Big Dewey was a big, brown heavy-set dude that had a unique charm about him. Standing out in any crowd, he was a man of considerable size with a notable beer belly. He always wore an array of jewelry and thick gold chains circled his neck. His fingers bore several chunky rings. He always carried himself with confidence and a gentle gold-toothed smile. His personality alone commanded attention simply by him being himself and the ladies loved him. He had old bitches, new bitches, young bitches, dusty bitches, it didn’t even matter.

  “Heyyyy Dewey.” They spoke in unison in a melodic tone.

  He stood up to give both of them hugs. “Congratulations Sharonda. The streets proud of ya.” He passed her a bottle of Cristal and a bottle of Hennessy. They loved to get their hands on a bottle of Cristal because it was the shit. All of the rappers were rapping about Cristal.

  “Thank you, baby, I appreciate it.” Sharonda beamed.

  “We good?” Pinky asked him.

  “Yeah, let me walk ya’ll out.”

  Big Dewey led the way and the sounds of the bass from the music bounced off of the walls. Sharonda played it cool on the outside but on the inside, she was still tripping about Donnell going missing all day. When Big Dewey pushed the curtains back that led into the hall, Sharonda nearly dropped the bottles when she saw her friends, family, and man standing there waiting for her in the decorated room.

  “Surprise!!!!!” They all yelled and popped bottles of champagne and confetti.

  Sharonda was filled with excitement and joy. She had no idea. She turned to Pinky and wrapped her arms around her friend giving her a hug. “Bitch I could just kill you!” She laughed.

  “I couldn’t tell you, girl. Congratulations, friend. You gon’ be the best nurse ever.”

  “Aww thank you.” She smiled.

  Sharonda made her way around the hall, giving hugs and thanks to everyone until she reached Donnell, who had a few of his uncles and cousins with him. Even his mama and little sister Rema were in attendance and Sharonda was so happy they had gotten along since day one. Donnell stood off admiring his girl, extremely happy for her success. He’d received some good news today as well. The annual NBA drafts were in two weeks, and he’d gotten word that he would be the in the first-round picks for the Miami Heat. He wanted to share his news but today was all about her.

  “I can just hit you right now. Ouu, I was so mad at your ass thinking you were dogging me out.” She admitted getting on her tippy toes just to be able to wrap her arms around his neck for her hug. His hands rested on her hips as he brushed his lips across hers before kissing her.

  “Come on, I told you, you ain’t got to worry about that. I spent my whole day to make sure you shined tonight. Congratulations baby. I’m proud of you.”

  “Aww thank you.” She cooed, melting in his touch. She knew she couldn’t stand there too long because if she did, they would end up somewhere in the bathroom fucking, that’s how bad it had become, which wasn’t a bad thing. They were young, lit, enjoying each other and life.

  Sharonda had received multiple gifts all throughout the night and nearly sweated her hair out on the dance floor, especially when the DJ played all of the ride out music. Miami folks loved to ride out and were confident nobody could be them in booty shaking.

  As the night went on, Donnell watched her have fun and knew he had made the right choice of making her his girl. When it was time for the food to be served, she made sure that her man was fed first before she ate herself and he appreciated that. He gifted her with a gold and diamond-cut tennis bracelet that had her name engraved in the plate and she loved it.

  “Thank you, baby.” She cooed, through loving eyes.

  Her sister Niecy came to find her after serving the food. “Girl Donnell ain’t got no brothers? Hell, which one the cousins and uncles?”

  Sharonda laughed because Niecy was always looking for a come up. Her eyes scanned all of Donnell’s people. She pointed at his cousin Tray. “He’s more of yo’ speed and he got money too.”

  Niecy licked her lips and smiled. “That’s the one who was flirting with me earlier with his cute ass. “Run the play for me.”

  “Hell nah, do it yourself girl.”

  Niecy sneered. “Just cause I’m fast don’t mean I’m trying to look it.”

  Sharonda grabbed Niecy by her hand and walked her over to Tray. Tray liked what he saw because he’d had his eyes on her all night. Sharonda placed Niecy’s hand into Tray’s. “Tray this is my sister Niecy. Niecy this is Tray. Here ya’ll go. Goodbye.”

  She left them standing there and went right back to dancing and having the time of her life. It was all about her tonight and it felt good. She already knew when she left, she was about to go fuck the shit out of Donnell. If anybody deserved some good loving, he did.

  Chapter Twelve

  All Eyez On Me- Tupac

  Draft Day

  Sharonda stood in front of Donnell trying to adjust his tie while smiling at how fly he looked. They were in their hotel room in New York City getting ready to head to the ‘Theater at Madison Square Garden’ where the drafts would be held.

  His entire family was back in Miami at his mama’s house prepared to watch it live on television, but Donnell had five minutes to leave and get there. He was granted a spot for three others to come with him and he chose his mama, his sister, and Sharonda. His agent and manager would be there as well.

  “You nervous?” She asked.

  “Nah, I was born for this shit baby. I dedicated my entire life to the court, so this day only solidifies how hard I worked.”

