😜

"Park on our side in the reserved. I'll wait until you get in." I told Charlotte over the phone. She was meeting me for tonight's game. Traffic was heavy, probably would take her a minute.

The big three are still together, making history. The longest-running trio to get back to back championships for three consecutive years. They're on their way for a fourth. These boys have done everything in their power to stay together, between taking a pay cut and even shifting around some other players.

It's a big controversy everywhere. A lot of the other teams are saying it's not fair how the trades are being controlled based on the championships. I say stop complaining and focus on winning games.

Zo, Marcell, and Jacksons. The rave of the city and everywhere. All the games were sold out. The hotels are booked.

As for even greater news the noise around my family has calmed down. The scandal of the whole Adira, the secret lover with a baby and now wife talk, has passed. At least it has for headlines.

Zo's family on the way as well. Ben drove Julia and me here early to beat the traffic. We were waiting around for everyone to arrive.

I'm in the fourth year of my residency, with only three more years to go before my transition. It's been rough, but at least I'm not going through this while pregnant like I was in medical school.

Zo and everyone have been supportive as hell. Like super supportive. Even Charlotte and Jr made their way back here finally. They're engaged. Jr's a sports analyst and is working tonight. He'll be televised discussing the game overall. Which is great because I know he has my baby's back and will defend him.

Charlotte's still a traveling nurse. She's back and forth with shorter tours, mostly in Germany. But they've settled here in LA.

Julia sat next to me, asleep. She usually takes naps before the game so she could be alert for later.

I smoothed my hands over her back, hearing my phone ring. It was Zo.

I answered, hearing laughter and a lot of commotion in the background. "Baby?" He yelled over the noise.

"I can barely hear you. Are you at the Arena?" I spoke aloud while closing my other ear. "Hello?"

"We're in the locker room. About to do the prayer before the pregame. You here?" He yelled over all the noise.

"I'm in the parking lot waiting for everyone else. They're on the way." I looked out the window. "Your fathers' car's pulling up now."

"Aight. I love you. See you inside, it means a lot having you here." He made kissing noise through the phone.

I giggled, "I love you too, silly."

"Lets hit it," Bo spoke before exiting the Escalade. Tyson exited out the passenger seat as well to clear the vehicle and help the family. I went on to gather my things as Ben got out to open my door.

"Ju." I shook her, "Come on, pretty girl." She squirmed a little before stretching.

"Finally. We've been sitting for soooooo long." My almost five-year-old daughter drug out before unbuckling her seat belt. We exited, meeting everyone staring around, getting ready to go inside.

We were all escorted inside of the arena with our passes and made our way to the seats. I couldn't help but notice my best friend walking in front of me. That bawwwddddyyyy!

"Char, bihhh! You can't be killing em' like this." I drug out in my most ratchet voice ever.

She stopped to do a little pose.

"Can I squeeze it Char?" I joked referring to her thick booty while catching up to her. We laughed. "I don't see how you wear this type of stuff to a game."

I was in some ripped dark blue jeans and a cream-colored halter strapped shirt paired with some gold peep-toe sandals. Nothing special really.

"You know me, I'm always ready to dress up. Besides my man will need something to look at while he's working tonight." She glanced at me making us come to a halt.

"You look good too Di. Wait until Zo sees you." She smoothed down my bushy curls a little on the side. I wore my natural curls. As for my makeup, I kept it light with a simple rose pink lip. A little mascara and a thin liner.

I did a little pose trying to smize with my eyes. Like only the great Tyra Banks would do.

"Seeeee, you look fabulous. Zo is a very lucky man to bag my best friend. Beauty and brains." She pulled my top down a little to show more cleavage. We giggled catching up to the group.

Julia smiled at the both us being silly. She love any moment when I'm being all glamorous. They're definitely rare moments so she lights up every time she see it. Especially with her being such a girlie girl.

We made our inside and as we were getting to our seats my baby girl spotted her daddy.

"Daddy, daddy," Julia shouted to Zo standing in the middle of the court, gaining his attention. He passed the ball then ran over to us.

"Mmm, you look good. Smell good too." He eyed my breast before leaning in to meet my lips, making dramatic kissing sounds. He kissed me as if he missed me. I missed him too. Our schedules are hectic.

I made a few sounds myself making him laugh before pulling away. He then bent down and kissed Julia's forehead leaving a stain of my lip shade from his. I reached up to wipe the remainder off his lips. Only for him to kiss me again.

The family spoke to him, getting him excited to get this win. He and Julia then went on to the court. Doing their ritual. Every pregame she goes out on the court in her jersey and team color shorts to practice shooting. I got comfortable in my seat.

"I'm scheduling you for a mani-pedi Di. I understand you're a doctor an all, but let's not neglect you." Charlotte eyed my chipped nails and toes I had peeking out of my sandals. "What else did you neglect? You're still waxing at least right?"

