Bayou Barbie (Part 2)
February 2024
Dominique’s brother, Andre, and I were walking around LSU’s campus. It was pretty chill for a Thursday, so we hadn’t been spotted yet. This place was massive.
“So, you taking time during the All-Star Break to come to LSU to catch a game, but you have yet to catch one of my games?”
“Dude, you basically play the same days that I do. I’ve been trying to catch these girls all season. Be lucky I let you tag along.”
He stopped walking. “You and Dom good?”
“Of course. What are you--? Stay off social media, Dre.”
My phone buzzed indicating that I had a text.
Lil A Today at 11:33 AM
Where you at?
Copy Cat Dave Today at 11:33 AM
Trying to find my way around this big ass campus. U of H ain’t this big.
Lil A Today at 11:34 AM
Really? You can’t find the PMAC?
Copy Cat Dave Today at 11:34 AM
I would ask somebody, but you know I’m…. me. I think I see Mike the Tiger’s cage.
Lil A Today at 11:36 AM
You’re close. Don’t move. I’ll send somebody to get you. What you got on?
Copy Cat Dave Today at 11:38 AM
Miss Reese, I am not that kind of guy. lol
Lil A Today at 11:38 AM
Stop being a dick. lol
Copy Cat Dave Today at 11:39 AM
Grey hoodie, jeans, Jordans, and a Lakers cap.
About five minutes later, a student came through on a golf cart.
“Mr. Grace?”
“Yeah.”
“Your chariot awaits.”
We walked into the practice facility, where the girls were shooting around. I grab a ball off the rack and shoot a corner three, nothing but net.
“So, this is where the magic happens, huh?” I call out. The girls came over to introduce themselves, though most of them I already knew by name.
“About time you made it down here,” Angel said.
“Sorry, I have a full-time NBA career.” Andre cleared his throat next to me. “Oh, my bad. This is my sort of brother-in-law Dre. He goes to Southern.”
“Hi, ladies.”
“You ball?” Flau’jae asked him.
“Yeah.”
“Sort of brother-in-law?”
“Yeah, my girl’s lil’ brother. We played against each other in AAU.”
“That’s what’s up. Let’s get a run in real quick.”
“I don’t want no smoke with Coach Kim if you ladies are gassed tonight.” The girls laughed.
“Relax. First to five by one? No dunking.” Flau’jae tossed the ball to me.
“That’s not really my specialty.” I said as I drained another corner three.
“I wanna drop threes like that,” said Angel as we walked to half court where everybody was waiting.
“That would definitely make your game next level. Especially with you being a little undersized at the five by WNBA standards. But we can definitely work on it.”
“We?”
“Yeah, I got you. I’ll get you in touch with my guy Chris.”
“Chris?”
“Um, yeah, Lethal Shooter on the ‘Gram.”
“Chris. All casual and shit. So, y’all just tight like that?”
“You want the info or not? I’m trying to help elevate your game.”
“Yeah. I appreciate you looking out. I guess you owe me after jacking my move and everything.” She shoved me.
“You still on that? Just remember to thank me in your post draft speech.”
“Yo, Dave, check ball, man.” Andre said. He was giving me a weird look, but I brushed it off.
Present Day
“With the seventh pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Chicago Sky select, Angel Reese out of LSU.”
“It’s Angel, Daddy!”
“Yeah, man. I see.”
DJ and I were watching this year’s WNBA draft. I smiled at the screen. I knew she would be a first rounder. Thought the Sparks would have tried to pick her up, but Chicago is a good landing spot for her. Even though LSU didn’t win the championship this year, she played great, it was undeniable. She dominated this season. I think she’ll do well in the Chi alongside Kamilla Cardoso. Rebounds for days.
Definitely going to catch a few games this summer.
Copy Cat Dave Today at 6:18 PM
Congrats, Lil A! This is a good situation for you. T-Spoon got her some dawgs out there in Chicago! Enjoy the night! I’ll see you this summer. Have me and DJ’s tickets ready.
Lil A Today at 6:27 PM
Stop with the Lil A, man. Only my mama calls me that. Lol I appreciate the support tho.
And I got my swag bag. These kicks are niiiiice, black and pink for meeeee?!? Aww! Tell my lil boyfriend hey!
She sent a pic of her throwing up the peace sign.
Copy Cat Dave Today at 6:30 PM
You got my son blushing.
Lil A Today at 6:33 PM
I make all my men blush. Lol I’ll hit you up later.
“Your girl got to hear her name called, huh?” Dominique asked. I almost dropped my phone. I didn’t even hear her come into the room. It was awkward to hear her talking about Angel, especially with her having mixed feelings in the beginning about the “Bayou Barbie” being in my DM’s. There was nothing to trip about. Angel is just another ball player to me. No different than Bron or AD or Dame or any of the other guys in the league. I mean she is a whole lot different, but to me she’s not different. Our conversations are almost always about ball. She didn’t give off these vibes when she introduced me to Charli. Maybe because she made the introduction. Maybe it was because Charli had a boyfriend. I don’t know. And I'm more than sure Dre had something to say about our trip to LSU.
“Yeah. I thought she’d go top three, everybody knew Indiana was gonna draft Caitlin Clark. But being picked seventh isn’t bad. It’s a good situation for her”
“So, are you gonna watch the rest of the draft or what?”
“Well, I wanted to at least watch the rest of the first round, it’s only a few picks left. We’re getting locked in for this playoff run, so I was just trying to take it easy today. Lounge around with you and little man. Order a cheese pizza. Watch some Ninja Turtles. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Just asking.” She turned and walked into the kitchen.
Maybe she does still feel a way about Angel.
