I headed to my house after my new cellphone was delivered to the studio. I hated when you got a new one and you had to charge it, and of course it was dead as a doorknob. I took it out the box and connected it to the AUX plug inside my armrest. Letting out a deep breath, I exited towards the interstate.

I turned on the radio to clear my mind and as soon as I turned it up, Lovin' You, by Minnie Riperton came on...

Lovin' you is easy cause you're beautiful

Makin' love with you is all I wanna do

Lovin' you is more than just a dream come true

And everything that I do is out of lovin' you

La la la la la la la... do do do do do

I had started singing probably getting carried away with the lalalalas. Lizzy's mom would play this song over and over when we were younger. She would sing the words with tears in her eyes but by the end of the song she would smile. She said it was the first song she and Lizzy's dad danced to after he had proposed to her.

The beautiful melody and lyrics had me thinking about Lizzy. She was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. It was no way in hell Aries could love her the way she deserved. I wasn't perfect, but she was everything I wanted and needed. She's sarcastic, funny as hell, beautiful, intelligent and a ride or die chick. We had been through some things, had our spats but one thing was for sure, the bond we shared, no one could break.

I truly believed Lizzy was my soulmate. God put her here and what we had together, divine intervention had created. If she didn't believe, I did. I've loved her for so long, but I never wanted to ruin our friendship.

Life threw a lot of curve balls. Either we give up or try to hit them out the park. We both have been in relationships and I can contest not one ever came close to what Liz and I have. She was the only one that knew the real me. I didn't have to put on aires, or prove I was more than what was in my bank account, I could be Sean Gipson, the guy who still likes cartoons, afraid of horror movies and listened to the classic R&B singles, like Minnie Riperton.

I turned the song up and glanced at my charging phone which was still flashing. I picked up Kale's spare phone which he let me borrow until mine charged. I dialed Lizzy and the voicemail picked up right away. Either it was dead or she had turned it off. Didn't she see my number coming across her screen?

I didn't leave a message but my mind did go back to the conversation we had a few days ago.

"We should have been together and married years ago. If so, we wouldn't even be in this situation or having this conversation."

"I don't have a situation, you do."

"Thanks to you."

"I can't believe you are blaming this on me Sean?"

"You only mad because the truth hurts."

"I was coming to Fan Day but I'm not coming."

"Oh yes your ass is going to be there. I swear if you don't show up..."

"Whatcha gonna do, uh?"

"Wear that ass out, that's what I'm going to do. I ain't playing witcha Lizzy, I will find you and they are going to call Missing Person's for you."

"You can't be serious?"

"Try me."

She had never missed a Fan Day. Even when I played college ball, she was at the first home game cheering me on. I look back on those moments. No matter what she had going on, she was always there. If she didn't show up, I would be on the next flight ready to beat somebody down. She wasn't happy with him, she was going to call off whatever they had between them, right? It was no way she would say yes to Aries's proposal. She didn't love him. I needed to find whatever I could so she wouldn't make a mistake with him.

Any day now the results to the DNA test would be arriving. Through bribing folks with autographs, VIP tickets and paraphernalia, Jarreau did his part by getting the samples. Now it was a wait and see game but I needed to be prepared no matter which way this went. Only Jarreau and I knew about this DNA, blood test. I haven't had a chance to even tell Lizzy we were able to get them. The less people that knew, the better. I trusted these two people the most in the world.

Kale's phone started to ring bringing me out of my thoughts. I pressed the talk button on the steering wheel. It was Michael, my agent.

"I called the animation shop and Kale told me to call you on this line."

"Yeah, I lost my cell somewhere or either someone took it."

"I'm sure it's lost. You are always moving around."

"I guess. There are pictures on the Internet letting everyone know Shae is pregnant with my child. What are you going to do about it?

"I tried to get my guys to track the source but with the Internet, it's damn near impossible."

