Black Celebrity One-Shots (2000s)

Love & Basketball (pt. 2)

Three long weeks had gone by since the last time I seen him and the Lakers, unsurprisingly, brought home the championship trophy. I stepped out of my car and into the bustling Los Angeles streets, the warm afternoon sun beating down on my skin as I made my way towards the parade route.

I had been invited to attend the Lakers' victory parade by Kobe. I was so excited to finally be able to spend time together, and although we spoke almost everyday over the phone, I had no idea what to expect when I finally saw him again.

I made my way to the float where I was supposed to meet him and my nerves were shot with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Finally, I spotted Kobe amongst the sea of players and staff members, looking sharp in his purple and gold jersey with a bright white tee underneath. He took off his sunglasses once he noticed me.

"Hey, Beyoncé!" he called out, waving me over. "Glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied, flashing him with a bright smile.

The gradual rise in the rowdiness of the incoming crowd signaled the start of the parade, and as we boarded the float, I took in the surrounding area. The streets were packed with fans, all cheering and waving as the Lakers players made their way through the city. The energy was electric, and I couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement.

But just as I was starting to relax and enjoy the ride, a large figure towered over me, the massive frame blocking out the sun. It was Shaq and next to him was Derek Fisher, both appearing out of nowhere and interrupting my conversation with Kobe.

"Kobe," Shaq boomed, slapping him on the back. "You gonna introduce us to your lady friend?"

I felt my cheeks flush as Kobe shifted uncomfortably next to me. "Uh, guys, this is Beyoncé," he said, gesturing towards me. "Beyoncé, this is Shaq and Derek."

"Nice to meet you," I managed to say, feeling more awkward by the second.

The two men continued to make small talk with Kobe. I tried to pretend that I was interested in the passing scenery, all the while wondering what was going on. I wonder why he's acting so coy right now?

As the parade float dragged on through the crowded streets, my eyes continued to scan the crowd. I noticed a little girl who had been trying to take pictures of us with her Kodak.

Her eyes lit up as we made eye contact, and she excitedly told her dad. "Look, Daddy! It's Beyoncé! Can I take a picture?" The father grinned and shouted out to the rest of the crowd. "Hey, guys! Check this out! It's Beyoncé!"

I twiddled with the strands of my hair as the crowd erupted with cheers and whistles, shouting out my name. Even with the level of fame Destiny's Child had, I wasn't used to being in the spotlight like this, and I felt a bit self-conscious. Kobe, on the other hand, tried to hide his cheeky smile as he watched the crowd's reaction.

Another fan chimed in, "Kobe, you lucky dog! She's your girlfriend, right?" The little girl added to the chorus of shouts, "Yeah, Kobe's girlfriend!" My eyes widened in surprise, and I shot a quick glance over at Kobe.

Kobe looked a bit embarrassed, and he tried to play it cool. "Hey, now. Let's not get carried away," he yelled back, trying to keep a straight face. Shaq started to tease him, calling out, "Kobe and Beyoncé, sitting in a tree!"

Grown ass man.

The rest of the team heard his comment and burst out laughing. "Why you ain't tell us she was your girl, Kobe?" Rick teased.

Kobe just shook his head and grinned. "Don't listen to them, Bey. They just like to mess with me."

Hours had flown by in what felt like minutes, the sun's orange glow casting a warm blanket of light over the festivities. Finally, as the float came to a stop, we all eagerly hopped off, ready to return to our daily lives.