Ballers 2: His Final Play

by Blue Saffire

  “Easy for you to say, you are forty-seven and still making babies with your beautiful wife. I cannot get my woman to put my ring on her finger,” I gripe and turn to him.

  “You still have not told her that Tina is pregnant,” Uri sighs.

  “No,” I shake my head. “She is still in a difficult place. I don’t know if this whole surrogate thing is the right decision. She seems to be more depressed, the more we try to go through with it.”

  “Nico,” Uri says in that brotherly tone that gets my attention every time. “Reese has healed hundreds of people. All using alternative medicine and methods. This she has done repeatedly, but… she has not been able to do this for herself. Look at this from her shoes. Do you know what kind of challenge it was for her to agree to the birth control you demanded she take?

  “She cried to Valentina about this. I love my wife so I didn’t come to you then. Tina asked me not to. This,” Uri points to me. “I can no longer watch. Talk to her Nico or this will become a problem.”

  “It already is a problem,” I grunt.

  “Then what do you plan to do,” Uri asks and looks me in the eyes.

  “I don’t know. Losing her is not an option, but I just can’t watch her go through that shit again. I can’t go through that shit again,” I point to my chest. “It kills me. And to know she has gone through this six times, Uri. Not the five I have been with her for, but six in all. I can’t. I won’t ask her to.”

  “This is one I cannot fix for you,” Uri sighs. “I want to but I don’t know how. Tina offered to be your surrogate. Reese told her no. That is when Tina asked me for another baby.”

  I snort. “And what a Donati woman wants, she gets.”

  “This is true,” Uri chuckles.

  “But I have not given Reese the one thing she wants,” I look at my brother through hurt eyes.

  “I know Nico, sometimes we have to let go. When we stop squeezing the desire of our hearts, only then does it breathe into our lives. I believe you will be a father. It is just time to let it go,” Uri says and pats me on the back.

  It reminds me of something Ellen once said to me. ‘When you let go you will find all you desire. It will not be easy, but it will set you free.’ If only I knew how.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Too Much

  Reese

  “Cara mia, you are burning up,” Nico growls at me.

  I have been sick since the birthday party I threw for Nico. It was that damn dress I had to wear for my man. The weather was not what the weather man promised and I was too stubborn to cover the dress up when I knew my behind was freezing.

  Now Nico has been up my behind because I won’t take the stupid medicine he sent out for. If I wasn’t so weak, I would let him have it. I don’t take medicine, ever! He knows this. Well, that would be with the exception of the stupid birth control pills I now take thanks to him.

  I still can’t believe I let him talk me into taking it. Then again, I was so destroyed after that last miscarriage, I was willing to do what anyone said. However, right now I’m not having it. The answer is, no.

  “I just need to sleep it off. I had some tea and the sweats will help me sweat whatever it is out,” I say tiredly.

  “No!” Nico roars. “No more. This is too much. It has been two days, two. I will not do this with you. You are not getting on that plane in the morning like this. If you want to go to Ellie’s party, you will take this medicine now.”

  I think my blood pressure shoots through the roof. Nico must have lost his natural Italian mind if he thinks he is going to stand here and treat me like I’m his child. I narrow my eyes at him, shooting daggers in his direction.

  “What am I, five? I’m not taking that crap, Nico. Leave me alone. Maybe, I’m still sick because you won’t stop hovering,” I grumble through a stuffy nose.

  Nico scoffs deep in the back of his throat. “You are acting like you are five. Maybe, you are still sick because you are the most stubborn woman in the world,” Nico pinches his eyes closed and sighs. “Listen to me, Cara mia, this is your God daughters fourth birthday party. She calls you daily to make sure you are coming to the princess party her daddy is throwing for her. Don’t take the medicine for me, but for God sakes woman, take it for her.”

  I growl in frustration because I know he is right. Ellie calls me every day checking to make sure I am still coming to Texas for her party. I love that little girl. On top of that, Tam’s man, Brad, called to say he had a big surprise for Tam and he knows she would want us there for it. Personally, I think he is going to propose.

