An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 35 - A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

Jason was at practice the following week and was in a shit mood. Jade had not been getting better despite the new vitamins and he was worried something was seriously wrong with his wife. She said she was fine. She said the doctors ran various tests, but it didn't seem right.

He was putting his shoes on to head home when his least favorite player walked in. William Thomas always looked at him with a scowl, but lately they'd been deadlier and deadlier at each glance and he was getting tired of it. "Can I fucking help you, Thomas?"

William let out a dry chuckle. "I debated on whether to say anything but seeing Jade at the bakery just snapped my resolve. I can't imagine the pain she must be in married to you after all you've done."

Jason looked at him crazily. "I knew you were aware that you fucked up marrying Jade. Blacks and whites don't mix and never should. Knocking up that white bitch was the smartest thing you could've done, because you stuck to your own kind and gave Jade a reason to leave you."

The other players shook their head at his crazed and prejudice monologue. "She hasn't though and I can't understand why. I figured she's just that much of a saint that doesn't believe in divorce but you don't deserve the courtesy. She's perfect in every way and deserves to be loved by the right man."

William walked up to him. "You need to let Jade find the Black man that will walk rightfully in front of her in life. You've done nothing for her but cause heartache. Honestly, I hope she's reconsidering latching herself to your colonizing ass no-" Jason punched him swiftly. A loud crunch could be heard. The fact that he was knocked out instantly made Jason feel ten times better.

The players in the locker room didn't even budge. This wasn't anything new between them and the Coach did little to mediate anymore. Jason grabbed his things and headed for the door. Luis was right behind him.

"Don't let that prejudice fuck get to you. He just wants all you have and that includes your wife. He doesn't seem like much but don't sleep on him either. Put together crazy is still crazy." Jason groaned as they stepped onto the elevator not wanting to believe any of it. "I bet he's been waiting to share that little speech this entire time since we've been out of practice." Luis laughed at him and nodded.

"How's Manny doing?" Luis sighed missing his husband. "He's great. He loves what he does, but I didn't know the life of a successful blogger required so much travel."

Jason nodded his head. "He sent pictures to Jade when he was in Bali that were breathtaking. He's living his best life honestly. I'm just glad you get to go on some adventures with him when we're off."

Luis nodded his head in agreement. "I'll see you in a few weeks, bro." Jason wished him a goodnight as he got in his car and headed home to the love of his life.

Jade held the gift wrapped box in her hand. It wasn't anything too crazy. She got an infant sized custom Astros shirt with the number 5 and Tatum on the back.

She used the printed out ultrasound picture from her appointment and placed it in a small shadow box with the pregnancy results. Jade hoped he liked it. She hoped he was as happy and excited as she was starting to get.

She heard the garage and set the box on the counter. She was making his favorite Nigerian dish to complete what she hoped to be a perfect night.

"Babe," Jason called out. "In here!" She said with a happy smile on her face. Jason pulled her in for a kiss that was demanding and let her know something happened. "What happened?" He shook his head and earned a look.

"William Thomas." Jason gritted out causing Jade to groan. "Forget that creepy bastard. He's not worth your time or energy, okay?" Jason nodded before noticing the prepared plates.