The first time watching it through she decided she was lucky she didn’t get hurt. But as she replayed it several times she noticed the reason why. Nicole hadn’t tried to back away as the other people at the media table had. Instead, she reached out and caught Ariana’s head as her body twisted so she’d land on her back.
She literally fell into Nicole’s lap! The surprise on Nicole’s face quickly turned to concern as she looked down at Ariana. The camera zoomed in as Ariana and Nicole stared at each other for a moment.There it was.The moment.
Shealyn entered the picture, helping Ariana swing her legs around until Ariana was sitting in her chair. Ariana knew that’s when she made the quip about the view and retiring then she hopped up and ran back onto the court.
She listened to Shealyn and Nicole describe the incident then they were back doing their regular commentary for the viewers.
Ariana sighed. If Nicole hadn’t held her head the way she had, Ariana was sure she would’ve been injured. Just as Shealyn said on the broadcast, Nicole acted courageously.
Ariana knew it was late, but she picked up her phone anyway and sent Nicole a text.
Thanks for catching me and saving me. I could’ve really gotten hurt.
She stared at her phone and waited. Several moments later the familiar bubbles appeared.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re okay.
Ariana smiled.
I’m obviously no Superwoman since I didn’t know how to land!
She waited for Nicole’s reply.
I don’t know about that. You were pretty awesome on the court tonight. I’m not sure Superwoman could play basketball as well as you do.
Ariana smiled at the compliment then took a deep breath and decided to share her view with Nicole.
I remember after I batted the ball, all I could think was: this is going to hurt. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was you. Do you know that you have beautiful brown eyes?
Ariana paused before sending the text. She didn’t want to make things awkward between them, but she couldn’t stop thinking about Nicole’s eyes. She hit send and waited. The bubbles appeared then they were gone. A moment passed and they appeared again.Hmm, interesting.
I saw fear in your eyes for a flash then it was gone. I’m not the only one with pretty brown eyes.
Ariana smiled. “Pretty brown eyes,” she muttered. “Yes! She felt it too.” She bit her bottom lip and held the phone in her hand. “Now what do I do?”
Several moments passed then Ariana saw the bubbles once again.
Did you learn anything from the replay?
“Did I learn anything,” Ariana said, staring at her phone. “I learned that there’s more to Nicole Neal than her pleasing voice and I’d love to discover it all.”
Ariana knew she couldn’t text those thoughts to Nicole so instead she began to type.
I learned that I’m not going after a ball like that unless you’re commentating the game.
She waited.
Hahaha. I’ll get to call another one of yours soon. In the meantime maybe you should practice your landings, Superwoman.
She chuckled.
Thanks again for catching me.
Ariana got an immediate response.
Anytime.
She smiled and watched the rest of the game. She looked over the stats once again, but she wasn’t really seeing the numbers. All she could see were Nicole’s soft brown eyes and wondered how they sparkled when she laughed or did other things.
