The PreGame Ritual (Lynstone University Book 1) (11 page)

miles.

My heart broke for her.

Watching the other team jump up and down in celebration while Ava just laid out in the middle of the court felt like a kick to my chest, as if I was the one that lost the game.

But I guess that’s how this love shit worked.

When they felt legitimate happiness, so did you. And when they felt legitimate pain, you shared that burden as well.

I wanted to run out on the court and hold her; ease some of the pain she had to feel from falling short, but I knew that was probably the last thing she wanted from me. It would surely be the photo-op of the century as far as the bloggers were concerned so I was forced to stay in my lane on the sidelines.

I watched as a teammate went and helped Ava off the court then escorted her to the locker room. I hopped down from the bleachers and followed them, staying a few steps behind until we were completely out of sight.

“Ava, baby. You okay?”

She turned to me, her eyes soaked with tears, as she replied, “Do I look okay? What a stupid fuckin’ question.” She kept walking as her team and coaches walked around her, but I pulled her from the crowd.

“My bad, I just…”

“No, you can
just
get the fuck outta my face. How about that?”

“Ma, I know you’re…”

“You don’t know shit, Miles! So just stop it, alright? Look, thanks for coming but I gotta go.” She wiped her face before turning and jogging to the locker room.

I knew it would be awhile before she would come back out, but that was the least of my worries.

I had to make sure she was okay.

So I waited.

And waited.

And waited, until just about every member of the team and coaching staff had walked out. Every time someone new would come out, I’d always ask about Ava and all they could do was shrug their shoulders as if they had no idea what was going on with her.

When there seemed to be no one left in the locker room but her, I barged in, not caring about surely breaking some sort of law. I had to walk through a few rows of lockers before I found her sitting on the floor leaned against a locker and staring into space. Her expression was blank as she just stared and stared and stared, not even acknowledging that I was there though I was right in front of her.

I plopped down next to her and threw my arm over her shoulder, pulling her into my chest. She laid there for a few minutes before she finally said, “This hurts.
So bad
.”

“I know, ma. But it’s not the end of the world.”

“Its the end of
my
world, Miles. I was right there. We were so close. Maybe if I would’ve just…” I had to cut her off. There was no way in hell I was gonna let her beat herself up about it.

“No, ma. It doesn’t work like that. No would’ve, could’ve, should’ve’s. You gave it all you had and that’s all you had control of.”

“That’s what they usually say to losers.”

It was weird as hell to hear Ava all down on herself when it came to basketball but I quickly reassured her, “Ma, you aren’t a loser by any means. Your team came up short but you balled the hell out; all season long. Hell, all
career
long. Now it’s time to focus on getting to the next level.” Ava had definitely played her way into the top spot of the draft. If anybody passed up on her because of this loss, they’d be a fool.

“Yeah, if anybody wants me on the next level. Second place isn’t exactly a resume-builder.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, ma. Second place is still ahead of a lot of people. Shit, second place still gets a trophy.”

She shrugged me off. “Yeah, a weak ass second place trophy.”

“Ava…”
              “What? And what are you doing coming into the girl’s locker room anyway?” She finally looked at me with her bloodshot red eyes. Hopefully the trainer had some Visine on deck to help her out before she had to get in front of the cameras.

“Had to make sure my girl was straight. Now get up so you can go knock-out your post-game interview then I can get you home and make you feel better.” I helped her off the floor and she dusted off her sweatpants before grabbing her duffle bug.

“Such an opportunist.”

“Nah, this was on the agenda win, lose, or draw. I got a big game tomorrow and uhh…. a brotha needs his good luck charm.”

ava.

Thank God for make-up.

I didn’t wear it often, but it was definitely coming in handy today considering my eyes were damn near swollen from crying. Even though Miles
did
make me feel better, he also spent a good portion of the night wiping my tears that seemed to flow endlessly.

I was still in disbelief that my college career was completely over but I tried to divert my attention elsewhere by getting hyped for Miles. Even with the game being high-stakes, I convinced myself to go regardless of the nerves I felt about it.

At least one of us has a chance of coming out on top.

I sat by myself in the student section though I hardly felt alone with everyone congratulating me on a good season. It was good to hear though it still felt far from the truth.

But again...I wasn’t here for that.

This was about Miles.

He better ball out.

I watched him go through warm-ups with a light air to his moves. He seemed totally unfazed by the overflowing crowd, even taking the opportunity to wave at me like he didn’t have more important things to focus on.

