She stretched her arms before rolling onto her back, staring at the ceiling. "Last night was… unexpected."
I glanced over at her. "Good unexpected or bad unexpected?"
She turned her head toward me, her eyes studying my face before she smiled. "Definitely good."
I smirked, running a hand over my face. "Yeah, same."
She sat up, grabbing the white hotel robe from the floor and slipping it on.
After having lunch...
"You ever wake up after a night like that and wonder how fast people are gonna find out?"
I raised an eyebrow. "You worried about that?"
She shrugged, tying the robe around her waist. "Not worried. Just… I know how these things go."
I sat up too, stretching my arms. "I mean, we can play it cool. No need to make a scene."
She turned to face me, hands on her hips. "So, separate exits?"
I nodded. "Yeah. You take the elevator first, I'll wait a bit."
She smirked, tilting her head. "Smart. You've done this before."
I let out a small laugh. "I just know how to move."
She leaned down, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. "Well, this was fun."
I watched as she grabbed her purse and made her way toward the door. Before she left, she turned back, one last playful smirk on her lips. "Try not to miss me too much."
I shook my head with a grin. "No promises."
About an hour later, I stepped out of the hotel, dressed casually in a hoodie and joggers, sunglasses on. I kept my head low, moving quickly toward my car waiting outside.
But I wasn't fast enough.
Flashes.
Voices.
"Franklin! Franklin! Who was that girl you left with?"
"McKenna Posey? Are you two dating?"
"Are you officially a couple?"
I didn't stop walking. Didn't say a word. Just kept moving, slipping into the car.
I let out a deep sigh, shaking my head.
As I pulled out of the hotel's underground parking lot, my phone wouldn't stop vibrating in the center console.
I sighed, knowing exactly what was happening.
At a red light, I quickly glanced at my phone. Twitter, Instagram notifications.
@Couplesgoal:"Franklin Lincoln linked with McKenna Posey after White Party. Are we witnessing the birth of the NBA's next power couple? "
@FranklinNation: "MY GOAT OUT HERE WINNING ON AND OFF THE COURT."
@McKennaUpdates: "McKenna and Franklin? I'm here for it. She only messes with winners."
@LakersFan23: "Can we stop pretending Franklin Lincoln is humble? Bro just flexing at this point."
@OrlandoFaithful: "Please don't let this mess up your focus next season. We need BACK-TO-BACK!!"
@esteban5: "Another NBA star distracted by a model… classic."
I shook my head, laughing slightly as I merged onto the highway.
"Man, people really think they know everything," I muttered to myself.
Internet already had me in a full-blown relationship.
I turned my phone screen down and headed straight to the Upper West Side, where I had bought a beautiful brownstone for my parents.
As soon as I stepped out of the car. The streets were busy as always, the sound of taxis honking, people rushing, the smell of fresh bagels from a nearby café—New York had a way of making me feel grounded.
I walked up the steps and knocked on the massive front door. A few seconds later, my mother swung it open. "Franklin"
She pulled me into a tight hug before stepping back. "Mom, come on. I'm good. I just wanted to come see y'all, spend some time before I go back in Florida."
She smiled and pulled me inside. The house was everything I had hoped for them. High ceilings, elegant hardwood floors, and huge windows letting in that natural NYC light.
My dad walked in from the kitchen, arms crossed with his usual serious expression, but I could see the pride in his eyes.
We sat down in the living room. My mom, of course, started grilling me about relationships, asking if all those internet rumors were true.
"So, this McKenna girl...?"She questions me.
"Don't start." I answer.
"I'm just saying! You know a lot of people are watching you now. Be careful who you let close."
After a few days...
I got into the car. This trip had been good for me.
By the time I got to JFK, everything moved quickly. Check-in, security, boarding first class.
Back in Orlando...
The organization was making moves, gearing up for another championship run. This time, I was more involved in the front office conversations. My status in the league had changed—I wasn't just the young star anymore; I was the face of the franchise.
One of the biggest moves? Derrick Rose.
A lot of people thought D-Rose was done. Injuries had slowed him down, and he wasn't the explosive MVP he once was. But I saw past that. I knew what he still had in the tank, and I knew he needed a fresh start.
I sat in the GM's office, leaning forward in my chair.
"Look, I get it. He's not the same guy from 2011, but he doesn't have to be. He's still one of the smartest guards in the league. And you saw what he did last season—he's still got it. We need someone who can handle the ball, take some pressure off me, and be a veteran presence."
The GM sighed, glancing at some papers on his desk. "Franklin, I hear you. But his injury history—are you really sure about this?"
I didn't even hesitate. "One hundred percent. Trust me, bring in D-Rose."
A few days later, it was official. Derrick Rose was an Orlando player.
Over the next few days, Derrick and I spent more time together, getting a feel for each other's game. But beyond that, we talked.
-September, 2015
One evening after practice, we sat on the sideline, dripping sweat, catching our breath. The gym was quiet except for the sound of basketballs bouncing from a few rookies still working out.
Derrick was staring at the floor, spinning a ball in his hands. "It's weird, man… not being in Chicago anymore."
I nodded, letting him speak.
"I gave everything to that city" he continued, his voice low. "But injuries… they change how people look at you. One day you're the future, the next… you're just another name on the trade block."
I could see the weight of it all on his shoulders. Chicago wasn't just his team—it was his home. And they had let him go.
I leaned back against the bench. "I get it, man. That's cold. But listen… this ain't Chicago."
He looked up at me, skeptical.
"I'm serious" I said. "You don't have to carry a franchise on your back anymore. You just gotta hoop. And if we handle things right… you might finally get that ring."
A small smile crept onto his face.
"A ring, huh?" he muttered.
I slapped him on the back. "Better get used to the idea."