Head In The Game

By Kimona and Quietstorm

Embark on an emotional journey with Toya in "Head in the Game," a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a bustling hospital's Emergency Department. Toya grapples with the echoes of her past, particularly her tumultuous relationship with Boone Alston, a renowned football player whose actions continue to reverberate in her life.

As Toya strives to rebuild her life amidst the chaos of her profession and the ever-present media spotlight on Boone, she finds herself confronting feelings of betrayal and heartache. Despite her efforts to move forward, Boone's celebrity status and entanglements with other women, like the captivating Malley Daniels, serve as constant reminders of the love she's lost.

"Head in the Game" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. With themes of redemption and personal growth, this story offers a glimpse into the complexities of relationships and the journey toward self-discovery.

With its relatable characters and emotionally charged narrative, "Head in the Game" is a captivating read that will resonate with fans of contemporary romance and women's fiction. Experience the power of love and the triumph of the human spirit in this unforgettable tale of healing and hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hillshire Media
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224790708

Book preview

PROLOGUE

FOUR YEARS AGO:

TOYA SHAW:

I’m at a charity function for the hospital, a black tie event, I feel good and I look good. My rose gold sequined gown fits and is clinging to all my curves. The color accents my cinnamon complexion and the split is high enough that if interested, you’d catch a peek of my thick thigh.  My sister-in-law, Stephanie, beat my face so well that I almost didn’t recognize myself.  She didn’t have to do much to my hair,  just pin curls, because I’m rocking a shortcut right now, with just enough hair in the front to hide my big forehead.  My twin, Tayo, is always making fun of my forehead.  According to him, the few minutes I was in the womb after him was because my head almost got stuck.  Since this is a function that my family wholeheartedly supports, I’m waiting for my brother, his wife, and my parents to appear.  I'm on the board for the group as well so their attendance serves a dual purpose.  One thing about the Shaw family is that we support one another completely. 

Tonight I’m tasked with introducing local celebrity guests instead of enjoying ‘Shaw Shenanigans’.  I won’t be sitting with my family but they’ll be close.  I am told that they were from various genres of entertainment and sports, but all locals.  I am also promised that I’d be extremely happy with the celebs whom I'm introducing.  Since I knew that my favorite actor and singer were not local celebs, I deduced that they were either one of the Jersey Juggernauts, our local football team, or my favorite social media influencer. My favorite rapper had no business being at a children’s themed event, even though he would support the cause.  Nevertheless, I was informed to invite a date because the celebs are coming with their significant others as well. Which leads me to the other person I'm watching the door for.  Invited to bring a date, I asked Derrick Charles, my middle school sweetheart, and prom date from forever ago, to accompany me.  Of course, he’s late since his father's firm is his priority.  I’m glad I arrived before the paparazzi posted up outside.  Walking in alone or with family is plain embarrassing.  That would have me looking desperate as hell.  I focus on my career so much that social life, a friend, or at least one for such events are not readily available. 

While waiting, I’m mingling with the early birds, co-workers who seem reluctant to attend but do so out of obligation due to their positions at the hospital.  Their reluctance to be in attendance is woven into their conversations.  Fortunately, their appearance isn’t a reflection as well.  They look nice but they’d rather be in the theater with some over-the-top surgery or an interesting patient.  Personally, I love my job in the emergency department but tonight, I’m here to solicit potential benefactors for donations.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love playing dress up though. My normal attire is extremely casual, jeans, sweats, sneakers, hoodies and in the hospital, I pro- it up by wearing scrubs.  I am the little girl who had fashion shows and tea parties with her dolls. As a teen, I am forced to attend these things with my parents.  I loved dressing up and eventually got acquainted with the people who wielded a lot of power through money.  Tonight,  I’m in my element and this is definitely a cause that I’m behind wholeheartedly.

The charity is for young people, who are facing life-threatening illnesses. The children in attendance are dressed up and in awe of the celebrities as they walk in. They’re meeting and talking with some of their favorites that have arrived already.  I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing who I have to introduce, yet, but I’ve spoken with quite a few of our benefactors with positive feedback.

The event is due to start soon, and cocktail hour coming to a close. I grab yet another flute of champagne off the tray of a waiter passing by and make my way to the table. I’m anticipating a good night, the activities for the evening are full.  After the speeches and dinner, there is dancing and a tricky tray. I sit patiently for everything to start, still watching the entrance because Derrick still hasn't arrived.

