“You don’t really want to know that.”
Shealyn’s brows rose up her forehead and she nodded. “What are you going to do?”
“That’s one reason I’m here. Kate and I are meeting with the network. I want to be upfront about it in hopes of saving my career.”
“Are you sure?” Shealyn asked. “You know I think Ariana is a good person and I want this for you, but are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I love her, Shea. I want a life with her.”
“So, I guess I was wrong,” Shealyn said. “Someone can fall into your lap and be the one.”
Nicole chuckled. “It all started with basketball.”
“You were giving her tips, weren’t you?”
Nicole nodded. “Yeah, but she’s smart and caught on quickly.”
“You’d meet for these basketball tip sessions?”
“Then we’d go up on the roof and play basketball,” Nicole said. “I can’t tell you how much joy I get from talking basketball and playing basketball with someone who understands what it means to me.”
“I know I don’t love it like you do. All the strategies aren’t my thing. So what’s the plan?”
“Kate’s getting us a meeting.”
“I’ll be there with you,” Shealyn said.
“What?”
“I’m going to this meeting with you. It doesn’t just affect you. Besides, you’ve stood with me through my marriage to Dewayne and having both girls. You kept our team relevant. You wouldn’t let them sideline us. I’m not losing my partner just because she fell in love.”
“I don’t want to lose you either, but you have to do what’s best for you. I can’t imagine they’ll let me call Ari’s games now.”
“That’s why I’m going with you,” Shealyn said. “They don’t know what they have.”
“Okay, I’ll tell Kate.”
Shealyn got up and held her arms out. Nicole walked into a bear hug she didn’t realize how much she needed.
“Okay,” Shealyn said, letting her go. “Now tell me all about the good parts.”
Nicole laughed. “Well…” She smacked Shealyn on the arm. “I’m not going to kiss and tell.”
“Nicole!” Shealyn exclaimed. “That girl is hot, pretty, and has all those strong muscles. Plus she’s younger!”
“It’s funny,” Nicole said. “I never notice our age difference unless we’re playing basketball. I’m old and slow now, Shea. When did that happen?”
Shealyn laughed. “Ariana ain’t looking at your age.”
Nicole chuckled and was glad Shealyn would be with her at the meeting. They were still a team.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nicole followed Kate into the conference room. Her heart was racing in her chest and she felt Shealyn squeeze her elbow in a show of support.
She’d woken up in the middle of the night with Ariana’s arms draped around her. As she eased herself onto her back, Nicole gazed at Ariana’s sweet, peaceful face. She realized then it didn’t really matter what happened in this meeting. Yes, she’d like to keep commentating, but she and Ariana were in this together now and that made all the difference.
“How much have they offered you?” Rob Daley, asked holding out his hand to Nicole then Shealyn. “We’ll match it.”