  Tam sounds so happy when I talk to her, and I’m glad things are working out for her. Things didn’t work out the way she thought they would, but I do believe they are better. I can’t wait to meet Brad in person. Anyone that can get Tam to put her guard down is worth meeting.

  There is no way I am missing this trip. I glare at Nico for dealing out such a low blow. “Fine,” I huff and hold out my hand for the little cup of medicine.

  Relief washes over Nico’s face. I don’t know how this man can make me love him, while being so pissed off at him at the same time. His face softens as he sits on the edge of the bed.

  “I don’t do this to under mind your beliefs and practices. I have been one of your patients. I know that what you do works, but Reese. I am also your man. There are times I will not watch you suffer when I can do something about it. This is one of them,” He leans in and kisses my forehead.

  “And I need you to learn to trust me to make decisions for me,” I say with tears in my eyes.

  I know Nico never wants to see me in pain, but he can’t always take away my choices to avoid me hurting. I think we are both hurting each other now. I can’t watch him go through another loss as much as he can’t watch me.

  I don’t say anything about it now because I am just too tired. Instead, I lie back down and bury myself under the covers. I feel more than see Nico as he climbs over me and spoons me.

  We need to talk and we need to do it soon. I feel like we are losing each other and we once promised we would talk to each other before that happens. I just need time to adjust to the surrogate idea. If it’s our only option then I will just have to accept that, but right now, that is a hard pill to swallow and I don’t know if I can. Not yet.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Because I love you

  Reese

  I feel a hundred percent better today. I was so excited when Nico and I stepped on the private jet to find Valentina, Uri, and the kids. I was only expecting Alee to be coming along with us. When Val told me that Tam had sent her an invite when the party turned into an extravaganza, I laughed.

  This place is gorgeous. This is something I could totally see Nico doing for his little girl. I mean Brad rented out a castle for a four-year old’s birthday party. It is so over the top, but at the same time it shows how much Brad wants to make his little girl happy.

  Tam found a good one and damn, he is fine. When we first walked up, Thor was the first thing that came to mind. That long blonde hair and those blue eyes, not to mention he has a nice body on him. If I would have known he was that fine, I would have made Tam look for him sooner.

  However, this punk Mike makes my stomach turn. I have never liked him. I met him on the few occasions I have come out to see Tam and Ellie. He has always had this thing about him like his shit don’t stink. Yeah, he is a nice looking brother, very nice looking, but looks don’t make up for being a grade A asshat.

  I can see that Tam is uncomfortable with how aggressive Mike is being right now. From the moment he walked up, he has been in Tam’s face. You would think he would catch a clue from her body language.

  “Is it me or does he need to back up,” Valentina murmurs beside me.

  “Nope,” I say letting the P pop. “He needs to take several steps back.”

  Valentina makes an irritated noise in the back of her throat as Mike places a possessive hold around Tam’s shoulders. “I don’t like that
hug he gave her either,” Val grumbles. “I’ll go get Uri.”

  Val starts to walk away, but I reach for her arm. “Girl relax. What’s up with you today,” I giggle. “Besides,” I say with a smile. “Look, I don’t think you have to get Uri at all.”

  I nod my head in the direction of a pissed off looking Brad. My smile broadens because I have a feeling Tam is about to find out what her man is made of.

  I watch as Brad wraps his large muscular arms around Tam’s waist, pulling her back into his chest and out right out of Mike’s hold. Brad’s hand cups Tam’s face, turning it up to his.

  I nearly cream my panties from the heart stopping, passionate kiss he lays on her. Damn. It is a possessive move if I have ever seen one. My girl just melts right into her man’s arms. When he breaks the kiss, his blue eyes are sparkling with lust and mischief as he stares down at Tam. Phew.

  Me and Val fall into each other giggling, while Alee chuckles behind her hand. I raise a brow and my glass at Brad. Now that was a boss move.

  “Damn,” Stacey snorts.

  “Exactly,” Valentina mutters.

  “I like him,” I laugh.