Such a kid.

In a good way though.

Where someone like me felt the pressure of the moment, he embraced the energy and used it for his own good.

Who would’ve thought he’d be the one teaching
me
stuff?

All I could do was smile and watch, laughing to myself when he missed a shot then immediately looked at me. I gave him a scolding look and he started laughing as well. It was crazy how we had gotten to the point where we didn’t even need words to communicate.

I felt him and he felt me, no matter the audience.

So when one of the sports broadcasters pulled me out of the crowd to ask for an interview, I knew I wasn’t gonna shy away from the pesky questions about Miles and I. It was natural, pure, nothing to be ashamed of. There was no reason to cringe at the ‘boyfriend’ title because that’s exactly who Miles was.

Even though we hadn’t been together that long, he honestly felt like even more than that. He was my confidant, never shying away from righting my wrong. He gave me energy when I felt like the well was running dry. He gave me life...and love, in a way I had never felt before.

And let’s not even talk about the sex.

“Ava, congrats on an outstanding season. I know last night was hard, but we’re glad to see you’ve bounced back already.”

Not exactly.

“Doing as best as I can. Losing that game was...tough. But I’m glad to be able to support the boy’s squad tonight.”

“Is there someone in particular that you’re here to support?”

So pesky.

I brightened my smile as I replied, “Of course. We all know that.”

“So can we officially call you and Miles an item?”

“As if you guys haven’t convinced everyone of that already,” I said with a laugh. “Miles and I are dating; yes. But tonight isn’t about that. It’s about watching him lead the boy’s team to a championship; right?”

“Absolutely! We appreciate your time and good luck in the draft next week!”

“Thank you very much.” The cameraman’s light went off and I shook hands with the broadcaster before heading back to the stands.

In no time at all, the national anthem was sung and the game was tipped off.

←&
→

I was jealous.

Flamingly jealous.

So jealous I was plotting ways on how I could ruin the moment without it looking planned out.

Miles was holding the championship trophy near and dear like a newborn baby with his team all crowded around him in matching championship shirts and hats. I really
did
want to rush the court like some of the other students had, but instead I just watched proudly from afar since my emotions were still extremely tender from the night before.

And besides, if I got too close to him I’d be tempted to snatch the trophy and run.

Or at least knock it out of his hand.

On accident.

The same broadcaster that interviewed me was now the emcee as the team was ushered to the makeshift stage in the middle of the court.

“We would like to congratulate the Lynstone Tigers on being the 2015 Men’s College Basketball Champions.” The crowd went nuts with cheers. “But, we still have one more trophy to give out tonight; the award for MVP of the game. And that goes to...your very own freshman Phenom, Miles Harris!” I couldn’t help cheering along with the crowd as I watched Miles pass the championship trophy to a coach before squeezing through the crowd of his teammates to the front of the stage and accepting his MVP award. He raised it above his head as his teammates gave him pats on the back and though it made me even
more
jealous, I managed to be happy for him.

But then he took the mic.

And I instantly got nervous because that certainly wasn’t part of the program.

“Really quick; I’d like to dedicate this trophy to my girl Ava. You’re the real MVP, ma.”

Oh. My. God.

The crowd started gushing and cheering and I even looked up just in time to see myself on the jumbotron, blushing my ass off.

“Love you, ma.”

The crowd let out a synchronized “
Awwwww
” and all I could do was smile.

I mean, leave it to Miles to use his unforgettable moment to make my day brighter.

“I love you too,” I said out loud as though he could hear me. But of course it didn’t take my actual words for him to know what I said.

He felt it.

miles.

“No, Ava. I
refuse
to watch this shit.”

I don’t know what Ava was thinking even bringing that DVD over to my crib after the game. While all my teammates were out partying it up, I was at home with my girl whining to me about why we should watch that damn movie for the billionth time.

And I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“But Miles, you know its my favorite.” I snatched her up, positioning her right between my legs on the bed.

I kissed along her neckline as I told her, “Well, when you win a championship, we can do your favorite shit. Tonight is mine, Ava.”

She smacked the back of her teeth, turning to me with a stank face. “Too soon, Miles.
Way
too soon.” I quickly pulled her back into my embrace.

“I’m sorry, ma. I didn’t mean it like that. I just…can we do something else? Please?”

“Fine. What do you wanna do then Mr. MVP?”
              “How about we try something new?” I asked, as I took a few nibbles on her ear.

Her breathing pattern was beginning to change from my quest, but she still replied clearly, “New like what?”

