“That’s old news,” Stuart said, “it happened days ago.”
Kate sighed. “Explain to me again why you thought that was the best thing to do.”
Nicole took a breath and exhaled. “Someone else found out about us. I couldn’t trust her not to say anything. When I went to Laura and Rob I knew the best thing for the network and Ariana was for me to step down. I already have a new contract. Everyone is protected. It’s fine.”
“Ariana is playing lights out,” Stuart said, setting a beer in front of each of them. “If anything it’s emboldened her.”
“I told you I would do anything for Ariana and that was what was best,” Nicole said.
“But they were going to give you the finals,” Kate said. “You could’ve been commentating her games.”
“Honestly, I’ve enjoyed watching her from the stands,” Nicole said with a smile. “I can cheer for her and watch her kill it on the court without having to say something neutral into a microphone.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say that,” Kate said. “You gave up the premier spot on the most important series of the season.”
“Aw, look what love has done to my girl,” Stuart said with a dreamy look on his face.
Nicole chuckled. “I have learned that I have room in my life for more than one thing.”
“You mean basketball.”
“Yes, I’ve discovered basketball and my career are nothing without Ariana.”
Stuart smiled and raised his glass. “To finding love and New York winning another championship.”
Nicole chuckled as she clinked her glass with Stuart’s and Kate’s. “It’s been an exciting series. New York stealing that first game while they were in Las Vegas was brilliant."
“You were great on the pregame show in Vegas,” Stuart said.
“I know the network put you in the studio to keep too many questions from being asked,” Kate said. “Has it worked?”
Nicole nodded. “Yes, I explained that first night that I was working on a new project and was excited to give my analysis before the games.”
“Yeah, little do the fans know Ariana Villa is that new project,” Stuart muttered.
Nicole smirked and reached over the bar to slap his shoulder. “The network will announce our move to college basketball when the season starts. It’s all working out.”
“Okay, New York won the first game, Vegas the second, then they came back to New York where we won both of those,” Stuart said.
“Right,” Nicole said. “We went back to Vegas and they won, so now we’re here for game six tomorrow night.”
“Three games to two,” Kate said. “We win tomorrow and it’s over.”
“They’re going to do it,” Nicole said.
“Is that your professional opinion or are you speaking as our point guard’s girlfriend?” Stuart asked.
“In this case they are one and the same.” Nicole grinned and took a long sip of her beer.
“Have you still been keeping your distance from each other?” Kate asked.
Nicole nodded. “It’s not so bad when we’re here because Ariana stays with me.”
“I’m planning a big celebration here at the bar tomorrow night when they win,” Stuart said. “I think Ariana is going to win MVP for the series.”
Nicole smiled. “I do, too. She’s had a triple double in four of the five games.”
Stuart furrowed his brow. “What does that mean for a point guard again? They don’t usually rebound.”
