“Toronto may have come up a point short but they have so many positive things to take away from this game,” Nicole said. “Most importantly is how they played together as a team. They were communicating on defense and moving the ball on offense. This team may be a surprise this season, but it’s very early, Shealyn.”
“I can’t wait to see what they’ll show us later in the season,” Shealyn said. “We will be in New York this Saturday for the opening game of the season. Any expectations?”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ariana Villa,” Nicole said. “She is one of the best point guards in the league, but New York lost some of her go-to players and added a few pieces in their run to regain their title after their back-to-back bid fell short at the end of last season.”
“Do you think she has more weapons this year?”
“I think they’re different weapons. It will be interesting to see how they use their post players and now they have height at the forward position as well. Villa should be able to spread the ball around. We all know what a great passer she is.”
“Yes, she sees the court so well,” Shealyn replied. “I wanted to ask about their opponents on Saturday, but we’re out of time. Join us for the pregame where Nicole and I will break down not only New York’s chances but Los Angeles’ as well. Thank you for joining us today from Toronto. I’m Shealyn Jackson along with Nicole Neal.”
“We’re out.” Nicole heard the voice in her headphones and took them off. “Good game, Shea. You haven’t missed a beat.”
Shealyn smiled. “Neither have you. Of course, we know a lot of these players already so that helped.”
As they slipped their laptops into their bags Nicole said, “How’s the move? Are the kids settling in?”
“I think so. They love their new schools but life is different in the suburbs,” Shealyn replied.
“How so?”
“Everything is slower. People aren’t in such a rush to get wherever they’re going,” Shealyn said. “The commute into the city for the game on Saturday will be a bit longer, but that’s okay. It’s still a home game for me, too.”
“Yeah, it’s nice when we get New York’s games.”
“You’re lucky I was busy with this move during our break or I would’ve been up in the middle of your love life.”
Nicole frowned. “What love life?”
“Exactly!” Shealyn exclaimed. “Did you even go on a date?”
Nicole shrugged.
“It’s been years since you’ve had a girlfriend, Nicole, much less gone on a date,” Shealyn said.
“You won the love lottery with DeWayne, Shea,” Nicole said. “I’m not that lucky. But it’s okay. You know my career is my love.”
“Bullshit! You’re at the top of your career; there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun,” Shealyn said. “But you can’t expect someone to just fall into your lap. You have to go out and meet people.”
“I know people,” Nicole huffed. “Most of my friends are players, other sportscasters, or have something to do with basketball.”
“You know we can’t date players and there are other people in the world besides basketball people,” Shealyn said as they put their headphones in their cases.
“I know that, Shea, but that’s where my interest is. Basketball has been my life and I love it.”
“Until someone comes along to change all that.”
Nicole smirked as she shouldered her bag.
“Okay, okay. I’m not giving up. Once we’re settled, you’re coming out to see our new home. The girls miss their Aunt Nicole.”
This made Nicole smile. “I miss those little princesses.”
“Me too,” Shealyn said. “Let’s get to the airport and I might make it home in time to tell them goodnight.”
Nicole followed Shealyn into the hallway that led them to their awaiting car. She hoped Shealyn would drop the love life talk. Every few months Shea would try to set Nicole up with a friend of a friend, but most of the time she was able to wrestle her way out of it. With the time it took to prepare for games and her busy travel schedule calling the games, she didn’t have time for a date much less a girlfriend.
Ariana Villa walked into the kitchen from her bedroom and reached into the refrigerator for a beer. She could hear a basketball game on TV and walked into the living room to find her roommate, Cameron Benson, sprawled on the couch holding the remote.
