“She’s had double digits in points, assists, and steals,” Nicole explained.
“I’m sure you’ve helped her with that,” Kate said with a smirk.
Nicole shrugged. “I may have shared my basketball knowledge with her.”
“I was thinking more about other things you may have shared to keep the stress away,” Kate said, raising a brow.
Nicole chuckled. “I may have done that too.”
Kate and Stuart laughed. “We’re really happy for you and Ariana. You’ve found your person,” Stuart said.
“I have.” Nicole smiled and felt her heart tingle with warmth. It seemed to do that whenever she thought about or saw Ariana. She took one last sip of her beer. “I’ve got to get home, my girl will be back from practice soon. I’ll see you tomorrow at the game.”
“Thanks for the tickets,” Kate said. “Did Ariana get them for you?”
Nicole nodded. “We got tickets for you and Emily, Stuart, and his handsome hubby.” She grinned at the sweet expression on Stuart’s face. “We also gave tickets to Dave, my doorman, and his wife, plus one of the little girls and her family who attended our youth clinics.”
“I forgot you and Ariana did those together,” Kate said.
“The day after she fell in my lap we were both at a neighborhood park playing with the kids,” Nicole explained. “There was this one little girl, Chloe. She told me she wanted to be a commentator like me because she didn’t think she’d be big enough to play in the WNBA. I can’t wait to introduce her to Shealyn tomorrow and show her the behind the scenes at the media desk.”
“Your doorman?”
Nicole raised her brows and smiled. “He has been very helpful to get Ariana in and out of my building without anyone discovering our little secret.”
“Oh, I love it!” Stuart laughed. “What about her family? Won’t they be there?”
Nicole shook her head. “Her mom, stepdad, and little brothers came to her first championship series, but chose not to attend this one. It was hard for Ariana to celebrate with themandher teammates. So we’re going to Portland to visit them after the season ends.”
“She has little brothers?” Kate asked.
Nicole nodded. “After her mom remarried, she had twin boys. I can’t wait to meet them all.”
“Look at you, meeting the family,” Stuart said. “This is so much fun, watching you blossom right in front of me.”
Nicole chuckled. “We’re also going to Arizona to visit my parents. Ariana met my niece and sister’s family when she played in LA earlier in the season and I was there commentating. Of course, she is my niece’s favorite player.”
“You’re right, Stuart, this is fun. Our reserved, career focused friend has found more to life than basketball. I love it!”
“Yeah, and I love Ariana,” Nicole said. “See you tomorrow.”
She hugged her friends and left the bar with a lightness in her step. Ariana was close to winning the championship and Nicole couldn’t wait to walk down the street with her love, holding her hand for all to see.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Ariana could feel the excitement buzzing through her body as she got off the elevator. She unlocked Nicole’s door and dropped her bag in the hallway. “Hey, honey, I’m home.”
She heard Nicole chuckle as she walked out of her office. “You’ve been calling mehoneya lot lately.”
Ariana grinned and kissed Nicole lightly on the lips. “It’s because you sent me that song,honey.”
“How was practice?” Nicole asked. “Do you have it all figured out?”
“I think so,” Ariana replied. “Would you mind if we went up to the roof and took a few shots? I have a little nervous energy running through me.”
“Sure, let me change my shoes,” Nicole said.
A few minutes later they were on the roof trading shots and rebounds.
