Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(10)

“Tam, look at me. You have always made decisions that were right for you. We all may not agree with them when you make them but in the end you always make them work. It amazes me every time and I wonder what I did to get such a special daughter.” My mom brushed a lock of hair behind my ear.

“Thanks mom,” I said and gave her a fierce hug.

When I got home that night I stripped down and found the map of Dimples’ journey around my body. Who does that? I wish I could believe in my mother’s words now. Since that night all my decisions have seem to bite me in the behind, like not wearing protection. I had to be wasted. I would never do something like that. I have known since I was sixteen that I have an allergic reaction to birth control. My doctor tried to regulate my cycle with it and needless to say it didn’t go so well.

I should have taken a morning after pill or something, but I didn’t even remember how stupid I had been until three days later. When Stacey cornered me and Reese to spill all the details of her night with Dimples’ friend, it hit me what I had done. She was busy going on and on about him being hung like a horse and that’s when the memories hit me. I couldn’t remember one condom being used, but I could remember orgasm after orgasm where I went over the edge and I felt him follow.

So I am not surprised that there is a test in my bathroom that is screaming at me that I am pregnant. This was not a part of my plan. I am supposed to be starting my new job and paving my way to partner in the firm. A baby was never part of that plan but silly me, not only did I sleep with the guy. I let him leave me with a baby.

I have sat here crying for two hours. I’m pissed he gets to walk away and I have to stay and face the consequences. I’ve thought about googling what teams played that Thursday night and which ones won then checking their rosters but every time I go to do it I stop. He left. He doesn’t want to be found. I’m sure he definitely doesn’t want to be found so that I can tell him he has a kid on the way. He probably has a trophy girlfriend at home and I would just be ruining their life, just like I ruined mine.

I cried all I can and now it is time to face reality and call in the cavalry. I text Stacey, Reese and my girl Alee 911 and ask them to come over. I look a mess and they take notice right away. One thing we don’t do is look a mess. Alee has been doing my hair since forever. To see me tossed about is a shock to her.

“Okay so are you going to tell us what is going on,” Reese asks raising her brow at me. She is tapping away at her phone no doubt reassuring Nico that she is fine. The man is crazy about her and never lets her out of his sight.

Thinking of the tall Italian man that has taken over my friend’s heart makes me think of my own situation. Nico is gorgeous and I never once questioned my friend’s choice. So why do I have such a problem dating white men myself. If Dimples had stuck around would I have really been open to a relationship with him? Well it doesn’t matter now.

“What I’m going to tell you, you can’t share with anyone. Ellerie is going to lose it,” I say as tears well up in my eyes.

Alee sits silent but frowns at the mention of my brother. I don’t have time to sort out that drama today. As if reading my mind she schools her expression and nods.

“Okay sweetie, you know I won’t say anything you don’t want me to,” Reese says with sincerity and concern.

“Whatever it is please spit it out, you have me breaking out in hives,” Stacey complains.

“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out as the tears run over.

“Wait what,” Reese gasps, “The ball player from the club?”

I bite my lip and nod trying to hold back the sobs. Reese looks like the wheels are turning in her head. Reese is a problem solver it is a part of her nature and the reason she is so good at business.

“Okay, so we just tell him. Troy text me the other day asking me to meet up before playoffs start, I can ask him to pass a message along,” Stacey offers.

“No,” I shake my head.

“Maybe Nico knows him and can talk to him or tell us more about him. I know they play different sports but Nico and his brothers know tons of people. If they don’t know him I know his brother can find him. This Troy guy, what team is he on? He can at least give us a name,” Reese suggests.

“No, no, no, I don’t want to know. He walked out. He didn’t say anything and he didn’t leave a way to contact him. This is not his problem. I’ll handle it on my own,” I sniffle.

“So you plan to keep it right,” Alee asks. “I mean I never thought you would be the first but I just can’t see you doing anything other than keeping it.”

“It’s my baby,” is all I can say.

“Well you know I am here for you whenever you need,” Reese says soothingly.

“My sentiments exactly,” Alee chimes in.

“I wish I could say the same,” Stacey says with a distant look on her face. Reese, Alee and I all look at her like she is crazy. “Oh Doll, not like that, I mean I’m here whenever you need me but I just won’t be here, here, like in New York. My dad is pissed about me burning through my divorce settlement and my trust and he has some clauses he is threatening to use to cut me off if I don’t move to Texas where he can keep an eye on me.” Stacey sighs then shrugs.

The wheels start spinning in my head and my plan snaps into place. My baby may not be able to know who their father is but maybe I could do the next best thing. He had let out that he was born and raised in Texas. I could tell in the way he talked about it that he missed home. It must be a great place to grow up.