Andy
“HOW ARE you feeling?” I ask as I stare at the screen on my phone.
For someone about to go play such an important game, Kyle looks so serene. His eyes are clear, and there’s this peacefulness written all over his face. The finals have stretched all the way to game seven.
I’ve watched every game in awe of him. Still, this is the most calm I’ve seen him since the series started. It’s a quiet determination that I admire.
“We’re going to win,” he states with such assurance.
“Cocky much?” I tease.
He twists his lips into a smile and shakes his head. “Nah, not at all. I just feel it in my bones. We’re going to win, even if I have to drag us there,” he responds.
“Well, when you do, know I’m right there cheering you on.” I smile.
His eyes take on a thoughtful look. His brows pinch a bit. He nods at his own thoughts.
“And?”
“Yeah.”
“When I win, I want you to know how much I appreciate you for being behind me and having my back. I love you for understanding me and helping me with Mas. I just… tonight. Remember this….” He shifts the phone, pounding his chest. “My family.”
My eyes soften, and I smile. “Sure, babe. I’ll remember. I love you too.”
Kyle
THE CLOCK runs out, and I throw my arms out to my sides, letting a roar rip from my chest as I drop to my knees. I don’t hold back my emotions as tears roll down my cheeks. I did it. I dragged this team to the championship.
Some of the team had been ready to give up three games ago, but I refused. Seven games, but this one meant everything. This was my answer to Michael, my example to my nephew, my thank-you to Andy, and my tribute to my sister.
“Yeah, Tyson, Yeah, yeah, baby,” someone cheers.
My teammates crash into me, almost knocking me over. The moment is surreal. I’ve dreamed of this for so long. I’ve overcome so much to get to this point in my life.
“You did it, bro,” someone says in my ear, as they hold me in a headlock and embrace me. “That’s how you light up the court, B. I’m proud of you. Glad to be on your team.”
My body is charged with energy, my scalp is tingling. Through my tears and silent praise, I recognize the voice as my teammate Russ. He has had my back during all of this. One of the few I’ve been able to count on, on and off the court.
Others are patting me on the back. I have goose bumps all over my skin. I came for this win and I got it. Now, my job here is done.
Andy
MY VOICE is gone. I hollered so hard when the clock ran out, sealing the deal. Not that the other team had a chance to turn things around. Kyle was a true god on that court tonight. I saw him glow with focus and determination from the time he stepped out there.
“I knew he would do it,” Mason says with a huge grin.
“That he did,” I say hoarsely to Mas.
“All he needed was his family,” he says, looking around the box.
This moment couldn’t be better. I look around as well, taking in our family as they’re gathered around us with smiling face. Everyone is here, my family and Kyle’s. The joy I see is confirmation of Mason’s words. We’ve cheered and sent our love down onto those hardwoods.
However, in the end, it was Kyle’s heart that pulled in that victory. I just wish I could be down on the floor embracing him during his celebration. That would make this all the more memorable.
“Your boy did the thing.” Chris comes over to pat me on the back.
I nod proudly.
“This calls for a huge celebration,” Javier croons. “I’ve already planned something at the club.”
“As if you need a reason to throw a celebration,” Beau teases.
“What?” Javier shrugs.
Beau waves him off. I laugh, looking around again at all the people that Kyle has in his life. His friends would give the shirts off their backs for him. My family has fallen into the fold as well. Kyle is well loved.
“Everyone quiet down,” Emma calls over the group as she turns up the sound on the monitors.
Kyle appears on the screen. Tears mixed with sweat on his face. He lifts his jersey to wipe the combination away. My throat clogs with my own emotions as I watch him rein it all in.
“That was an exceptional performance tonight, Kyle. How are you feeling?” the commentator asks.
“I’m feeling a whole lot of things. I can’t even describe this,” he responds, shaking his head and running a hand over his hair.
“You’ve put up an amazing fight this series. Can you attribute the heart you displayed to any one thing in particular?”
“My family,” he says, pounding a fist over his heart.
My eyes close as tears threaten to overtake me. It’s a simple gesture that no one else would catch, but it means the world to me. It’s almost as good as being on the court with my arms around him. No, I think it’s better.
I didn’t understand that this was what he meant this morning. That he wanted me to remember because he planned to send me a message. Thinking back to that call now, it all makes sense. Kyle’s thoughtfulness chokes me up.
I seriously didn’t think I could fall more in love with you, Kyle Tyson. Boy, was I wrong.