Wicked Love 2 (Kyle Kuzma)

39

November 30th, 2019

Kyle 🏀

I sit in the directors chair, next to one of the Complex reporters. She was asking me questions about the current NBA season. How me and the Lakers were on the grind and how we were planning on keeping it that way.

"Honestly, it's just the chemistry. The brotherhood amongst the 15 of us is what's keeping the win streak alive. We all push each other to be our best." I answer into the mic in my hand.

"Gotcha." She exclaimed.

She asked me about my new partnership with Puma and how that came to be. Then she asked about Violet.

"How has fatherhood been treating you?" She asked.

"Wonderfully. I swear there's nothing I wouldn't do for my daughter. She's the best thing thats happened to me." I exclaim.

She smiles and nods.

"Anything you wish was different?" She asked.

"Nope. Everything about her is perfect. She's what motivates me to go out there and play every night." I say.

"How about Ariana?" She asks.

"Ari is definitely working hard as a mom. I commend her for being such an awesome mother as she works on her music and takes care of Violet. She handles everything perfectly." I say.

"Sounds like Wonder Woman." She commented.

"She is. She truly is the real life Wonder Woman." I compliment, smiling to myself as I play with my wristband.

She really is.

*****

"Kyle honey, you need to stop." Ariana exclaimed playfully.

"What'd I do now?" I ask.

She turns her phone toward me, showing me the headline from TheShadeRoom's Instagram.

Kyle Kuzma calls baby mama, Ariana Williamson, Wonder Woman in an interview with Complex Sports

"I said what I said." I say, shrugging.

She laughs.

"I appreciate it though. That's sweet of you." She said.

"Of course. I just know there's no reason to lie." I say.

"Why do you insist on being this way after the break up and the baby?" She questioned.

"Because I was dumb. I wanted everything, but was completely blind to what was right in front of me. I shouldn't have done what I did, but in the moment it just felt right. And all along I knew it was wrong, I just ain't want to believe it. Until I saw you give birth to Violet, that shit changed me for real. I wanted nothing more than to give you two the world, but I knew I messed those chances up big time." I confess.

She smiled, literally enjoying one of the few moments of my vulnerability.

"Keep talking like that Kyle, or someone may just end up pregnant." She said.

I roll my eyes, chuckling at her comment.

She's such a goofball.

*****

"Ari, lift your chin up just a little more." The photographer said.

I look down at Ari, who does as told.

"Perfect. Kyle look this way." The guy said.

I look toward the camera.

"Alright big smiles everyone." He exclaimed.

The light flashed a few times; I assume he took several photos. Then he had us switch poses.

Right now we're taking family Christmas photos. Ariana insisted that we do, so here we are. Me in a red Christmas sweater, black jeans and white Pumas. Ariana in a red Christmas sweater as well, a black skater skirt and red Pumas. And 4 month old Violet in a red dress with a black headband, white stockings and black flats.

"What do you want to do next?" I ask Ariana.

She sits down on the white canvas, placing her legs to her right and leaning on her left hand for support.

"Get down here Kuzma." She said.

I squat down.

"Lay down on your back." She said.

I look at her for a second, before turning to the photographer who just shrugs. I hand Violet to her, turning to lay on my back.

"Place your head in my lap." She instructs.

I lay my head on her lap. She hands Violet back to me and I sit her on my stomach.

"Oh that's perfect Ari." The photographer says, getting back behind his camera.

Violet looks down at me in question, probably wondering why I'm on the floor.

"Don't even ask Vi." I say.

Ariana chuckled from above us.

"Just look at the camera and smile Alexander." She said, moving all of her hair to her right side.

I look up at her, sticking my tongue out at her. I prop my left leg up, leaving my right leg out straight.

"Alright guys, look this way and smile." The photographer said.

I held Violet's little hands as he took a few pictures. I don't even think she was looking at the camera.

The next pose was the both of us standing. Violet on my left side and Ariana behind her, on my left side as well. Both of us kissing Violet on the cheek.

Then Ariana sat on the stool, crossing her right leg over her left and sitting Violet on her lap. I was standing on her right side with my left foot on top of a box behind the stool.

About another two hours pass before we call it a day.

"The pictures should be done in about a week. How many Christmas cards did you want again?" The editor asked.

"5 is fine." Ariana said.

He nodded, writing that down. Soon we were making our way out of the studio. Ariana got in the car while I put Violet in the car seat. This is just how we operate; one day she'll put her in, the next I'll put her in.

I made my way to the passenger seat, because Ariana decided to drive today.

"Where we bout to eat at?" She said.

I kid you not, I started crying of laughter.

"Yo Ari, what?" I ask, still laughing.

She chuckled a bit, starting the car.

Somebody come get her please.