Ariana smiled and let her hand softly glide up and down Nicole’s back. Everything would be okay. She knew it now.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“You didn’t tell Ariana we were in LA to call this game?” Shealyn asked as they walked onto the court.
“No, she’s not playing well right now and I didn’t want to add to her anxiety,” Nicole said. “I thought the surprise might be nice.”
“She doesn’t have to be the superstar right now. All she has to do is get the ball to Nia and Cameron. She’s done that consistently,” Shealyn said. “I think Nia is going to win MVP.”
“Yeah, she’s having a great season,” Nicole said. They stopped at the media table as a few of the LA players came on the court for shootaround.
“There’s your sister,” Shealyn said, waving to a woman with a little girl walking down from the stands behind them.
Nicole turned around to see her sister Chelsea and her niece, Livi. When Livi spotted them she came bounding down the steps with excitement on her face. She hugged them both. “I’m so glad to see you!”
“Me too,” Livi said. “Do you really think I can meet Ariana Villa?”
“I hope so,” Nicole said with a grin. “Thanks for coming so early,” she said to Chelsea.
She hugged Nicole. “We’ll talk at dinner tonight.”
Nicole smiled. She’d had a long conversation with her sister about Ariana and their relationship. Chelsea knew they had to keep things quiet for now, but the approving smile on her face gave Nicole a moment of calm. Then Shealyn got her attention and nodded to the other end of the court.
When Nicole’s eyes met Ariana’s she almost dropped the ball she was holding. Ariana started towards them, the smile on her face brightening with each step. Nicole had to stop herself from running out to meet her.
“There she is!” Livi exclaimed behind Nicole.
Nicole saw the love, relief, and happiness in Ariana’s eyes as she stopped in front of them.
“This is a surprise,” Ariana said. “It’s so good to see you.”
Nicole chuckled. “I have someone who would like to meet you.”
“Don’t tell me, Nic. This can’t be Livi. It’s nice to meet you in person.” Ariana beamed a smile at the child. “Have you been practicing those drills Aunt Nicole and I showed you on Facetime?”
“I can do all of them now.”
“Practice is important,” Ariana said. “I’ve heard you’re coming for my job.”
Livi giggled. “Maybe when I’m older.”
“Oh good.” Ariana nodded. “I hoped to play a few more years.”
“Ariana, this is my sister, Chelsea.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Ariana said.
“Thank you for taking time for us,” Chelsea replied.
“Oh, it’s my pleasure.” Ariana smiled at Nicole then looked at Livi. “Do you want to show me your shot?”
Livi turned to Nicole with excitement.
“Go ahead,” Nicole said. She watched Ariana take Livi over to their basket where the little girl heaved the ball with all her might and it went in.
“If that isn’t the cutest thing I’ve seen in a while,” Shealyn said, coming to stand next to Nicole.
“I think I fall deeper in love with her every day,” Nicole said with a sigh.
