"Since you've begun playing basketball, how about we get you some original training cones and a new pair of any brand of shoes you want?" Adrian said, looking to indulge his son before he was called back to the Navy. Adrian was one of the few captains on one of the U.S. aircraft carriers in the Atlantic.
Jamar's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Thanks, Dad!"
As they got out of the house and headed to the car, they met a few neighbors, all wishing Jamar a happy birthday.
"When did my son become so popular? Huh?" Adrian said with a chuckle.
"Yeah, um, yesterday I kind of received a special shout-out from a basketball big name," Jamar responded, trying to sound casual.
Adrian looked at his son, a smile blossoming on his face as the car pulled out of the driveway.
As they left the residential area, Jamar put on the radio, feeling the car was too quiet. While he surfed the channels looking for the right one, he heard his nickname on one of the channels he skipped. Tuning it back, he listened to the show.
"I tell you, that kid is going to be a star," said one of the announcers.
"I love the way he matched up against you, Nas. That intensity led to a crazy game, especially the dunk he did on you after you dunked on him," another announcer added.
Nas chuckled. "He's got that dog in him. Shout out to Jamar Carter, man. Happy Birthday to him for real. That boy is going to be a star for real."
"How old is he?" the announcer asked.
"Like, he's 16. At his age, I wasn't balling like that. He already feels like a pro," Nas answered.
Adrian glanced at his son, who had a smile on his face. "Is that you they're talking about?" Adrian asked.
"Yep," Jamar replied.
"Really?" Adrian asked, and Jamar nodded his head. "Really."
The drive was smooth and without delays. Jamar and his father reached the sneaker store. Jamar picked out two pairs of shoes, totaling $3000. He received a 30% discount as the store manager came out to take a picture with Jamar, having been one of the few people to view the game on the court.
Adrian was perturbed. It seemed like he had missed his son's development completely. "When you said you were famous, I didn't think you were that famous," Adrian said.
"When we get home, just check out Phantom J on YouTube," Jamar replied.
They got home after shopping, and Adrian sat on the couch, pulling out his phone. He searched for videos of his son and selected the first one that popped up. He watched Jamar play basketball for the first time, right up until the part where Jamar took off his shirt.
"Jamar! You have tattoos?" Adrian exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.
"Oops," Jamar thought, knowing his parents' dislike for tattoos. He braced himself for an earful.