"If you get wind of anyone doing it, I want names and numbers, and I will handle it myself."

"I will let you know if I find out anything. I was thinking, since it was already out that maybe you and Shae can come take some pictures for a few magazines. Some of your sponsors have called worried and maybe we can turn this around. I could call a couple of contacts that could run a story on you, about father's in the league that take their fatherly responsibilities seriously. You and Shae don't have to be together but put on a front focusing on the baby. It will show you in a good light. A few shots, everyone is happy and you go home."

"I think you have completely lost it. If I didn't know any better, I would think you were on the Shae bandwagon. You're sounding like her and I don't like it. I will tell you this, if you have joined, we may need to have a discussion on our future relationship."

"Hey! I'm on your side. I'm your agent, your friend. I'm just trying to help."

"It better be that way. If I have any inclination that the people I associate with are playing me, it won't be pretty and I will fire them promptly. Do I make myself clear?"

"Loud and clear." He cleared his throat and I got over in the left lane.

"So are you ready to show everyone who the best quarterback in the league is tomorrow?"

He was changing the subject. Good boy.

"I'm always ready."

"That's what I want to hear. Felicity gave me the layout for tomorrow and I forwarded to you and Jarreau by email. It looks like you both are going to be doing the Kids Corner, mostly tossing the ball to them and running a few plays for VIP ticket holders. From there you will give a speech, end with signing autographs and then the team brunch is at two pm."

"Fine." It came out snappy. I turned left on Goodwyn Street.

"Are you alright? You still sound a little pissed off."

"Lizzy is not answering her phone."

"Do you think it's because she's upset about Shaunte and the baby?"

"Nawh, well yes. I just have this feeling something isn't right. She would have answered in all this time."

"I'm sure she's fine. You need to focus on tomorrow and your speech. It's showtime, stop stressing."

"I always wing my speeches. Get the crowd cheering, blah, blah, blah...I've done this plenty of times."

Mike chuckled.

"Maybe her phone died and she didn't get a chance to charge it."

"Maybe so or she's ignoring you. She may be more upset about Shae and the pregnancy than you realize. As your agent and friend, I have spoken to Shae and she told me that Dr. Lewis confirmed."

"That he did."

"I wanted you to know for sure without any tricks on her part. He's one of the best physicians in the country. He has an impeccable record and he's use to dealing with high profile clients. He will keep everything confidential. I've worked with him in the past, I trust him."

"He seems nice enough. I just can't believe this is happening."

"Well you got your confirmation, now you just need a plan on what you are going to do before and after the baby is born."

"I just hate that a child is being born and his/her parents are not together. I hated not growing up with a dad. I promised myself I would always be there for my child."

"You still can. That child is going to need you. Hopefully you and Shae can work something out. Who knows this could bring you two closer."

"Not if I can help it. I don't want her raising this child, I don't love her."

"You really don't have a choice. She's the mother. The love part, well that's another story."

"I need you to find as much dirt as you can on her. I know for sure she has a closet of skeletons. I'm afraid she will use this child as a pawn. I want full custody."

"Wait man. Let's think this through. This woman is not giving up her child."

"Shae don't even love this child and you know it. She only wants to use this baby to get in my wallet and for fame."

"Sean when I spoke to her she said she loved you and the baby, but you aren't willing to give her a chance. I've tried pleading with her trying to figure out her intentions, but she shuts down and a more humbling side of her comes out."

"Please don't tell me she's gotten to you? Don't forget you work for me, not her!" I could feel my head throbbing.

"I know, I'm just saying..."

"She's fooling you Mike. She's a great actress, but its hard to trust any part of her. The lies and deceit, can be a little much."

"Well I think this pregnancy is changing her for the better dude. Maybe you two can sit down and work this out. I know a really good family therapist that can help you two out."

"Maybe so, that's not a bad idea. I could use the testimony in court to tell the judge how truly crazy and psychological impaired she is."

