Ball Or Nothing (2)

(13.)

Melo

The first thing I saw this morning was Jordan's text message, followed by over a thousand social media notifications. I had a text message from Zo, Dmo, and a few other close friends. I FaceTimed with my mom and dad before I got ready to go workout. Gelo was tryna catch me with birthday punches but I got away. I gotta stay on high alert because he don't just randomly give up.

That man is dangerous bro.

On the car ride to the recreational facility, I'm responding to Jordan's text. She didn't answer me back, probably because she's sleep, but I know she will some time within the next two or three hours. But for right now it's time to get this work in.

That's what I spend the next four hours doing. Working out with Mike and putting up shots with JJ. Today was a little longer than the usual days, but they all count for something in the end.

"Good work today Melo." JJ exclaims as we're leaving the gym.

"Thanks JJ." I reply.

"Let's get back home and freshen up. I know a place that you would like." He said.

"What's the name of it?" I ask, bouncing the ball with my right.

"No spoilers."

I look back at Gelo who just holds his hands up. We continue walking out of the facility and out to the parking lot where JJ's car is at.

*****

I sat in the passenger seat of JJ's car, while Gelo sat behind me, Lewis sat in the middle, and Junior sat behind JJ. I was on my phone scrolling through social media because I ain't have much else to do. Jordan replied to me a while ago, but I ain't want JJ to think I wasn't listening to what he was saying.

"On that street right there, that's where I used to get my haircuts. They were free cuz I was well known around these parts." He explains, pointing out a barbershop on the right. "Everybody wanted a piece of Jermaine Jackson."

I look over at him. "Who wouldn't?"

He chuckles at my response. I look out at the street before us, watching the places go by. They all look old, but they hold so much value. I think that's what makes places like these memorable. Regardless of if they're run down or not.

"So you gone tell me where we're going now?" I ask, glancing over at him again.

"Nope." He said, signaling that he's about to make a right turn.

I look out my window, taking in some more of the scenery. Places like these really make you think about how much the system fails these particular communities. It's very upsetting.

Fifteen minutes go by before we're pulling up to an indoor amusement park. I've never been to an indoor amusement park before, I've always been to the outdoor ones. This one looks quite big compared to places I've heard about.

JJ finds a good place to park before we all get out and head inside. As soon as we enter, I take in my surroundings. There weren't too many people here, so I guess that's good. They're keeping it COVID safe.

We follow behind JJ as he goes to get the wristbands and stuff.

"I feel like a giant kid again." Gelo says, looking around.

I chuckle at that. "It's about the vibes Gelo."

He shakes his head as I grin.

This is gonna be fun.

*****

"There's no way you can think I let you win that, because I definitely didn't." I exclaim.

"You damn sure did." Gelo said, eating some of his fries.

"JJ..." I look at him.

"I think Gelo won that fair and square." JJ exclaimed.

"Thank you JJ." Gelo replies. "Someone with common sense."

"You really gone do me like that Coach?" I shake my head.

"If you need a second or third opinion, ask the boys." He points to his sons.

Junior and Lewis come over to the table.

"Y'all think I let Gelo win?" I ask them.

"You didn't let him win, obviously." Junior said.

"You just lost fair and square." Lewis shrugged.

I shake my head at them as Gelo thanks them.

"Take your L bro." Gelo teased.

"Y'all trippin'. I ain't let him win." I eat some of my own fries.

"You still lost though." Gelo went on, shrugging.

"Play me in hoops then. Let's see who makes more shots." I stand up from the bench.

"Let's go." Gelo said, standing up as well. "He mad that he taking L's on his birthday."

I roll my eyes, walking over to the hoops game with Junior and Lewis in tow. Gelo decides that he's going to get on FaceTime with Zo and Dmo to up the adrenaline.

G: This boy is about to take another L on his birthday.

"Stop talking shit bitch and put the coin in." I gesture to the machine.

Zo and Dmo laugh on the other line.

"You wanna go first?" I ask him.

"Nah bro, you got it." He said.

I shake my head, putting the coin into the machine. It soon releases the basketballs and I'm off like a rocket.

By the time I was done, I had made 82 shots in the minute it gave me.

"How much you wanna bet I can beat that?" Gelo asked.

"How much y'all think he should give me if he lose?" I ask everyone.

"$250." Junior said.

"$1,000." Lewis said.

Z: You got a nice new Rolex somewhere. Cough it up.
D: The chain on your neck.

"So that's $1,250, a new Rolex, and a chain." I list off what everyone said.

"That's a easy dub then." Gelo said, handing Junior his phone.

We stand back as he puts the coin in the machine. The basketballs release and he starts shooting. I listen to everyone instigate as he reaches the late sixties with thirty seconds left on the clock.

Right as time runs out, he misses the shot that would've tied my 82.

"82 beats 81 bitch. Pay up!" I exclaim, holding my hand out as everyone instigates.

He rolls his eyes as I grin. I don't know why they stay challenging me in these bets. I always win.

Happy Birthday to me.