"Being a mom, a doctor, and a wife to a basketball player is not easy. —And to answer your question no. I'm a forest right now." I tried hiding my face. "I meant to make an appointment before Zo came home from his away games. The time slipped." I sighed a little disappointed in myself. I haven't had any me time in so long or time for much else other than work.

She raised her brows. "Girrrrll, what's the plan for later tonight? You know how these guys get when they get home. You need me to step in and get you right. Like I did before you gave birth?"

"Nope. No, thank you. I'll use a razor or something quick." I shook my head, repeatedly remembering the pain I was in when she did my wax. "I'll get it together. Can't let these women catch me slipping."

"Because you know they're waiting." She pointed across the court. A group of ladies eyeing Zo. Admiring him with our daughter and checking out his physique. If I knew any better, I would've thought they were plotting. But that's how it always is, and with me not being the girly girl, people take that for weakness. They claim to know what's best for my man. At least that's what they say in the comments. Sometimes that leads me to be .

insecure.

There have been times where we went without sex for a month at a time. Due to our hectic schedule. It's hard to fit it in. One time it got so bad, Zo secretly met me at the hospital right after a game. He was like I don't care where we go or how we do it, but we have to figure it out. We ended up in one of the on-call rooms, with the door locked.

"I don't understand why women do that. You should see all the messages and photos he gets on a daily. I even have women approaching me about him." I eyed the ladies once more. They were still glued to my husband.

Speaking of husband, we had a destination wedding. We loved our visit to Phuket. We went back and brought the family out and made it another vacation. It was beautiful. A simple ceremony, private event with family and friends. We had it on a secluded private beach.

"Adira honey, don't even worry about that. You know my son. And if he even looks in that direction. I'll knock him out for you." Mrs. Tanya spoke. I didn't realize she and Jade could hear us from seated behind me.

My parents and sisters couldn't make it tonight with their schedules. As well as Mai, she's out of town.

"Honestly, it's hard not to worry. I admit Zo's a champ. They throw it at him anytime he's out in public or anytime he's on social media interacting with his fans." I kept my eyes across the court, noticing Zo was closer on that end in listening distance of the ladies. He turned towards them. Ju was getting the ball to bring over to him. I'm not sure of what was said, but Zo laughed and said something to them before walking off meeting Ju halfway.

I paid attention to their reaction seeing if I could piece it together. The one in the middle started blushing as if he said the very thing she wanted to get her going. She leaned up and crossed her legs before biting her bottom lip. Mind you, her eyes never left Zo.

Him being the most talked about player in the league and as nice as he is to people was making me highly insecure.

My eating habits changed utterly, to a lot of junk food. I'm never home. I don't even know what self-care is anymore. Our sex life is almost obsolete. I'm sure he's at least thought about slipping up.

What man wouldn't?

I know Zo is respectful and completely in love with me. But a lot of people have this type of love that sometimes goes horribly wrong, right?

I'm not saying I wouldn't give him the benefit of the doubt. He has been nothing but good to me. But these are my thoughts, and I can't help but feel this way.

All the video messages and photos sent to him. The road parties they go to. It's so much access to a good time. It's easy to give in when you've been without.

Julia and Zo were having a blast. It gained everyone's attention except for mine. I found myself deep in my phone on my husbands' social media. These damn insecurities sigh.

I clicked on his most recent photos he posted then dove into the comments. He had a picture of the three of us together at home, laying around the fireplace roasting marshmallows. I knew before clicking on the comments people were going to go in on me and my not so glamorous exterior.

We were at home relaxing in our comfy loose shorts and t-shirts. Me with no makeup and my natural hair curly all over my head. I had just gotten off work and was on call.

The audience applauded and praised, making a lot of noise. Once again I didn't even bother to look up. I had my eyes on my phone.

I clicked to view the random comments under the picture.

🔲: All that yumminess is going to waste... ugh😩 She's so wackkkkk

▪️: I concur, sis😭😭😭. She can at least comb her damn hair 🗑.

▪️: I need her prayer🙏🏾. Whatever I'm doing clearly isn't working.

▫️: That's that Russell

Wilson prayer.

▫️: Please, a prayer my ass😂😂😂. He is cheating. Has to be. She basic asf. An unseasoned mess.

▪️: Is this tea sis?

▪️: 👀You know something?

▪️: I heard he was cheating too. 💅🏾

🔲: 🙄🙄🙄Please block these haters. They can't stand to see people in love and at home minding their business.

◼️: I agree. They're literally at HOME. Everybody doesn't wear makeup 24/7 #fendifact

◼️: Girl bye. He's a public figure. It comes with the job. She look a mess. ✋🏽🛑Stop it!

◻️: Some people have lives. They don't spend it doing it for the Gram.

◼️: I agree, and @kenzomartin please BLOCK these Hoes. Her lounge clothes probably cost more than y'all entire wardrobe, shoes included. So 🗣STFU!!!