I’m semi-excited about Derrick Charles agreeing to meet me tonight.  We haven’t seen one another since I went to his prom, almost ten years ago.  Since then, college and med school for me, law school for him.  We happened to cross paths recently at a church function being chaired by his mother and exchanged numbers. Due to our busy schedules, we started a text relationship.  I invited him tonight since I knew I’d be looking cute.  A rare occasion when I’m not in scrubs, jeans, or sweats. I also know he can pull off a debonair effortlessly.

As I sip my champagne and indulge in a few hor d’ouveres,  I continue to watch the door for Derrick.  Instead of Derrick walking in, my eyes catch the entrance of one of my favorite quarterbacks in the country. Juggernauts veteran Boone Alston!  He is alone and I only realize this because watching the door for Derrick has now turned to watching to see if a woman attaches herself to Boone.  This tall piece of white chocolate is FYNE as hell in his uniform but in the bespoke navy tuxedo with the gold tie (Juggernauts colors) he is perfection personified.  I see him pick up the name card and looking at the numbers on the tables, he’s walking in my direction.  I can’t help but straighten up my posture a little bit.  I’m not sure if I’m his ‘type’ but the confidence I had in my appearance tonight is off the chain. If he doesn’t notice me tonight,  the only reason is because I’m not his type. I hope HE is who I have the pleasure of introducing tonight. 

Hey, is this seat taken?  I’d hear that deep raspy voice on television during his interviews but hearing it up close and in person is making me squeeze my thighs tight.  The way he is checking me out from head to toe lets me know that he also appreciates what he’s seeing.  I will babysit my nephews for my sis-in-law just for the look I’m getting right now from Boone Alston. GEE-SUS he is fine.

Boone Alston!  when my father finds out that I am sitting at the table with you,  He is going to lose his ever-loving mind! I grew up in a football-loving household and both parents are die-hard Juggernauts fans. I’m on a different kind of fangirling over Boone Alston.  Sparking up a conversation with him over his upcoming game and his style of playing turned out to be the perfect icebreaker.  When his teammates Kevin Powers and Clayton Burton pulled up with their wives Courtney and Briana I was in Juggernauts heaven. They introduced their women because I recognized the players instantly. These guys are three of my personal favorite players on the team and pretty much everyone who knows me knows that. 

No longer stalking the door, I see Derrick when I turn that way mid-laughter.  The guys are hilarious and engaging.  They are also so attentive to their wives,  that they confidently join the banter making for a lot of laughs. By the time Derrick makes it to the table,  I’ve almost forgotten our date.  Boone makes it clear, simply from his body language, and the possessive arm around my shoulder, that I am in his sights. I am in fact, his type.

Hey Toya, Sorry I’m late.  He walks up kissing me on my cheek and parking his ass in the chair to my left placing his hand on my thigh.  You look really nice.  Nice?!  Do you know how many times I looked in the mirror before I walked out of my house?  I am sure nice is NOT the adjective to describe me tonight.  Instantly I is offended not only is he late, but he is nonchalant about that and me. My posture became less casual, and I instantly feel Boone protectively stiffen his arm still around my shoulder.  The arm that found its way around me somewhere between me rattling off team stats and picking at my salad.

Oh, Hey Derrick.  The nerve. I am already annoyed because he is over an hour late and then to just amble in as if he’s the prize.  NO!  In no way could he compete with the man sitting next to me.

Derrick, this is...

OH SHIT!  Boone Alston! Kevin Powers AND Clay Burton all at one table! Baby how’d you pull that off. As if I weren’t capable of being in the presence of football royalty. I am the only one there that is not a teammate or a WAG (players wife or girlfriend)  But more annoying is the way Derrick loses every bit of class while fawning over my table mates.  Ignoring his condescension, I proceed to introduce Derrick to my new associates (hopefully more).  Shifting in my chair so that my back is to Derrick, I continue to allow myself to be comfortable in the crook of Boone’s arm. 

Derrick is a lawyer and works for his father’s firm. We’ve been friends since we were babies. Our fathers are golf buddies.  Noticing that I've relaxed, Boone’s arm also becomes more relaxed around my shoulder.  I half expect it to drop to my thigh possessively.  If it does, I'll allow it.

