menu?" She gestured for a booth. I went ahead and slid in the seat. She handed me the menu.

"Yes, thank you. Do you have any bottled water?"

"We most certainly do, I'll bring it out to you and give you a little time to look over the menu. Is this your first time here?"

"Yes, ma'am." I looked at her.

"Ok, well if you need any recommendations or have questions let me know. Although the crab cakes are our best seller this time of year." She pretended to whisper the last part before walking off. I laughed a little at her giddy bright spirit. It's crazy, working these late hours and still wearing that happy cheery smile. She moves around pretty well for her assumed age.

I sat eyeing the place, taking in all the vintage autographed photos hung on the walls everywhere. They had blues singers, black and white film featured artist postered everywhere.

Suddenly the door swung open, letting in a small breeze catching my attention. That made me turn around and check it out. A beautiful lady walked in alone wearing scrubs. Her hair was in a messy with curl all over. So effortlessly stunning. I was turned around in my seat, staring at her as she waited to be seated. Luckily she didn't notice me staring from where I was.

I assumed she was coming from work, looking exhausted. That didn't take away from her flawless allure. Her brown eyes were filled with despair as if she could cry at any moment. She held an untanned pale complexion, with an oddly adorable babyface. A face of a woman who'd never age. Her face lit up, displaying her bright smile with faint dimples on each side, as Ms. Wanda approached her.

She was immediately seated, and of course I had to take a quick peek at her backside. It was nice too, but her long legs are what stood out to me. The way they fitted in those light blue scrubs. The lady walked passed me, leaving her sweet yet oddly familiar smell lingering behind. A scent from my childhood.

She was seated diagonally and sort of adjacent from me. Ms. Wanda brought out my water. She noticed I was staring at the woman. She took that as her cue to give me another minute.

Finally, her eyes met mine. I quickly looked away, cursing myself in the process. Remembering my plan to stay unnoticed. I especially didn't want her to turn into some crazed fan. Although I am curious, what's up with those sad eyes? She's too beautiful for that.

"Hi." She spoke coldly, catching me off guard.

"Oh —uh hello," I responded without looking, with my chin resting in the palm of my hand. My elbows propped on the table trying to block my face. I reached in my pocket for my sunglasses but then thought better of it. That would make me too obvious. Just keep my cool and enjoy my night of peace.

"Figured I'd speak since you were staring and now you can't even give your attention to greet me." She roughly opened her menu.

"Damn, who fucked up your day to give you such a pissy ass attitude?" I retorted again with no eye contact. I regretted it the moment the words left my mouth, but she didn't have to give me an attitude. I don't even know why I responded.

Ms. Wanda came back over. "Have you decided on anything yet? Do you want to start with an appetizer? I should've asked already."

"No that's ok, I'll take your word for it and try the crab cake." I smiled, handing her my menu with my free hand.

"Excellent choice, you want fries or steamed vegetables? We can substitute for any side of your choosing."

"I'll take the steamed vegetables. I can't go too far off my diet. Thanks, Ms. Wanda." I spoke low but loud enough for her to hear me.

"My pleasure, it'll be right out." She went back to put in my order and came back to take care of the pissed off woman seated near me. She ordered a lot of food for just one person. I found myself staring at her again while she was distracted. She has legs for days. She comes up to my chin easily, and I'm pretty decent in height. I've had to duck to get in a few rooms. I'm not the tallest person on my team, but I'm not the shortest either.

"You're going to eat all of that?" I asked, knowing it would probably irritate her further. Why am I making conversation? I'm about to blow my damn cover.

She scoffed. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes I am. Is there a problem? —And I don't have an attitude. Just short patience for rude people staring at me, with no cause."

"You seemed agitated when you walked in." I removed my hand from my face but pulled my hat down further on my face, still not giving her eye contact.

She blew air roughly through her nose, staring at me. "I just got off, and I'm not looking for conversation. I had a long day, between school, work, and everything else. I'd honestly appreciate it if you could leave me alone."

"Noted, won't say anything else to you." I stole a little glance at her.

"Good." She retorted, then squinted a little at me. She mumbled something to herself, looking away, shaking her head. I was nervous. I thought she recognized me. That's the last thing I wanted, especially without my security here.

I slid closer to the window in my booth and took my sunglasses out to wear for the rest of the night. Thankfully the booths are a little taller than the tables. I can sit comfortably. I guess that's why Ms. Wanda didn't ask for my preference.

I pulled my phone out to kill time waiting on my food. I held my fingerprint on the home button for recognition. I had a boatload of notifications. A bunch of text messages, DMs, voicemails, and emails. I get over a hundred messages a day. No matter how many times I change my number. I try blocking a lot of them. That always results in them using another number to call me. I'm backed up to about six hundred text messages right now. I'll go through them on my plane ride for away games like I usually do.

My phone started ringing at the same time my food was brought out to the table. I thanked Ms. Wanda, she nodded leaving me to dig in.

"Hello."

"Zo, what up?" My friend and also teammate Marcel yelled into the phone.

"Nothing much, grabbing a bite to eat. What's going on?" I spoke low under my breath.

"I was calling to see if you reviewed the film?" He asked, referring to the last game footage of our loss last night.

"Nah I haven't, I will when I get home."

"Hit me up when you do, I need to ask you about a few things. Some things we need to go over with the bench in the morning."