"I'm playing devil's advocate. If you get sole custody then what? You have an extremely busy schedule Sean. Promotional tours, games, team commitments, when will you have time for a child? You're not married and the way I see it, you don't want Shae. Yes you are financially stable, but a child needs attention and to be cared for. You can just send her a check every month, visit and be on your way."

"I will make arrangements. I will figure something out."

"Listen to yourself. You need a solid plan before you go speak with a judge."

"Covered. James gave me a list of family attorney's I could use. Are you going to help me or not Mike?"

"I will be there to the end, but the child is always the one to suffer. Let me ask you this? You say you love Lizzy but do you think she would want to raise another woman's child?"

"Leave Lizzy out of this."

"Lizzy can't stand her. Shae told me about the fight. She said Lizzy started it."

"Shae provoked her."

"Yeah and she told me, you came to her rescue. You chose Shae over Lizzy. You wanted to protect your child, that's what father's do."

"I did it because Lizzy would have knocked her into next week. You all underestimate Lizzy, when she's wronged, she comes out swinging. She loves hard, I did it because..."

"Say what you want. You and Shae were happy at one time. She gave you joy."

"Leave the past in the past. She was a good time and I was lonely. I was the fool."

"Men can be fools when it comes to women." I heard his phone beep.

"Hold on." I was coming to a stop as the freeway was bumper to bumper.

He came back. "I have some news."

"What?"

"I received a text through a blogger who's a good source on the 411 that Aries proposed to Lizzy a few hours ago and she said yes."

"It's a lie. She wouldn't marry him."

"I don't think it is. The blogger is sending me pictures."

"What damn pictures?"

"Off the AP wire that were taken of them together."

"This blogger picked this story up and the Associated Press? Must have been a very slow news day."

"I'll email them to you."

My heart dropped to my stomach. It had to be a rumor.

"Isn't she down there for his Fan Day?"

"Yes but she's coming tomorrow for mine."

"Are you sure about that? I mean if they just got engaged wouldn't she want to stay with him?"

"This is a lie. I am going to wake up and realize I was dreaming all this time."

"You're not dreaming my man."

"She will be here tomorrow. It's a rumor. Only one person can confirm the truth and that's her. I won't believe it until she says so."

"Look, she hadn't returned any of your phone calls, I'm just saying. I know you love her and I don't want this getting ugly because of your jealousy. You have a clean record and I know you and Aries have had altercations but this is a big year for you. You have more endorsements, a big team contract and now a child on the way and it's my job to protect all of that. I'm your man Sean, I will do any and everything in my power to make sure nothing gets in your way. I know she's your best friend but she may become a liability. She has to live her own life and if Aries is who she wants, you will have to respect that."

I wanted to throw the phone.

"I don't have to respect shit!"

"Don't kill the messenger. I'm on your side."

"You betta." I gripped the steering wheel tight. I couldn't see the road because my vison was red. I wanted to destroy Aries, knowing him, he tricked her. This wasn't happening, this was just a sick joke.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I forgot you and Lizzy are a touchy subject. I just want to help. When you're happy, everyone is happy, if not then things crumble. There is so much on the line, and we have to make sure, everything goes to plan."

"So now you're my motivational speaker?"

"I wear many hats. I'm just looking out for your best interest. We have a plan, and we have to stick to it."

"Whatever."

"Speaking off the subject, have you had a chance to review the contracts?"

"No. I really haven't had time to look at them."

"The sooner you sign, we can get them activated and you can focus on the season."

"They are not quite a priority at this time."

"You are sitting on over twenty million dollars worth of endorsements. Most guys would kill for just a piece of that. As your agent, it's important to keep you on top of your game. You want to retire and keep living like you do then you need to sign them. I can bring them to James."

"Fine when I get home, I'll sign them. He's made all the notes, so I can review before I sign. You don't have to come and get them, I can just call his carrier and they will come. His wife just had a baby so I'm sure his associate Tommy will file the papers."