  Mike looks like he is about to try to make a comeback when Brielle comes flying over out of nowhere. “Daddy,” she squeals happily. She runs right into Brad’s leg. “Daddy, you promised to drive me in a go cart. I want to race Nori; his daddy is going to drive him.”

  “I’ll drive you,” Mike says with a smug smile on his face.

  I have to grab Valentina by the wrist. I can see Nico and Uri have turned their attention towards our group. This could end very badly for Mike. I can’t say I would be too upset. I caught him watching my ass the last time I was here on a visit.

  “Hey, Mr. Mike,” Ellie chirps. “Thank you, but I want my Daddy to drive me.”

  “Your Daddy is ready to, Sugar,” Brad says with a cocky grin on his face. “Let’s go win us a race.”

  “I’ll keep Tam company for you, big man,” Mike says smugly. Oh shit. Brad’s face transforms before my eyes.

  “Ellie baby, you go pick us out a car,” Brad says, with his southern drawl pushing Ellie toward the go karts.

  “Okay,” she sings and takes off, not having a clue it’s about to go down.

  “I don’t think we have met properly. I’m Bradley Monroe, Tam’s man, and Ellie’s father. I don’t share what’s mine, so unless I’m misreading your body language you might want to check yourself around my family,” Brad growls low.

  “Where were you when I was taking care of your family,” Mike hissed back. Oh, this dude is asking for it.

  “Did he just say that shit,” Val hisses beside me.

  “Wait for it,” I mutter. Tam is no slouch. I know she is not going to let that shit fly.

  Tam’s head whips back and she turns to glare at Mike. Brad goes to lunge at him, but Tam places her body between them placing a hand on Brad’s chest. “I don’t remember you taking care of anything Mike,” Tam snaps. “We dated for a while, nothing more. Just dates. Don’t try to play me or my man like I’m some cheap hoe or something, especially in front of my family. I think you should leave.”

  “Come on Tam, it’s not like that, and you know it,” Mike sighs in frustration.

  “Nah man,” Ellerie rumbles as he steps up beside Brad. My eyes jump to Alee to catch her reaction. I watch her turn into goo before my eyes as Ellerie stands up for his sister. “You’re my boy, but I’m not feeling what you’re trying right now. This man asked you to respect his family, and my sister asked you to leave. You told me you didn’t want any trouble. You wanted to come for Ellie. That’s not looking to be true to me right now, so I’m feeling some type of way. I think you should take all of our suggestions and make a quick exit.”

  “Yeah, alright man,” Mike nods and he looks pissed, good.

  We all watch him walk off. Brad is seething and once again I think Thor. Yup, that is going to stick. His blue eyes are blazing, and his cheeks are flushed red from anger. I look away as Tam tries to calm her man down. I see Mr. Hathaway nod at Ellerie.

  When I look in Nico’s direction I find his eyes on me. He gives me a nod and I nod back. I know he would have been all over Mike if things jumped off. Mostly, because Nico knows Valentina and I would not have let anything happen without making it our business. I don’t miss that Uri is not too far from him looking just as ready to strike. I am still silently communicating with Nico when I hear Valentina’s words to Tam.

  “You know my husband will take care of that little problem for you,” I hear my nutty friend say. God, I love Valentina. I’m surprised she is not threatening to do it herself.

  I step to Tam’s other side shaking my head. “Behave Valentina,” I chuckle. I then look at Tam. “Although, I told you there was something I never liked about him. He was trying to get a beat down today. If looks could kill, with the way your father, Nico, and Uri were looking over here that man would be toast.”

  “I’m just saying we can make that happen,” Valentina shrugs. “How is he going to come to this baby’s party disrespecting not just you, but her father as well?”

  Valentina places a hand on her hip and presses her lips. “Ignore her,” I giggle, “she has been extra snippy since we got on the plane.”

  “Mama,” Vita runs up, begging Valentina to drive her in a go cart in Italian. She has grown into such a beautiful little girl. Her Italian is flawless. Something Uri, Michael, and Nico are very proud of.

