“Absolutely.” Ariana grinned. “Where should we go first? Oh, I know. Our little diner that we love so much.”
“Yes and then we can go wherever we want.”
Ariana rested her forehead against Nicole’s and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath. As she exhaled, the anxiousness left her body to be replaced by the calm and harmony she felt when she was with Nicole.
“Feel better now?”
Ariana nodded and tilted her head. “You know I didn’t want you to resign, but there’s something about you being in the stands at my games. When I look up and see you smiling down at me, clapping your hands and encouraging me…” She shook her head. “It’s different than when I’d glance over to see you on the sidelines speaking into your headset. Your eyes would be on me and you’d encourage me with a look, but it’s not the same. When I look up and see you, part of me is playing for you. I know you’re going to say that’s not good, but it’s true.”
Nicole smiled and rested her hand on Ariana’s cheek. “I’m not going to say that. You’ve played for the love of the game and now I’m part of that. It makes me so proud, so happy, and I feel very loved.”
“Let’s go downstairs and you can feel my love in other ways.”
Nicole chuckled. “I have one more song for you tomorrow. I’ll send it to you before the game.”
“Thank you.” Ariana once again pressed her lips to Nicole’s in a soft kiss.
Ariana felt surprisingly calm as she sat in front of her locker. This was one of the biggest games in her career and yet she wasn’t nervous. She’d come to the arena and gone through shootaround as usual.
Just as she was leaving the court she saw Nicole with their little friend, Chloe, from the youth events. Nicole had arranged for her to meet Shealyn and get an inside look at how they prepared to commentate the game. Ariana ran over to say hi to Chloe and the excitement on the little girl’s face was everything.Yes, Ariana played this game for the joy, but encouraging young kids made it even more worthwhile.
Of course, it helped to get a moment with Nicole before she went back into the locker to change into her uniform. Nicole winked and simply reminded her to play free and remember to have fun.
“Did you get a song today?” Cameron asked, bringing Ariana back to the moment.
“I was about to listen to it,” she replied.
“Okay, we know you’ve got some hottie that has had your attention all season,” Rae said, walking up next to Cameron.
Ariana’s eyes widened.
“It’s okay,” Nia said, joining them and putting her hand on Ariana’s shoulder. “Whatever she’s done to you, keep doing it. We will not get into your business. But we’re happy for you.”
“Yeah, do you think we can meet her someday?” Rae asked.
Ariana smiled. “Yes. Soon.”
“Now, what’s this about a song?” Nia asked.
“Come on,” Cameron said. “That’s her business.”
“It’s okay,” Ariana said. “She sends me a song before away games, but since we’re going to win it all tonight she sent me one more.”
“Yeah!” Rae exclaimed, raising her hand for a high five.
They all exchanged high fives and left Ariana to listen. Maybe she’d be able to introduce them to Nicole tonight after the game if it went their way.
Ariana put her earbuds in and touched her phone. “Taste” by August Moon began to play. Ariana smiled and listened. She couldn’t help moving her shoulders to the music. In some ways the song paralleled their relationship: being on the road away from each other, the highlight being together, their kisses and loving the taste.
“Come here.” She waved Rae and Nia over. “It’s not your kind of music, but the words say it all.”
She gave each of them an earbud and played the song. Rae’s eyes brightened while Nia started to move to the song. They began to dance and sing a few words. Ariana had no doubt they’d never heard the song, but what a way to relieve pregame jitters.
“This girl has it bad for you!” Rae said, high-fiving Ariana again.
Nia smiled and raised her brows. “Yeah, and you got it just as bad for her. Hell yeah.”
“Okay, let’s go play our game!” Ariana exclaimed, raising her fist high.