  “I’m so proud of you.” She beamed. He was there for her when she graduated right in the stands cheering her on and now, she was able to return the favor and do the same for him. The fact that his dreams were coming true right before his meant the world to him. Sharonda could see the proud faces of his family and could tell that this day was for them too.

  “I’m proud of you too, baby. You gon’ knock that NCLEX out the game when you take it in a few weeks.”

  It was true, although she was officially a nursing student graduate, she’d still been studying her ass off to pass that NCLEX when it was time. She already had jobs lined up because the field was so demanding, but she had to make it official and pass the test. She pushed that to the back of her mind and focused on him until his mama knocked on the connecting door of the hotel room to let them know that the car had arrived.

  They had to wear big chinchilla coats because it was extremely cold in New York and Sharonda had never been anywhere that was as cold as it was. Even in Miami what they considered to be cold really wasn’t cold to other people from up north and other places. When they arrived, it was an experience that was new to Sharonda but old to him. Donnell was used to cameras, media, and people being in his face. Donnell’s mother sensed her nervousness and assured her that everything was fine and to just smile at the cameras without saying anything. Donnell held her hand the entire time into the Theater letting the world know that he was a taken man although he knew the groupies wouldn’t care. He knew he was going in a league where he would have to display self-control and be real careful about the way he moved.

  They were seated at the table reserved for Donnell and the night began. Donnell felt a sense of calmness as he silently prayed waiting for the drafts to start. When they called his name in the first round as the first pick for the Miami Heat, the crowd cheered joyfully for him. There wasn’t a dry face at his table because they knew how hard he worked for this.

  “I’m proud of you son. You did that! I can’t thank you enough for being everything you needed to be for this family.” She sniffed knowing she raised a decent young man. He may have been a bad ass because of the environment he was raised in, but he still turned out good and broke the generational curse in the family; the first one to go to college and the first one to play pro ball.

  “Thank you, ma. I love you.” He told her. Making her happy is another thing that let him know he made it because not only her but his family sacrificed so much so he didn’t have to want for nothing as long as he did what he needed to do and that’s what he did.

  He kissed his sister on the cheek and Sharonda on the lips before walking to the stage to give his acceptance speech. On the other side of the world back in Miami, his family was turning up having the biggest celebration party amongst each other. They had meat on the grill, popped bottles of Cristal, and were jumping for joy watching their boy on television doing his grown man business.

  Donnell was offered a five year, 3.5-million-dollar deal with Nike and an annual salary of 2.74 million with his contract for the first season. Donnell didn’t know what kind of contract to expect but he wasn’t complaining either. He was happy that he could put himself and his family in a better position and the fact that his girl was right by his side made it even better.

  After he gave his speech, Donnell had to hang around to take more photos and attend more press conferences. It was a big draft party going on and everybody was in the city to be in attendance. It was expected to be a lot of big-name celebrities as well. Donnell’s mama and sister decided to go back to the room, but Sharonda stayed with him off to the side, smiling and letting him do his thing. Whenever he had a moment, he would check on her.

  “You okay?” He asked. ‘You cold?”

  She ran her hands up and down her arms as the air in front of her let out a smoky cloud whenever she spoke. “No, I’m fine.” She lied, with shivering lips.

  He smiled. “Stop lying.” He pulled her into his chest and used his own body to warm her up until it was time for him to take more pictures. It took a few hours, but they were finally free to go. When his car service came, Sharonda felt like she was in a fairytale staring at the skyline and skyscrapers. New York City was everything she imagined it to be. It wasn’t tropical like Miami, but for what it was worth it was something different and the first time she’d ever been so far away from home.

  She scooted closer to Donnell while he talked to his agent on the phone about the plans for the next day. Gently grabbing his cold hand, she placed it in between her thighs to warm it up which prompted him to smile and lick his lips.

  He gave her that look and covered the phone up with his other hand. Leaning into her ear, he whispered. “Don’t start no shit you can’t finish.”

  “I got you later.” She winked.

  Donnell’s dick was hard just thinking about it. He knew that Sharonda was the one he wanted to be with forever and be the mother to his kids. In this moment he just didn’t see it any other way although he wasn’t in a rush. He just prayed that him being in the league wouldn’t tear them apart. As long as they had mutual respect and understanding for each other they should be okay.

  She knew how to play her position and allow him to shine just like he did for her. She knew when to speak and when not to speak and wasn’t trying to go out of her way to be seen in front of the cameras. No matter what kind of deal he got, she was still career driven and focused on her needs, never wanting to have to depend on him and she had a good head on her shoulders. When he hung up the phone with his agent, they arrived back at the hotel shortly after. When he stepped out, he looked up at the gloomy sky.

  “Thank you, God.” He mumbled. He came from some of the roughest parts of Miami throughout his childhood and was exactly where he was meant to be now. Donnell reached for Sharonda’s hand. “So, how you feel?”

  “No, the question is how you feel Mr. Baller?”

  “I feel like I’m the fuckin’ man. I’m on top of the world. That’s how I feel. I had a successful run in college. I graduated top of my class, got drafted, and won the girl these niggas wish they had. I’m rich baby, and it don’t get no better than that.”

