“What do you think about this one, Ma?”
It’s been two weeks since I was drafted by the Knicks and I was finally getting a chance to look for a place of my own. I had been crashing on my uncle’s couch since I declared for the Draft in April. It was mostly to train, get me away from campus where I was getting hounded by students and reporters alike. It would be a little harder for them to make it to the tenth floor of Uncle D’s building. He had set me up with his realtor, Chad.
I would have moved into his building in Brooklyn Heights, but there wasn’t anything available and I wanted to be closer to Madison Square Garden anyway.
“Why does it matter what I think? You’re going to be living here, son.”
“And you’re going to live a few floors down. You promised.”
I told my mom once I got drafted I wanted her to retire from her job teaching and move to New York. She could relax, decide what passions she wanted to pursue and I would make it happen. She gave up a lot becoming a mother at 21. I felt like this was the least I could do for her. Once Uncle D got drafted, he always made sure we were straight, but my mom still kept her job. She didn’t want to become dependent on his money. Not like my pops. His ass was ready to kick back and collect checks. When Uncle D returned to the NBA to coach, after much convincing, she agreed to let him pay my tuition to Newman. And he would always send her some money every month to just treat herself, which she rarely did, but all of that was going to stop now that I had signed my contract with the Knicks. Even though it was a rookie contract, I was still a first round pick so it was nothing to scoff at. I also have two endorsement deals locked up, one with Beats and another with Panini. And I have a meeting with Nike at the end of the week to talk about signing with my uncle’s Dark Horse brand. I’m either wearing his shoes or Kobe’s, that’s no question. So, I’ll be good on a money front. My NBA contract was money that could be saved.
“That’s right, that’s right. I did. Anywhere you choose, I’m sure will be fine. Just make sure I have a nice view.”
The condo was simple enough. It had two bedrooms, two bathrooms. Nice sized kitchen. It even had a terrace. And it was high enough that I actually had views of the city. The building had a doorman, game room and a real chill rooftop lounge, but apparently Chad wanted to save the best for last.
“You’re really going to love this, Noah.” The elevator doors opened and there was a full length basketball court. There were six baskets and one of the walls was complete glass with the fitness center behind it.
“Why didn’t we start here, Chad?”
“I knew this would be a no brainer. So, I wanted to make sure you liked the rest of the building first.”
I take a picture of the court and text it Remy, then I call Uncle D on FaceTime to show him the court.
“I knew you’d love it. I’ve been there a few times. What does Adrian think about it?”
“Mom said she’s cool with whatever, as long as she has a view.”
“That’s what’s up. It’s gonna be great to have more family in the city full-time. Jordan and the twins are gonna be excited.”
“Yeah. You sure you can’t get grandma and grandpa up here?”
“Man, I had hell trying to get Mama to Cali a few years ago. You know they’re not leaving Louisiana if they don’t have to. I’m glad you like the spot though. We can get some work in on that court whenever you’re ready.”
“Bet. Talk to you later.”
I hang up the phone and see that Remy texted me back saying that he liked the spot. I tell him there is a few more units available if he’s interested. He said he would come down tomorrow to check it out. Having that indoor court reminds me of my uncle’s place in Los Angeles. He had a half court on the lower level of his house.
I look walk around the court some more and then I call Sydni. She answered immediately, but she sounded out of breath.
“What’s up, Noah?”
“You breathing heavy, girl. You busy?”
She laughed. “No, Paige and I are out running. What’s going on with you?”
“Tell her what’s up. I was just calling to let you know I think I found a place in Manhattan. It’s real nice. Two bedrooms. Building has a rooftop lounge and an indoor court and everything.”
“Sounds nice. I can’t wait to come through and challenge you on that court when I come to town in a couple weeks.”
“That’s what’s up. Everything should be settled by then.” I hesitated, but then I just decided to go for it. “Can’t wait to see you. WNBA’s been taking up all of our summer time.”
She laughed again. “Can’t wait to see you either. It’s been a minute.”
Which was true. I hadn’t seen her since that weekend I picked her up from the airport. The season had kicked off in May for her and for me, I was getting ready for the NBA Combine, we were just super busy. Then the Draft happened and I have just been on a roll these past two weeks. Press conferences, photo shoots, endorsement meetings. Our friendship had been reduced to the occasional text at this point. But the WNBA All-Star Weekend was in New York this year so she was going to be in town.
“Alright, well, uh, I’ll let you get back to your run. I’ll see you.”
“Bye, Noah.”
I slipped my phone back in my pocket and set off to find my mom. She sent me a text saying that she and Chad were in the conference room downstairs.
“Alright, folks. Let’s make it happen.”
Dark Horse family grows
