Page 117 of Double Dribble

Under the post were two grainy photos of me and Danessa. One was just us talking, the other was me kissing her. Scrolling down, the comments were no better.

@nocaptherealest: That’s what’s up.

@TiffandStiff: Yet another groomer.

@shakeshaq: Who the fuck is this?

@Polytimestwo: Why is my husband cheating on me?

@Jackieluvs: Shit I don’t blame her I’d let this man do unspeakable things to me.

@MEDschool: Men are all the same. At least she’s Black.

Sometimes I was able to forget I was famous but shit like this was a stark reminder if you weren’t ready to make shit official, don’t do official shit. Personally, I didn’t care if the world knew about Danessa and me, but I got the sense she didn’t feel the same. She agreed when I jokingly called her my fuck buddy. Why would she cosign if it wasn’t what she wanted.

Aldridge: Barely legal? That’s Danessa.

Duane: Why anyone would be interested in what you do still blows me.”

Aldridge: I’m a very important person.

Duane: Yeah, according to you and No Drill.

Aldridge: Have you talked to Lamonte about his latest business venture?

Duane: The last time Lamonte and I were in the same room I punched him … so no.

Aldridge: I forgot about that. That was good shit.

Duane: Whatever he wants don’t give it to him.

Aldridge: …

Duane: I’m serious, fuck him. He thinks he deserves money because he’s your father. But he ain’t do shit to raise us. If we’re keeping it a hundred his presence only made our lives worse.

Aldridge: I already told him no.

Duane: Good.

Aldridge: How’s my niece?

Duane: Shit growing like a weed. She wants to try out for the soccer team.

Aldridge: I’ll send you some money to get her started, sports can be expensive.

Duane: I didn’t say that looking for a handout.

Aldridge: It’s not a handout.

Duane: Aldi, I’d love you if you had nothing. You know that right?

Aldridge: Yeah.

Duane: So Danessa?

Aldridge: Yeah, Danessa.

I made my way back to the bedroom and curled up in Danessa’s arms. Her body wrapped around mine. “Are you okay?” she asked, still half asleep.