“Hmm, it depends on what we’re playing to,” Nicole said.
“Okay, you think about it. I’ll let you go,” Ariana said. “I was going to text you, but I was so excited about practice I decided to call you instead.”
“I’m glad you did,” Nicole said. “I needed a break from watching basketball. Maybe I should work on my shot since I have a one-on-one game coming up.”
“That makes me wonder if we could ever have a conversation without mentioning basketball.”
“Hmm, I don’t know,” Nicole said.
“We’ll have to find out one of these days,” Ariana said.
“Maybe we will. Have a safe trip to DC and good luck.”
“Same to you,” Ariana said. “Don’t be catching any crazy point guards flying through the air.” She heard Nicole’s laughter through the phone.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she replied.
“I’d better go. There’s something important I need to do.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, I’ve got to google someone.” Nicole’s laughter filled Ariana’s ear.
“Bye, Ariana.”
“Bye, Nicole.”
Ariana ended the call, but she really didn’t want to. Ever since locking eyes with Nicole last night thoughts of her were never far away. To run into her again this morning seemed so random, but also not. Ariana sighed and wondered what was going on with her. What a strange beginning to the new season.
Something told her that this new, dare she call it a friendship, with Nicole was going to make this season one to remember. She smiled and opened her phone to google Nicole Neal.
Chapter Eight
Nicole had been working nonstop for the last three days preparing notes on all the opening round games in the league. There were analysts at the network who could do this, but Nicole preferred to do her own research with her own comments on what she saw. Shealyn relied on her notes as well and trusted Nicole’s knowledge and statistics. They’d been broadcasting partners for years now and knew they could count on each other.
Over the last few days, Nicole had fallen into a familiar, trusted routine. She worked for a few hours in her office in front of her computer, watching games, taking notes and studying stats. When she needed a break she would go to the roof and run a few laps; this week, she’d added shooting baskets.
The idea of playing one-on-one with Ariana was daunting and she knew it would be a massacre. She’d be lucky to make two baskets, but she was still looking forward to it. Nicole was a competitor and playing with such a good athlete gave her a thrill.
Nicole had gotten up this morning and once again spent time at her computer, but after her morning break she had moved to her living room and watched games on her TV. The screen waslarger and the sofa was more comfortable. She’d worked most of the afternoon and went back to the roof to shoot a few baskets before settling in to watch Ariana’s game.
Once she got back to her apartment Nicole poured herself a glass of peach iced tea and rummaged in her pantry for something to munch on while watching the game. She settled on chips and poured salsa into a small bowl.
She and Ariana had been texting occasionally since the youth event. They had easily fallen into a rhythm of short interactions during the day. Nicole smiled at the thought of a couple of their conversations that had nothing to do with basketball. Ariana had made finding things they had in common into a game of sorts. One thing they’d discovered was that Ariana preferred soda, but only drank it as an occasional treat, whereas Nicole loved peach iced tea and thought of herself as an aficionado of the tasty drink.
Before going to the roof she’d texted Ariana and wished her a good game. Nicole glanced at the clock. Ariana was probably in shootaround or having a strategy session with the coaches before changing into her uniform and warming up.
Nicole set her drink and snacks on the living room table and turned on the TV. She saw the familiar faces of the broadcasters in the studio doing the pregame. She settled back and listened to their analysis. Did she really have a lovely voice? Ariana certainly seemed to think so.
Her phone beeped with a text and she saw the familiar “Ten” on the screen letting her know it was from Ariana.
My first steal will be for you, because of you.
Nicole smiled and replied.
Remember to have fun!
Ariana’s reply came quickly.