I went to the next pictures of just him, and the same things were being said. Calling me boring, I should get myself together. And if they had a chance with him, it wouldn't be like this. They said he need someone who could get him excited and turn him on.

A few people had positive things to say. Saying they like how relatable I am. Some even defended my honor.

I scrolled through more messages and also I went ahead and deleted my DMs of randoms trying to get in touch with my husband. With some very explicit photos.

Music began blasting around the arena. I locked my phone then brought my attention to the court where Zo and Ju were dancing. I smiled. Zo looked in my direction, but he didn't have a readable expression. Almost none at all.

After the song ended, they made their way back over to us. Julia was still hyped dancing. Zo directed Ju to get in her seat then left. Without a word to me, a kiss or anything. Tuh

The family raised their brows, wondering what that was all about. I simply shrugged. How is he mad at me when he's the one engaging in other women? For furthermore, I am trying. I made sure I was off to come to his little funky ass game. Ungrateful.

The players left the court. My thoughts were wandering even further. Maybe he is cheating. Perhaps the comments are right. What if he was pushing away from me because he's guilty of something? I never thought I would have these thoughts, but here I am.

Maybe this is a pattern for me. Things start so well in a relationship, then in comes mayhem. Nelson was a disaster. Never in my life did I think he would hit me. Hell, I didn't know it would ever lead up to that. So who's to say this rumor isn't true. Zo could be cheating. He's pushed me off as the homegirl before. Although that was before we were a thing officially. But we were close, and it felt wrong when he said it to the famous model that tried to pursue him.

I have to be rational too. Why would he marry me to cheat? I'm sure that's the question all women think before they're cheated on.

He knew how busy I was before walking down the aisle. I'm not understanding the problem now.

My thoughts were broken by Char, trying to get my attention. "What's going on in that brain of yours? I know you're not thinking about those groupies. Don't make this a thing."

"I'm fine." I sat back and scooped Julia closer to me. She laid her head on my arm.

"You want something to eat, or you want to wait until the half?" I asked Julia she looked up at me.

"I'll wait. I'm not hungry right now. Daddy said I should wait if I can. So I won't have to make many trips to the bathroom." She held her hand out. I knew what that meant.

"Here, you can get on it for a little while." I took out my phone and pulled up her little game app.

"I wish I could have my own phone. But daddy said no." She pouted while turning the phone sideways.

"When you're older, you'll get one," I said in a monotone with my mind on this whole cheating thing. Why else would he be mad at me all of a sudden? He's never complained about my schedule being tight, but I'm sure he wants to. I'm here ain't I?

Could we endure three more years of my residency until I'm able to slow down?

"You want us to keep her tonight?" Zo's mom asked, still noticing my mood change. She leaned closer so I could hear her. "She can come to the house. We don't have any plans for the morning. That'll give you two some time together."

"Thanks." I sighed, shifting in my seat. "I guess that's probably all we need."

"You'll get through this. I'll have her back by the afternoon. Mai said something about a photoshoot tomorrow." She added, and I frowned a little because I honestly forgot about it. Mai told me maybe three weeks ago.

I won't be able to make it. I have to work tomorrow. I'm scheduled to assist in surgery.

"I don't know what I would do without you guys." I turned in my seat to hug her.

"We're family." She leaned down to hug me back, squeezing me. Then quickly leaned back. The players were set to be announced. I made myself comfortable in my seat. Julia was now standing and ready to scream for her daddy. I was dreading his cold shoulder. I knew he'd give me.

I couldn't help but to rack my brain trying to figure out why he's the one upset. I'm not the one smiling and laughing in girl's faces.

Half time was approaching, which was great because Julia was getting antsy. The game was tied. Zo has three personal fouls already. The communication is off, and he's not able to find his rhythm. I think he's just simply not leading the team. Even if you have an off night, your team should be able to bounce off of you.

Coach pulled him out after that third personal foul. He's done until after the half. I noticed Zo and Marcell were seated on the bench going back and forth as if they were in a heated discussion. I looked over at Bria, his wife she was wondering what was going on too.

They couldn't get ahead only enough to tie the game. Everyone was frustrated because this would be the first loss of the season and it's almost time for the playoff.

The half-show came finally. The guys rushed to the back, not even acknowledging the fans standing by the stands on the way to the locker room.

"They don't want it. They don't even want it. Playing like that won't get them a repeat." My mother-in-law stated while getting up. We were all getting ready to hit up the concessions stand. Bo stood in front of our line, and Tyson stood at the back. It was crowded. We'd usually have our stuff ordered. But we all wanted to stretch and walk around.

I straightened my shirt, ridding the wrinkles in the back after getting up. Julia grabbed my hand. Getting through the crowd wasn't too tricky. They provided extra security guards working at the arena to help maneuver us through.

"They need to come back better than this." My father in law, Mr. Martin said behind us. Bo made sure Julia and I were right behind him, holding on to him.