  Sharonda balled up her fist and playfully gave him a fist bump. “You the man.”

  “So, again. How do you feel, baby?”

  She sighed and took a deep breath. “I feel like we were meant to be. That’s exactly how I feel from the day I laid eyes on you at Myrtle Grove, I’ve been stuck ever since.”

  He looped his arm around her backside and pulled her close. “You ain’t goin’ nowhere either.”

  “Nope, from the court to the heart. Remember that?”

  “Always.”

  They enjoyed the rest of their time in New York but on the last day, Sharonda decided to call Pinky and see how her and Stacks were holding up.

  “Hey bitch, you miss me yet?” Sharonda asked through a grin.

  “Damn right, you out there in New York living yo’ best life. I saw yo’ ass on television and I’m supposed to be there with you.” She pouted.

  Sharonda’s phone had been blowing up about that one little snippet of video which showed Donnell walking into the drafts holding her hand. “Girl, it wasn’t that serious. We going to all the games together so get ya wardrobe ready.”

  “Ouuu I can’t wait.”

  “So, what’s up with Stacks, are ya’ll okay?” Sharonda quizzed nearly holding her breath.

  “Girl, we in love again, I guess. I’ve been sitting my ass down and so has he. I done cut hairy Larry’s ass off and heard that he’s flaunting around with every bitch in Dade willing to accept his ugly ass. To each its own with his hurt ass.”

  Sharonda laughed. “I’m just glad yo’ ass listened. Stacks is good for you.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m a changed woman for now, but if he pisses me off, I’m going right back to the streets and they gon’ be right there waiting for big mama with open arms.”

  “Pinky!”

  “I’m so serious. Anyway, love ya girl. We gon’ party when you get back.”

  “I love you too with yo’ crazy ass. I’ll call you.”

  When she hung up all she could do was shake her head. Her friend would forever be crazy and that’s what she loved about her. She had to rush and change clothes so they could make it to the next destination in time. This was only the beginning of her experiencing what it was like to be a rich baller’s girl, and she couldn’t say she was mad at it. Had she stayed with Tyrone’s trifling ass, she would’ve missed out on being who she was destined to be with even if it didn’t last although she prayed it would. Only time would tell.

  Epilogue

  Have You Ever- Brandy

  As the time went on, Sharonda and Donnell survived love in the 90’s and had made it through the storm of a decade married and still together. Now in their forties, they still enjoy life with their two adult children. Their nineteen-year-old twin daughters Heiress and Blessing sat across from them at the dinner table in awe listening to their drama from the 90’s and how they met. Although they had told them the story multiple times, they didn’t mind hearing it again because every time they got a little more detail that they may have missed the first time.

  Donnell had retired from the NBA and was now coaching on the sidelines. Sharonda still dominated in the nursing field and had since become a nurse practitioner. To them, forty-three wasn’t old at all and they were still enjoying life and looked just as good as they looked back then, with just a little more seasoning.

  It wasn’t easy being a baller’s wife and they had fallen in and out of love over the years. They had plenty of fights and threats to divorce. Sharonda knew she would have to deal with drama from women and no matter how hard it got, remembering that 90’s love which joined them from the beginning always kept them together. When they had the twins, it felt like the beginning all over again.

  The twins were now students at the University of Miami and always came home most weekends. They reminded Sharonda a lot of herself and Pinky back in the day, just in a different era because times had truly changed but they loved to dress and party. She considered Blessing as the wild child while Heiress was more laid back and just like she predicted, she bore children with beautiful eyes just like their daddy.

  “Dang, ya’ll were crazy.” Blessing laughed. “It sounds like so much fun around those times. I wish I could’ve experienced it.”

  “Trust me…” Sharonda smiled at her daughter. “You’d had to been there. What a time to be alive.”

  Donnell admired his girls, looking just like him. “Yeah, kids nowadays will never know.”

  Heiress stared at her fine ass daddy. All of her friends had a crush on him. “And you thought you was the man, daddy. I can’t believe mama had to deal with drama from all those girls.”

  He laughed. “She wasn’t no weak woman though. She wasn’t letting nobody take her crown and I wasn’t having that shit either. She’s the only woman that ever had my heart.”

  She looked at her mama. “Un un ma, you need to give me some tips for me and my boyfriend.”

  Sharonda shook her head. “No ma’am, trust me, if he wants you, you’ll know, and nothing will stop him from making you happy no matter the situation. The trick is they have to want you more than you want them.” She winked.

  “Is that right?” Donnell asked through a smirk.

  “You know I’m not lying.” Sharonda replied to her husband.

  He grabbed a Corona from the fridge and decided to take a seat on the massive sectional and flick on the huge wall projector in the living room. With his eyes bouncing around the mansion, he couldn’t have asked for a better life making sure his wife, kids, and family were straight.

  He momentarily blocked out their conversation while they had girl talk. It was no other place he’d rather be than where he was right now. Sharonda put more meatloaf on her daughter’s plates and continued to answer all of their questions because she cherished every moment they spent together. They were heading back to school tonight and she and Donnell were meeting up with Pinky and Stacks at grown folks’ night.