  “Vita baby, English, what have I told you,” Valentina chides gently. I bite my lip to keep from laughing. The guys maybe proud, but it drives Val crazy.

  “Mama, Uncle Nico promised Inzo he would drive him around the track. I want to race too, Mama. Will you drive me please?” Vita replies in English.

  “Oh honey, I don’t think that is a good idea for Mommy right now. Remember we talked about this,” Valentina says. I look at Val wondering what she means.

  “Oh,” Vita says sadly, then places her small hand on Val’s stomach. Vita kisses Val’s belly and pats it. “I forgot.”

  I feel the instant sting, and believe it or not it is not because Val is having a baby. That I am happy for, she is an amazing mother. It was one of the reasons I refused her offer to be a surrogate. Val would have become attached to a baby she carried for nine months. I couldn’t then take that baby away, even if it was mine. What hurts me to my heart is that Val wouldn’t tell me that she is pregnant.

  Val has grown to know me better than anyone else. She knows what I have been going through in the last year. She knows the areas I have healed in and which I am still working on. Val would know that this is something she could share with me. I am not the same woman I used to be. I can be happy for her.

  “You’re pregnant again,” I gasp. It is hard to miss the sadness in her eyes. “I should have known, that explains.”

  Valentina groans. “Nico asked us not to tell you yet,” Valentina sighs.

  “Why does he do that,” I say, almost in a whisper to myself, but I already have my answer. Nico never wants me hurt.

  Alee moves in to wrap an arm around me. “Because he loves you and it has torn him up watching you go through the same thing over and over. When are you going to accept what you two have? Accept his proposal.” Alee urges.

  “We are not here to talk about me. We are here to have fun and celebrate Brielle,” I huff as I try to pull it together.

  “That may be so, but we are going to talk about the elephant in the room soon,” Tam says.

  “My story will finish itself when it is ready. Now back to you. That man is in love with you. How are things going, you look so happy,” I try to change the subject before I get too emotional. I am hurt, pissed, and a little disappointed in my friends and Nico.

  “I can’t complain things have been perfect, almost too perfect. I can’t help but think that there is a shoe somewhere waiting to drop,” Tam says biting her lip. “It was such a big step to move in together, but I have never been happier, an
d neither has Brielle. She adores her father. I just don’t want her to get attached, and things blow up in her face.”

  “Blow up in her face or yours,” I asks as I tilt my head to the side. It is easy to tell Tam is projecting.

  “It sounds to me like you are the one that is afraid to get attached,” Stacey adds in. I was wondering when she was going to snap out of her shock and start talking.

  “I think it is a bit late for that,” Tam groans. “I crave that man something fierce, and I would be lying if I said that hasn’t always been the case.”

  “Then let yourself be happy for once without looking over your shoulder,” Stacey says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and squeezing. She then looks at me. “That goes for you too, because I would fuck your man in a heartbeat. Phew.”

  “Stacey,” I draw out. Stacey is harmless, but I don’t play when it comes to Nico. I will cut her skinny ass. “If I didn’t know you from childhood you would come up missing one of these days.”

  “All jokes aside, you know I am right,” Stacey says pointedly.

  “Oh, don’t worry, if Nico is anything like his brother, she is only on borrowed time. He will wait for so much longer before he gives her no way out,” Valentina says with a sly smile on her lips.

  “Whatever,” I mutter. I don’t want to admit that I know Val is right. Nico wants to get married. I don’t know how I have held him off this long. I just don’t want him to wake up one morning and hate me because of what I couldn’t give him. I need a break from this conversation. “Come on, Vita. I’ll drive you.”

  “Truth hurts,” Alee calls after me, but I am gone.

  ~B~

  Nico

  Reese has been pissed at me all day and I have no idea what I have done. It couldn’t be about the race. She and Vita kicked my ass in that little go kart. I will never live down how Inzo glared at me. He made me feel like a failure of an uncle.

  It didn’t matter that we beat everyone else except the birthday girl. Inzo was not happy his older sister beat him. For six and a half year olds, both of my nephews already have so much personality. They will make great leaders.