“Like a… post-game ritual,” I said, capitalizing my words with kisses to her collarbone.

I could hear the hint of tease in her voice as she responded, “Seriously, Miles? Post-game ritual? Must I remind you, you’re grown as hell. If you want some pussy just ask for it.” I laughed to myself, remembering the time I had used an identical line.
              “So now I’m grown as hell, huh? What happened to all that
too young
shit?” I had been looking forward to this moment for a long time. The moment I could finally call her out on what she had thankfully changed her mind about. Instead of waiting for an answer, I slid from under her, letting her land on her back so that I could climb on top of her. The way she looked up at me with a smile warmed me completely.

“Flew outta the window the second you… mmm… started doing that.” My kisses became more intense now that I had full access to all of her.
              I kissed my way down her body as I asked, “So you like my young ass, huh?”

“Mmmhmm. Love you.”

“You love me?” I asked, continuing my quest of kissing every inch of her.

“I love you. I love…me…some…
you
.” She punctuated each of my kisses with her profession of love, turning me on even more.

“Tell me again.”

“I… shitttt…” I didn’t even let her get it out before I started kissing and licking the inside of her upper thighs. Still, I urged her to get it out.

“Tell me, Ava. Tell me you love me.” I had her fired up, antsy for me to touch where I really should’ve been a long time ago instead of wasting our time even discussing that movie.

“I love you, Miles.”

I’ll never get tired of hearing that shit.

“Good. Now let’s keep it that way.”

←&
→

It was her night.

Draft night.

The night she had been working for since she was a little baby baller.

And I couldn’t be more proud to be by her side; especially when she was looking like she was.

Fuckin’ perfect.

The custom-made designer dress clung to every inch of her frame, lifted high in the front but hanging low in the back, giving the perfect view of her athletic ass. And of course she chose red, giving straight Jessica Rabbit vibes but with more sophistication.

I had been dressed for at least an hour, chopping it up with her cool ass mom, while a team prepped and primed her for the slew of cameras that were bound to come her way once she was announced as the number one pick. It was really no secret after the season she had, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t a nervous wreck.

“I’m gonna bust this dress wide open if we don’t get out of here soon.”
              “Just relax, baby. You look gorgeous,” Ava’s mom chimed in, as she adjusted her own hair in the mirror.

“Easy for you to say, Mom. You get to wear a comfortable dress instead of being shoved into fabric like me.” I knew Ava was struggling wearing clothes that actually fit. She was use to baggy basketball clothes or nothing at all; no in between.

Just how I liked it.
              “She’s right, Ava. You look so beautiful, ma. Too beautiful for your own good really.” Now that everybody knew she was mine, I wasn’t expecting to have any run-ins. But I stayed ready for somebody to try her regardless.

Her mom wrapped an arm around my shoulder, “See, Ava. And you were talking about him being too young. He’s the perfect gentleman.”

“Ohhh, so you were talking to Moms about me huh?” I teased.
              Her mom pulled me in tighter, “Honey, you had her in a rut like I’ve never seen; blaming her bad games on you and all. But that’s how I knew she loved you. Ava doesn’t let a lot of people affect her when it comes to basketball.”

“I know that feeling all too well and being perfectly honest, she did the same for me.”

Ava rolled her eyes, trying to hide the blush that rushed to her cheeks. “Enough with the sap. Let’s get downstairs and get this thing over with.”

With Ava on one arm and her mom on the other, I escorted them both down the hall and to the elevator that took us to the holding place for the draftees. Once we made it to ground level, we followed the signs to a room filled with reporters all trying to get quotes before the draft actually began.

“Good luck, baby girl,” her mom said, as she gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, Mama. Don’t act all crazy when they announce my name, alright?”

“Oh chile, I’ve waited too long for this moment
not
to act crazy. I’m talkin’, ‘
That’s my baby!
’ crazy.”

Ava’s face was mortified as she replied, “Oh my God! You better not!”

“I’m kidding.
Geeeez
. I won’t ruin it for you, Ava. I promise. Now your father on the other hand…”
              “Oh God, I didn’t even get a chance to warn him!”

Her mom quickly reassured her, “It’s okay, I’ll tell him.”

“Good luck, ma. Don’t fall.”

“
Asshole
. I won’t.” I gave her a little kiss of my own and was heading to the main room when she called out to me. “Hey Miles!” I turned back around and found her wearing the shiest smile. “Thanks again…for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, ma.”