"I already know what you're talking about. Those two back to back illegal screens and some of the plays off the bench. Ol' boy hesitated again." I continued to speak low. "Hold on real quick." I took a moment to bless my food and wasted no time to taste it. Damn these crab cakes are good. I rarely get to eat like this. This was heaven. My meals are prepared, with a strict regimen. I eat the same three meals a day with an added daily protein shake. I almost want to end the call so I can enjoy every bite

I picked my phone up from off the table, placing it back to my ear. "My bad, I'm back."

"So you're out right now knowing you got AM practice, you got company?" He pried with his nosey ass.

"You're killing me. It's just me, man." I laughed, I'm usually private with anything women related. Most scandals in the media are not real. Women have claimed their name to be with my mine many times. I'm not the guy who likes a bunch of women parading around him. I like loyal, honest people who won't let this fame shit get to their head. I'm simple when it comes to relationships. I just don't have time for it. I'm trying to build something more significant. I have to stay focused.

"My girl said she has friends if you're feeling lonely."

"No offense but —no. That's not for me, the whole wives and ballers act. You and the rest of the husbands can have that. I don't have time to date, especially those types." I replied, not realizing I just offended his wife. Damn, that's not what I meant.

"Whoa —what type, what are you trying to say about my wife exactly, Zo?" He asked, slightly taking offense.

"Nothing against Bria, but the wives circle and the reality tv stuff I don't want no part of." Some of the wives, including his were doing reality tv. The husbands are on the show now as well. I've never watched, I heard about it and saw promos on social media. It's something about that whole clique and social circle vibe I don't like. It's too many expectations and unnecessary stress.

He sighed, understanding what I meant. "Man, I think this is our last season doing this show, it's starting to cause problems."

"What's going on?" I stabbed my fork into the steamed vegetables, stuffing my mouth, and gulped my water.

"It's causing drama, taking the focus off of what's important to us. Bria, of course, is trying to get her clothing line out there. She's talking about doing the grand opening on the season premiere episode."

"Are you two good? Don't let this entertainment stuff kill what you've built together. Maybe you step back and let her do her thing until she gets her career going. You need to be focusing on getting that championship trophy this year. That's the only thing you should be stressing."

"Oh, we're handling business this season. I didn't come out here from Toronto to lose, hell no. The team is ready. We need to nip a few things in the bud and play more games. Utah and Denver were minor bumps in the road. It's good we're getting this out the way early."

"Aight, I'll hit you back." I adjusted the phone on my ear, holding it.

"Make sure you watch your surroundings bro', out there trying to be all incognito and shit. I'm surprised Bo, and Tyson let you out by yourself." He joked, referring to my bodyguards.

"Yeah, yeah I'm grown. Bye."

He laughed, ending the call. There's a handful of people in this business I fuck with. Marcel is one of them. That's even before he left Toronto of five years. He's somewhat of a veteran, but to us, he's still young and in his prime. —The third of our trio, Jackson, is one of the most genuine and also the most inexperienced of us.

I finished my food. Ms. Wanda came over, asking if I needed anything else. I told her no, she went ahead and got me the bill. I had some extra spending money in my car. I wanted to leave her a nice tip. She's been nothing short of amazing, even at this hour. Especially with her being the only server and hostess.

She came back to my table to grab the bill, I handed it back to her with the amount. "Ms. Wanda I need to go out to my car real quick, to grab something for you. I'll be right back."

"Oh sweetie no that's ok." She shook her head brushing me off.

"I'll be right back, won't take no for an answer. It's a little something for you. Be right back." I slid out of the booth, standing up. I subconsciously glanced over once more at the pretty lady seated diagonally from me. She was eating and had a medical book out reading it. She was focused not even noticing me standing up. That was until I was gearing up to walk off.

"Excuse me sir. She grabbed my attention. "I want to extend an apology for my choice of words earlier. I get it you were being friendly, for that again I apologize."

I was standing within two feet of her. I didn't want to be rude and not look at her again, so I finally did while I spoke. "Thank you, and I apologize for not giving you my attention when you were talking."

We both smiled, I had my shades on still with my hand covering some of my face. She stared as if she was trying to figure something out about me.

"Have a good night."

"Same to you." She tilted her head with a smile. Without saying another word she picked up her fork to finish her food. I smiled back before walking off.

I went to get the money I had in an envelope from my all black challenger, one of my vehicles I use when I travel alone. I headed back inside quickly, I saw Ms. Wanda finishing up with the pretty lady who ordered all the food. I walked over.

"Excuse me." I got Ms. Wandas attention handing her the envelope. "Thank you so much for your kindness and sweet presence. I was stressed out from my crazy past few days. You're warm welcoming really made my night, so again thank you."

"You're too kind, thank you dear." She smile and said a few more words to me before making her way to the back.

I was about to walk off, but the pretty lady spoke to me with an amusing smirk. "Sorry about your loss. You guys will get the next one. —Focus on the next game, it's all yours."

I chuckled taking my shades off looking back at her. "How'd you guess?"

"When you put the shades on after you slid closer to the window is when I thought maybe it was you. I doubted it because you're here alone and you're all —regular looking. I heard you speaking to me clearly before you went out to your car just now, is when I felt like I knew for sure." She sheepishly grinned.

"Here I am thinking I pulled it off." I stated amusingly. "Luckily it's a slow night here."

"Yeah, it usually picks up on the weekends, she giggled while putting her index finger to her lip. "You're secrets safe with me, Mr. Martin."

"Thank you?" I raised my brows waiting to hear her name.

"It's Adira."

"Nice, have a good night. It's a pleasure meeting you." I stuck my hand out for her to shake, she accepted.

"Same, goodnight." She smiled one last time before I walked off. That went better than I expected. No screaming and yelling, very refreshing.

________________________

💜💚💜💚