Page 40 of Take the Shot


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Ariana chuckled. “I’m learning from the best. When can we compare notes?”

Nicole lay back on the bed and sighed. All the problems during the game coupled with the awkwardness of dinner had creeped into Nicole’s bones. She was suddenly very tired.

“You sound done,” Ariana said.

“No, I’m fine,” Nicole said. “What’s your schedule this week? Don’t you have practice?”

“Yes, every day this week and we have a team dinner Friday night,” Ariana said. “Don’t forget our one-on-one game.”

“How could I forget that!” Nicole said. “I’ll be busy until Friday afternoon, too. How about Sunday? I know you’ll want to sleep in, but we could meet in the afternoon. Let me apologize again for waking you up this morning.”

“Stop apologizing," Ariana said. “I got up and Cameron was home. Her boyfriend had to go out of town on business so she’s at the apartment all week. We went out for breakfast to one of my favorite spots and I would’ve never done that if you hadn’t called me. So it was a good thing.”

“That makes me feel better. If I had to be inconsiderate, at least something good came from it.”

Ariana chuckled. “Stop! You’re not inconsiderate. It looks to me like we call each other at the right time.”

“Yeah, I guess we do.”

“I’m surprised I even answered the phone,” Ariana said. “I usually don’t, but when I sawCrushon my screen I had to take it.”

Nicole laughed. “The same for me when I seeTen. I still can’t believe that’s how you put your info in my phone.”

“Okay, well, I guess I won’t see you until Sunday.”

Nicole could hear the disappointment in Ariana’s voice. “What’s wrong? If I come across something that will help you in the game I’ll let you know.”

“Nic, it’s not that. It’s just…”

Nicole raised her brows and waited for Ariana to finish her thought.Does she want to see me?She smiled because she wanted to see Ariana, too. “You’re forgetting you’ll see me Saturday at your game. We should be there for shootaround.”

“I’ll be looking for you.”

Nicole smiled. Arianadidwant to see her. “Uh, I need to tell you something.”

“Okay?”

“The other night Shealyn called me during your game,” Nicole explained. “She knows you’re one of my favorite players and that we saw each other at the youth event.”

“Uh huh…”

Nicole groaned. “She made a comment about us and?—”

“Your professionalism,” Ariana said.

“Yes, I told her…” Nicole winced.

“Yes?”

“We are basketball buddies.”

“Basketball buddies?” Ariana chuckled. “Well, I guess we are.”

“I know that sounds dumb, but as you pointed out, we don’t always just talk about basketball.”

“Don’t worry, Nic. As far as Shealyn and anyone else goes, we’re basketball buddies,” Ariana said. “It’s our little secret that we’re becoming friends.”

Nicole groaned again. “I’m sorry.”