"Wait...You said he makes notes? About what?"

"Yes, James always gives me a summary of each contract and his accountant Harry, reviews the numbers and terms and makes the recommendations on whether I should sign or not. They have done it for years. They outline the terms, benefits and costs and pretty much manage my time. They look at opportunities and the others they put in a file for me to decide. We discuss but most of the time they are right when it comes to helping me make a decision. I've known James since college and I trust him and his judgement."

He remained quiet. "Mike you still there?"

"Yeah, I have another call coming in. I will holla at you later."

"Okay." I hung up pulling into my driveway. That was strange. Mike had been my agent for a minute. I would hate to think that he was playing me too. I would have to keep watch on him, our contract would be up soon and if he didn't play his cards right, I could be looking for a new agent.

I looked in the rearview to see a taxi pulling in behind me. Whoever this was, must not have realized this was private property. I pulled my gun from under the seat, just in case I needed it and put both phones in my back pocket.

Stepping out my car, the taxi opened. Getting out of it was my mother. I had totally forgotten she was coming. The taxi driver had gotten out, opened the trunk, pulling out two large suitcases. He smiled and then asked me for an autograph and the fare.

My mother, Jocelyn Gipson, stood at a little under five and a half inches with golden blonde hair that was pinned up in the back. She was wearing a lilac pantsuit and brown sandals. She looked like a church lady and every time I saw her she looked older and older.

"Son. I'm so glad to see you."

"Really? That's the first. I thought you would miss my wallet more than me?"

"You're so silly. Of course I would miss you. I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays. I think you forget, I gave birth to you. I've loved you before you took your first breath." She came up to me kissing me on my cheek and giving me a hug. Fake as all get out.

"So how long are you staying? Fan Day is only one day, you know."

"Well I was thinking maybe I could stay a week or two."

I damn near stumbled on the top step.

"Why?"

"I miss my son, of course, plus I need a vacation. It's so hot and humid back in Louisiana, here it's hot but dry."

"Wouldn't you vacation better in Jamaica, or the Philippines, better yet Antarctica, I'm sure you would be nice and cool there."

"You always have jokes."

"Evidently they don't work," I said sarcastically closing the front door.

"You've redecorated I see. Look at you. I like it. It feels more like a home." She dropped her knockoff Fendi on the couch. She got way too much money from me to be sporting this. Let me guess Pastor had a real one.

"So are you ready for tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I am."

"I've been telling everyone down at the church that I need to come up here more often. When I arrived at the airport, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. I'm getting old Sean and maybe I shouldn't be living all by myself in that condo."

"I can go buy you a dog. They have plenty at the pound. I will make sure he's neutered. Dogs make great pets and companions, that way you wouldn't be alone."

"I don't want a dog."

"Maybe a goldfish, or maybe a rabbit, I got it...a snake. You could call him Pastor."

"Sean! How cruel of you? I didn't raise you to be so mean."

"He's a snake in the grass. I can't believe you have gotten caught up with the devil."

"You stop talking about him like that." She shook her finger at me. "He's gotten me through some tough times."

"What tough times? Your bills are paid, you have a nice condo, a brand new car, you get a check every month and you haven't worked since I got drafted. How tough can your life be? Oh let me guess, the Pastor isn't giving you the attention you want? Even with all the cash you give, my bad, your tithes, it's still not enough to get his undivided attention."

"Shame on you Sean! You can be so malicious and you wonder why your life is in shambles."

I wanted to say something but I closed my mouth.

"Pastor helps people, the good and the misguided. Maybe he needs to counsel you."

"Hell to the m'fing no! In other words hell to the nah! Yeah he helps himself while his congregation starves for their next meal. Besides cash, doesn't he accept food stamp cards, state subsidies, Medicaid cards, and if I'm not mistaken you all have an ATM inside the church lobby?"