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

[The JZA]

DB going home like:

[chosenone58]

Into the sunset Derek Baldwin goes. Incredible writing in here my dude. Going out on an 81-1 season & 6th man of the year

Now it’s time to coach the Knicks

I wouldn't get rid of Coach Silas that quickly. I'm gonna let the man enjoy his wife and three kids... for now

DB going home like:

It's been a hell of a ride for the guy.

[chosenone58]

2030 Retirements

[The JZA]

The game just ain't the same no more.

[chosenone58]

The game just ain't the same no more.

Big changes happening. Lot of familiar names on that list.

Time to usher in the future

[chosenone58]

2030 NBA DRAFT - FIRST ROUND

[chosenone58]

We Ain’t Good Good, But We Still Good

“Y’all straight? Anybody need anything?” I asked as we made our way to our seats at Barclays.

“I think we have enough food, Noah. I know Bella doesn’t need another thing.” Kori said to me. I may or may not have gone overboard at the snack table.

Remy and I decided to take in a WNBA game as they New York Liberty were taking on the Chicago Sky. The Liberty have been in a bit of a slump since losing in the playoffs to Las Vegas two summers in a row now. Amayiah Reynolds and Kahleah Cooper have the Chicago Sky making some noise this summer, so we wanted courtside seats to the action. Iris thought it would be fun to make it a double date. My uncle thought it would be good to bring the wife and kids. My cousin Devin and his wife Carmen were there with their son, Alejandro, as well. Carmen actually played for the Sky back in 2014. So, this has actually turned into a bit of a family day.

No sooner than we got the kids settled did my Aunt Naya lean over to me and say, “Isn’t that Sydni over there?”

Sure enough, about a few seats over on the row behind us, there was Sydni Franklin and Brady McNicholls. I gave a small wave. She waved back. Brady looked in our direction and immediately threw his arm across her shoulders.

Sydni looked…different. I don’t know if she was surprised to see me or if she was surprised to see me with Kori.

I turned my attention back to Kori, who had all of her attention on me.

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

May 2030

I got a text from Kori telling me not to bother picking her up from the airport because she had called Iris.

I found it odd because we had plans to grab lunch once she got back from New Orleans. I texted back asking if we were still on for lunch. She said she wasn’t in the mood.

I got a text from Iris later that said “You said it was handled.” with the angry face emoji. And everything fell into place. Social media was definitely a gift and a curse.

I sent Kori a text asking if we could talk. She didn’t respond and I didn’t press the issue. I had to prepare for the Finals. The day before our game against Denver, I drove over to Kori’s place. She opened the door, but she left the chain on so I couldn’t come in all the way.

“You said I had nothing to worry about.”

“You still don’t.”

“The picture on Twitter says otherwise.”

“Where’s Bella?”

“She’s taking a nap. She doesn’t wanna see you either.”

“So, you’re gonna keep me on the stoop all day? I don’t want all of Brooklyn in our business. Can I come in?”

“Nah, you’re good. We need a little space right now. Seems like you prefer it.”

“I’m here ain’t I?”

“I know you’re not trying to come at me--”

“I’m not. I’m not. And I’m sorry. I just meant that if I wanted the space then I would be out doing whatever you think I was doing.”

“And what would that be?”

“Running around behind whoever.”

“Not whoever. Her.”

“Syd and I are friends, Kori. That’s it. It was just dinner.”

“So when I texted you that night?”

“I didn’t lie, I was on my way to get something to eat. We went to Tony Roma’s, ate, chopped it up and then I took her home and I headed back to my condo. Alone. You can call the boys.”

“Like those three would sell you out.”

“Justin wouldn’t, but Rasheed would. And so would Remy.”

She smiled a little at that. Rasheed constantly reminds me that he will swoop in if I ever mess this up.

“It was nothing. I didn’t mention it, because I didn’t want you to make something out of nothing. Because it really was nothing. I was high off the win and you weren’t there…”

“So, that was your solution? Go out with your ex?”

“She would’ve had to be my girl to be my ex. She’s always been my friend. I just wanted to share the moment with somebody. And things have been weird with her ever since Miami. I just wanted to kick it with my friend.”

She still didn’t move to open the door. I reached for her hand through the space in the door, but she quickly pulled it out of reach.

“Okay, okay.” I put my hands up in surrender. “I know it’s probably too much to ask, but can I have my favorite girls at Game 1 of the NBA Finals tomorrow night? Y’all are my good luck charms.”

“That’s really why you come over isn’t it?”

“No, I really came over to apologize and explain and reassure you that you have nothing to worry about in regards to Sydni. Looking back I see how it could be a lie of omission, so I understand how you feel. But nothing happened. I had no intention of having anything happen outside of sharing that meal. For real. That was bad communication on my part.”

