“Don’t you remember? We had a conversation about your dating life and I told you that you can’t expect a woman to fall into your lap.”
Nicole laughed. “You are too much sometimes!”
Shealyn’s laughter echoed through the phone. “But you love me.”
“That I do.” Nicole paused. “You don’t have to worry about me and Ariana. We’re just basketball buddies.” She laughed at herself. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“No, there’s not. I like her and maybe if you weren’t a commentator and she wasn’t a player—well, anyway.”
Nicole sighed. “Just watch the game and enjoy her athleticism. She’s really good.”
“Yes, she is and you may have made her even better.”
“It’s nice that she appreciates us, Shea.”
“Yeah, it is. Okay, I’ll let you go. See you tomorrow. Atlanta, here we come!”
Nicole chuckled. “Kiss the girls for me and give Dewayne a hug.”
“I will gladly do that. Bye.”
Nicole ended the call and took a sip of her drink. The second half started and Ariana took up where she’d left off by stealing the ball and making another layup. Nicole clapped.
“Basketball buddy,” she murmured. “Just wait until she hears that.”
New York took control of the game in the third quarter and cruised through the fourth to win by twelve points. Ariana scored twenty-two points and ended the night with twelve assists along with six steals.
“Way to go, Ari.” Nicole smiled and waited to see which players were interviewed at the end of the game.
A few moments later the courtside reporter had Ariana and Cameron standing beside her.
“You two came to New York the same year, are roommates, and share a special connection on the court. It was on display tonight,” the reporter said.
Cameron smiled at Ariana. “Yeah, it’s like we know what each other are going to do. It’s a lot of fun when it's working like that.”
“Ariana, you’re shooting more this season and you poured in twenty-two points. You’re known for your sharp passing skills and finding your open teammates, which explains your twelve assists, but you also had six steals tonight that led to points. How do you explain this improvement in your defense?”
Nicole leaned towards the TV screen and held her breath.
“Well, Chantel, I’ve learned a few tricks on anticipating what the offense is going to do. I’d say it’s working.”
Nicole saw Ariana stare into the camera and it was like she was smiling directly at Nicole.
“I’d have to agree,” Chantel said. “Care to share where you learned this?”
Ariana chuckled as Cameron put her arm around her. “She can’t share her secrets,” Cameron said.
Chantel laughed. “Thanks for talking with us.” She then sent it back to the commentators at the desk.
Nicole watched Ariana and Cameron run off the court and smiled. She sat back on the sofa and released a deep breath. It was good that Ariana didn’t say where she’d gotten these “tricks,” but it made her wonder if Ariana had said something to Cameron.
Did it really matter? She and Ariana had been discussing strategies and tendencies of players. Nicole could have had that conversation with anyone. Right?
Whatever,she thought.
Nicole was glad Ariana had a good game. The smile on her face was bright and her eyes were sparkling.Pretty brown eyes.
Her phone beeped and she saw a one-word text from Ariana.
