Chapter Twenty-One

Jordyn Love POV

I cried. I cried so hard. What the fuck was wrong with me? As soon as I saw her face, reality hit me like a truck. The most perfect, understanding, mentally sound, and caring person in the world... and I threw it all away for some sex? Something had to be wrong with me.

The AU league was over, but I was terrified to go home. Even though it was our house, I knew there was no way A'ja wanted me anywhere near her. I knew her too well, and I had to respect her boundaries, even if it hurt like hell. So, instead, I booked an Airbnb a few miles away. I locked myself in the bedroom and cried for two days straight.

On the second day, my dad called.

When I picked up, there was nothing but silence for a long, heavy moment.

"Jordyn, I am so disappointed."

His words crushed me. My dad wasn't just my father; he was my best friend. Hearing that from him made everything even more real.

"I know. I'm disappointed in myself. I hurt her so bad, Pops," I started, my voice cracking.

He let out a long sigh. "Do y'all have issues? I mean, something between the two of you that led to this?"

I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "No. She's fucking perfect," I mumbled.

He chuckled dryly. "Then what the hell inclined you to cheat, Jordy?"

I closed my eyes, feeling the shame burn through me. "I don't even have an excuse, man. Te'a was in my face, offering it, and I hadn't seen A'ja in a month. I was dead wrong."

"At least you're taking accountability. But listen to me—she said she's done. I heard her talking to your mama yesterday."

I froze. The words hit like ice water. I knew I had fucked up, but losing A'ja? Truly losing her? That was a reality I wasn't prepared to face.

"I'm gonna make it right, or at least try. I can't lose her, Pops," I said, my voice desperate. "I don't think I'm supposed to tell anybody, so you can't say nothing to Ma... but she's pregnant, Pops."

There was silence, then the sound of him choking on his words. "You cheated on your pregnant wife? The hell is wrong with you, Jordyn?"

"I didn't know!" I said quickly. "I just found out when she showed up in Dallas."

Another sigh. This one felt heavier, more tired. "You got problems, Jo. Real deep ones. It's gonna take time. But go try to make it right with your old lady. You owe her that much."

Three Days Later

My phone buzzed, Angel's name flashing across the screen.

"Yo," I answered, my voice rough from days of crying and no sleep.

"I'm in Vegas," Angel said without preamble. "We're getting lunch. Be ready in an hour."

It wasn't a suggestion. Angel Reese didn't make suggestions.

The diner was quiet when I arrived. Angel was already seated in the corner, her long braids pulled into a bun, her Aces warmup jacket draped over the back of the chair. She was scrolling through her phone but looked up the second I walked in.

"Sit," she said, nodding to the seat across from her.

I sat, my heart pounding. Angel wasn't just a friend—she was closer to A'ja. She looked at her like an older sister, and the thought of her judgment made my stomach churn.

She leaned back, crossing her arms. "You want to tell me what the fuck is going on, Jordyn?"

I blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. "What?"

"You. Te'a. A'ja." She leaned forward, her voice low but sharp. "You cheated on A'ja while she was pregnant. And now you're sulking in an Airbnb like that's gonna fix anything?"

"I didn't know she was pregnant!" I snapped, but the excuse sounded weak even to my own ears.

Angel's expression didn't change. "But you knew she was your wife. You knew she trusted you. And you still fucked up, Jordyn."

I looked down at the table, ashamed. "I know."

"Do you?" Angel asked, her tone skeptical. "Because right now, it seems like you're more sorry you got caught than sorry for what you did."

Her words stung because they held some truth. For days, I'd been wallowing in self-pity, but I hadn't actually thought about what A'ja was going through. Pregnant. Alone. And betrayed by the person who was supposed to protect her.

"I want to fix this," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I want my wife back. I want our family back."

Angel studied me for a long moment, her eyes piercing. "Then stop crying in an Airbnb and start acting like it. Go to the house. Face her. Do the work. You fucked up, Jordyn, but if you really love her, you'll fight for her."

Later That Evening

Standing in front of the house we shared, I felt like a stranger. The lights were on, and I could see A'ja moving around inside. My heart ached at the sight of her, but I couldn't bring myself to knock.

Instead, I texted her.

Jordy🤍: I know I don't deserve your time, but can we talk? Please.

No response.

As I turned to leave, I heard a voice behind me.

"Jordy?"

I turned to see Kahleah standing on the sidewalk, her arms crossed. She'd always been one of my closest friends, but her expression was unreadable now.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I..." I hesitated. "I came to talk to A'ja."

Kahleah sighed. "You have a lot of nerve showing up here, you know that?"

"I know. I just... I don't know what else to do, Kah."

She motioned for me to follow her, and we ended up at a nearby park.

"Start from the beginning," Kahleah said, sitting on a bench. "Tell me everything."

And I did. Every painful, humiliating detail.

When I finished, Kah shook her head. "You fucked up bad, Jordy. But if you're serious about fixing this, you need to show A'ja that. Words won't cut it. Actions will." The door swung open and she stood there in a white tee, that seemed to be one of mine and some black shorts, holding a few bags as if she was heading somewhere.

"Jordyn," A'ja's voice called out, soft but firm.I froze, my breath hitching. When I turned around, she was standing there, her hand resting protectively on her stomach."What do you want?" she asked, her voice void of emotion.I swallowed hard. "You. I want you, A. I want our family. I want to make this right."Her eyes narrowed, and for the first time, l saw the depth of the pain l'd caused. "You don't get to want anything right now, Jordyn.You made your choice. And now, I'm making mine."She walked passed me and climbed into her jeep before rolling the windows down. "Kah you riding with me?" Kah shook her head."I'll meet you there," and with that she nodded pulling off."Where are you meeting her?" I questioned as she stood up."WNBPA Meeting," she said as I nodded, and we went our separate ways . I walked into our home and sighed. I missed it. As I made my way to the kitchen I saw a small folded paper on the counter. I opened it and my eyes watered. Our baby. The tiniest little bean. But it was ours. And it was perfect. I got to fix this, I can't take this for granted ever again.

Excuse all errors Ajah 🤍Fine....only cause I love yall 🥲