She looked at me for a minute before she slowly closed the door.

“Fuuuuuuck,” I said to no one before I slowly started down the steps. Right before my foot hit the sidewalk, I heard the door open.

“Maybe we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

All is not lost.

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

Present Day

Right before halftime, my aunt, Carmen and Iris took the girls to the restroom, while Devin, Remy and Uncle D took the boys to get more popcorn. So, I decided to go over and speak. No need to make an awkward situation even more awkward. I grabbed Kori’s hand and pulled her close behind me. We sat in the empty seats next to them.

“What’s up, Syd? Brady.”

“Hey, Noah.” She looked like she wanted to give me a hug, but Brady still had a hold on her and I was still holding Kori’s hand. “And it’s Kori, right?” Kori nodded and I felt her give my hand a slight squeeze. Sydni knows her name. “How have you guys been?”

“Good. Just enjoying summer vacation. Noah has been extra busy since the NBA Finals.”

“I bet. Congrats, again.”

“Thanks. Um, I heard you were out again. How long this time?” I pointed to her wrist that was covered in a soft cast.

“I got about two weeks left.”

“Damn. But at least you won’t miss the season, it’s still early.”

“Yeah. We got a little time off with the All-Star break coming up and everything, so I’m just hanging out right now. Q begged me to come home for the holiday.”

“You still heading down to Chicago for All-Star Weekend?”

“We’ll head down there on Saturday. I have a few things to do, but I’m obviously not playing in the game.”

I nodded my head. Not really knowing what else to say.

“Yeah, I’m looking to get some time in with my girl before it’s time to get back out on the field,” Brady said.

“Oh, the Raiders are gonna to keep you around? I know contract negotiations can be a beast, especially when the team is struggling to win games.”

That wiped the smug look right off his face. I knew the Raiders weren’t enthused about signing his ass. He had an average season at best. He signed a one-year deal worth just over a million dollars. Kori squeezed my and again.

“Yeah, uh, everything worked out. So, I’ll get to stay in Vegas with Syd.” He pulled her closer to him. I saw her fighting not to roll her eyes.

“What about you guys,” she asked. “Will you be in Chicago? I know Derek is usually there.”

“I think he said he’ll be there for the game, I know he has some stuff to do with Nike overseas. He’s leaving in a couple days. Remy and I will down for the game for sure. Hoping my girls will be able to make it.” I said looking at Kori. We discussed it once, but I know I’m still low key in the dog house.

“I told you I’d think about it.” She nudged my shoulder.

The players were starting to come back on the floor for the second half of the game, so I decided then was as good a time as any to end the conversation.

“Well, we’ll let you guys get back to your quality time. I know how important that is.”

Kori and I headed back to our seats.

“Why are you like that with Brady?”

I kissed the back of her hand. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Love.”

The rest of the day went off without a hitch. We even took the kids down to the Brooklyn Pier to let them run off all of that sugar they consumed at the game earlier. Later that night, I saw that I had gotten a text from Sydni.

Syd the Kid Tues, Jul 2 at 10:53 PM
Did not expect to see you today. So, you and your girl are good after the whole dinner thing?

Noah Tues, Jul 2 at 10:59 PM
Awkward as hell, right? Not good good, but we’re still good. LOL

Getting things back on track. You good though? You looked… different.

Syd the Kid Tues, Jul 2 at 11:06 PM
Yeah. Just a little bummed about the injury and everything. But it’s all good.

Noah Tues, Jul 2 at 11:06 PM
You sure that’s it?

Syd the Kid Tues, Jul 2 at 11:07 PM
What else could it be?

Noah Tues, Jul 2 at 11:08 PM
Don’t know. That’s why I’m asking. You and your man seem a lil tense.

Syd the Kid Tues, Jul 2 at 11:09 PM
Nah, we’re good. You ain’t have to bring up his contract tho.

Noah Tues, Jul 2 at 11:09 PM
LOL It’s public knowledge. I’m just glad he’s able to help pay his way. Can’t have you out there with a trophy husband.

Syd the Kid Tues, Jul 2 at 11:12 PM
Suuuuure. I didn’t want anything for real. Just wanted to say it was good seeing you today. Good night, Big Head.

Noah Tues, Jul 2 at 11:13 PM
Same. Good night, Bigger Head.

[Agent]

Man still flirting in the dog house

[chosenone58]

Man still flirting in the dog house

I mean, he's already in trouble

[The JZA]

Syd the Kid Tues, Jul 2 at 11:12 PM
Suuuuure. I didn’t want anything for real. Just wanted to say it was good seeing you today. Good night, Big Head.

Noah Tues, Jul 2 at 11:13 PM
Same. Good night, Bigger Head.

Noah bald headed ass after the convo like: