The Mis-Education of Noah Baldwin (2027 - ???)

[chosenone58]

[chosenone58]

For Old Times Sake

“Noah Baldwin picking up the triple double to finish the series! How does it feel to move past these Nets?”

“Doris, it feels great. I just wanted to come out and do what needed to be done. It’s always tough going up against Keith Perkins and those guys. I knew I would have my hands full, but Coach told us to just be sure we controlled the flow, the pressure was on them and not on us to win tonight.”

The guys were starting to crowd around during my interview, so we wrapped up after that question.

“Enjoy your time off, we’ll see you in the Finals next week.”

“Thanks, Doris.”

This series ended quicker than anybody anticipated. Especially me. I made my way over to my mom and gave her a kiss on the cheek and handed her my Eastern Conference Finals cap. I told her I would see her at home. I high fived the little Baldwins and told them we'd celebrate this weekend. I wish Kori had been here to see this, but she was attending an educational conference in New Orleans. She’ll be back for the NBA Finals though.

One of the guys had dumped a cup of water on me, probably Remy, so I put my towel over my head and made my way to the tunnel, waving to a few fans along the way.

Even though the arena was emptying out, it was still pretty loud, but I could hear someone calling my name from the stands. I didn’t look up, but I did wave. I was ready grab a slice and hit the bed, these next couple days of rest were going to be clutch. These playoffs have been a grind. The Western Conference Finals were locked at 2 games each, so we had a little time before the Finals started.

“Don’t tell me you’re acting different because you’re going to the NBA Finals now.”

I stopped and looked up to see Sydni in the stands. It’s been a while since we’d been in each other’s space. I don’t think I’d seen her since last summer in Miami.

“What’s up, girl?” I looked around for a second. “Where’s your shadow?” I joked.

“Don’t do that. I came to watch my baby brother. Brady’s in Vegas training.”

“Right.”

Just then Jerry from PR came by to tell me that I still had to do my press conference. I told him I would be there in a minute and then I turned back to Sydni.

“Go do your thing. I just wanted to say what’s up.”

“You wanna grab something to eat after this? Celebrate a little bit?”

She laughed. “Feels a little blasphemous considering you just eliminated my brother’s team and all.”

“Hey, Q already got his ring, now I’m trying to get mine.”

“You sure?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t. Look, meet me at Tony Roma’s in Manhattan in like an hour, maybe hour and a half.”

She looked at her watch. “So, eleven-thirty? Don’t they close at midnight?”

“My uncle and I own both locations. I just gotta send a text and tip the staff. Don’t trip. Text me what you want to eat.”

With that I headed to the locker room to change.

##################################

A little before midnight, Sydni and I find ourselves seated near the back of Tony Roma’s away from the windows.

“Must be nice.”

“Perks of ownership. I try not to abuse it. I’ve only come in after hours a handful of times. I always call ahead though. And like I said I take care of my people.”

“Still, must be nice. WNBA money has improved, but I’m still not in a place to purchase a restaurant let alone two.”

“The next time we’re putting together a deal, I can have Devin reach out.”

“Appreciate that.”

“Enough shop talk. How’s the foot? Can’t believe Sugar let you out of her sight.”

The WNBA season had started last week, but Sydni had gone down with an injury during preseason, that was going to have her sidelined for the next few weeks.

“Toe,” she corrected me. “And not bad. Should be back on the floor in a week. I’ve only missed three games.”

“That’s what’s up. Being out with injury sucks. How’s the squad looking for the championship run this fall?”

The Aces had a really good season during Sydni’s rookie campaign. They defeated the Liberty to make it to the Finals, but lost to the L.A. Sparks in four games. Last season, they made the playoffs, but were eliminated by Dallas. This year, they’re looking to go all the way.

“Looking good. Trying to get a ring by the end of this one too.”

“Can’t have Q being the only Franklin with a title, huh?”

We talked more about the game and who might be across from us in the NBA Finals. Right now Denver and Portland are locked in a tight battle.

“Can you believe that just two years ago around this time, you were getting ready for the NBA Draft and I was heading to Vegas to meet with the Aces to start my WNBA career? Now you’re on the verge of being an NBA Champion.”

“Shit is crazy. We have come a long way from splitting coco bread over by Prospect Park. I ain’t been to Island Express in a minute. Probably since that day.”

The conversation died off at that point. I didn’t know if she was thinking about that day, but I was. But so many things had changed in all that time. Kori and Isabella for me, Brady for her. She finally broke the silence.

“I’m gonna run to the restroom real quick.”

“Cool, I’ll settle up the bill.” I waved over Rasheed, Ernest, and Justin. The three of them stayed tonight to make sure I had something to eat. I gave them each two-hundred and fifty dollars. Not bad for an hour and a half of work. They began clearing the table.

“You should drop in after hours more often, Boss.” Justin joked. He was working to help pay his way through Columbia University.

“Shit, man, I can’t afford to keep paying y’all like this every night.” I laughed. “I appreciate y’all though. Don’t spend it all in one place.”

When she disappeared around the corner, I pulled out my phone and looked down at the text messages that I exchanged with Kori on the way to meet Sydni.

Miss Hilliard Sat, May 25 at 11:11 PM
Congrats on the win, babe!

Noah Sat, May 25 at 11:16 PM
You keeping some late hours, huh, Miss Hilliard? Teachers must be letting their hair down fa real in the N.O.

Miss Hilliard Sat, May 25 at 11:18 PM
LOL Be easy. They had a reception at the hotel and then we went to Harrah’s. I got back to the room about an hour ago, but I waited to text until I figured you had left the arena.

Noah Sat, May 25 at 11:21 PM
Yeah. I’m headed back to Manhattan now. Gonna grab a bite and crash for a few days.

Miss Hilliard Sat, May 25 at 11:25 PM
Wasn’t expecting the sweep. Hate that I missed it.

Noah Sat, May 25 at 11:26 PM
You know how we do.

Miss Hilliard Sat, May 25 at 11:26 PM
Not you getting cocky? LOL

Noah Sat, May 25 at 11:27 PM
LOL Nah, I wasn’t expecting it either. Make sure you’re there when we get that championship trophy tho!

Miss Hilliard Sat, May 25 at 11:28 PM
Wouldn’t miss it. Get some rest. I’ll see you in a couple days.

I was so deep in my phone, I didn’t notice Sydni come back to the table.

“You ready? I gotta get across the river.”

“It’s not like you gotta walk.” I waved the remote to my LaFerrari in front of her face. “Your chariot awaits.”

We managed to get to the car without incident as I made my way to Fairview, New Jersey.

Things may be different, but sometimes they still feel the same.

[chosenone58]

[Agent]

Congrats on advancing to the Finals. Is Kyle going to get Noah caught up with his ting back in NO? Damn paparazzi's..

[kibaxx7]

FINALS BOUND!!!

[chosenone58]

Congrats on advancing to the Finals. Is Kyle going to get Noah caught up with his ting back in NO? Damn paparazzi's..

I'm sure it will....

FINALS BOUND!!!

[The JZA]

Leggo DB! 4 more wins & next stop is HOF

[chosenone58]

Leggo DB! 4 more wins & next stop is HOF

[chosenone58]

[chosenone58]