“Hi Maggie,” Nicole replied. “I didn’t realize the referees came to the game so early.”
Maggie chuckled. “We usually don’t. I was in Atlanta for work, so I decided to come on in.”
“That worked out nicely for you,” Nicole commented.
“Yeah, sometimes things line up.”
“I would imagine your job has to be flexible with all the travel we do during the season,” Nicole said.
“Isn’t that the truth,” Maggie said. “I actually relocated to New York City during the off season. I’m hoping to get more of the games in that area and not have to travel as far.”
Nicole nodded and watched the players at one end of the court.
“You live in the city, don’t you?” Maggie asked.
Nicole looked at her and smiled. “I do.”
“Maybe we could get a drink sometime,” Maggie said. “You could share your favorite hidden spots in the city.”
Nicole raised her brows. “Then they wouldn’t stay hidden.”
Maggie chuckled and Nicole was glad to see Shealyn coming towards them. She didn't know Maggie well, but there was something about her that always made Nicole wary.
“Are you flying back right after the game?” Maggie asked.
“No, we’re staying the night.”
“Maybe we could have dinner after the game then?”
“Sorry,” Nicole replied as Shealyn came up next to her. “We’re having a team dinner afterwards. Most of us are based in New York so this is our first away game so to speak.”
“Hi, Maggie,” Shealyn said. “You could join us for dinner. We’ve got room for one more.”
Nicole gave Shealyn a pointed look.
“Thanks, that would be nice,” Maggie said. “My crew is flying back after the game so I’m on my own.”
“Ah, life on the road,” Shealyn commented.
“Did you get any inside scoop from the players during shootaround?” Maggie asked.
Shealyn laughed. “You know they won’t tell us anything.”
“I see they’ve tucked you away from the action,” Maggie said, pointing across the court.
“That way you won’t hear us talking about how long the officials are taking to review a play,” Shealyn said. “I hope you’ve worked on that during the off-season.”
“We have to get it right,” Maggie replied.
“Hmm, we’ll see,” Shealyn said with a smirk. “We’d better go.”
“I’ll see you after the game,” Maggie said before jogging off.
As they walked off the court Nicole said quietly, “I wish you hadn’t done that.”
“Why? Maggie wanted to have dinner with you.”
“Yes and the last thing I’m thinking about is a date,” Nicole said. “The season is just beginning.”