Derrick seems pissed by my introduction, although it is nothing but truth.  Oh friends?  he questions with a raised eyebrow as he stands up. I got it.  He walks off in a huff. Dramatic much?  Honestly, we just got reacquainted a few weeks ago and at least on my part, nothing is established except old friends getting to know one another.  For Derrick to think we are more than just friends is egotistical and presumptuous.  Slightly embarrassed, I turned to Boone and the crew.   

I guess I should be thanking you for preventing an awkward evening.  Clearly, he thinks we are more than what we are.  Trust me,  we’re just friends.  What could I do? Derrick’s reaction just  opened the door for Boone Alston to waltz in and capture my heart in one sitting.  Before Derrick arrived, I is already flirting back and hoping this would last more than tonight.  I’d already seen how charming Boone could be in his post-game interviews.  And the television did no justice at all to his looks.  Tall, muscular, dark hair, thick lips and the prettiest green eyes.  Then when he smiles and laughs the deepest dimples appear.  In the little time we’ve spent at the table we had already breached the game and career stats and moved on to more personal things.  Boone is easy going, down to earth and extremely funny, making him sexier than the quarterback persona that his fans are used to. 

Derrick is always very serious, and never engaging or fun even when we were kids. Don't get me wrong, he is extremely attractive, smart and business minded but he rarely lets his hair down and relaxes.  As children, he didn’t involve himself in our practical jokes and antics which my brother Tayo and I did often.  At his prom, he barely danced with me.  I spent that night hanging with his classmates.  But we've grown up and being single now, I’ve convinced myself that maybe I need someone more grounded like Derrick.  Right now, I am so relaxed in the presence of three of the league's biggest superheroes and their wives and still feel like an adult. I cannot wait until my parents arrive to meet the guys. 

After storming off, Derrick is trying to play a few games to make me jealous by dancing with various women, and overtly flirting whenever they get close to the table.  I assume he’s trying to show what I'm losing by not choosing him.  Yeah.  Not feeling like the loser here.  Unfortunately for Derrick, I’ve become so comfortable with my new friends that he no longer matters.  Being in the presence of Boone Alston, I honestly forgot about Derrick before he even arrived.  After making the celebrity introductions, which include thanking my supervisor who knows how much of a Juggernauts fan I am, I continue to enjoy the company of Boone, Kevin Clay and their women.  My parents, brother and his wife come over and we quickly became the ‘it’ table.  There’s lots of sports talk, banter and laughter mainly because my family isn’t uncomfortable in the presence of these celebs.  My twin, even the big brother albeit four minutes, gives me the eye when he notices how comfortable Boone is around me.  Tayo almost pushes me out of my chair when Boone asks me to dance.  The six piece orchestra playing cover songs of soft rock and R&B music is setting the perfect mood for Boone to make his move.  I’ll admit, I’m hesitant, because if Boone’s moves on the field match his dancing skills even a little bit,  I’m going to have two left feet out there and my colleagues won’t let me hear the end of it.  The way he holds me out there and leads me on the dance floor makes sure the conversation at work will not be about my dancing skills. 

I can honestly admit that this is definitely love at first sight.  This side of Boone, the non-quarterback version, is book bae worthy. We dance, talk and walk around the event smiling and greeting co-workers and benefactors and even getting more donations.  He has me accustomed to his touch by the end of the night.  His hand is either on; my hand, shoulder or  the small of my back at any given time this evening.  According to Stephanie, who is into all forms of romance, Boone staked his claim and dared anyone to challenge it.  I found out later that a lot of the attendants thought that I is already Boone’s ‘plus one’ and that we’d been hiding our relationship.  Our chemistry is off the charts. Me being a huge Juggernauts fan did not help my protests.

By the end of the night, I’d conceded that we were going to be an item.  Boone and I agreed to meet for dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant the next night.  Or rather, he’d pick me up and we would go to my favorite Italian restaurant. Waiting for the valet to bring my car, there is no question that I'm going to taste his lips.  He walks me to the driver’s side after the valet gives me my keys, his hand is still on the small of my back and before closing the door, he bends down and does exactly what I is anticipating.  A soft sensual kiss, on my lips. Non-invasive but good enough to make me want more.  Truthfully, if he tries, he could get the kitty tonight.  I find out how much of a  gentleman Boone Alston can be. Sooner than later, I’ll find out how much of