“I’m not,” Ariana said. “There’s something about talking basketball with you that’s different from anyone else.”
“I know!” Nicole exclaimed. “Same for me.”
“Do I need to list the things we have in common?”
Nicole chuckled. “No, I remember. Starting with pretty brown eyes.”
“That’s right. It’s time for your pretty brown eyes to close,” Ariana said. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Nicole sighed. “Thanks again for making tonight so much better than it could’ve been.”
“My pleasure. Bye Nic.”
“Goodnight.”
Nicole closed her eyes and let her arms fall to her sides. What was this thing with Ariana? A smile always landed on her face when she saw a text or talked with her on the phone. When she watched her play basketball there was a sense of awe and wonder. Ariana was a gifted athlete and played with joy. That’s what had drawn Nicole to her. But now there was more. She could feel a little flutter inside when she thought about Ariana and that wasn’t good.
Maybe she needed to pull this friendship back before it landed her in trouble. Ariana just assured her that this was their little secret, but secrets had a way of coming out. Didn’t they?
However, Ariana was right. Talking basketball with her was different than talking about it with Shealyn or any of her coworkers. She knew Ariana was always open to talk whereas Shealyn wasn’t always available to discuss such things. She had a work/life balance she was constantly trying to juggle.
Nicole took a deep breath and thought about the conversations she and Ariana had that didn’t include basketball. Specifically the ones about their dating lives and meddling friends. Ariana understood Nicole’s hesitancy to date during the season. She respected her work ethic and decision to remain single. Why couldn’t her friends accept that?
Nicole got up and took a quick shower before getting ready for bed. As she replayed their conversation in her head she grew more and more embarrassed. She had rambled to Ariana about Maggie and their awkward dinner.
“Oh God,” she groaned as she got into bed. “I’ve got to apologize to Ari tomorrow.”
Here she was apologizing to the woman again. What was wrong with her!
“You like Ariana Villa,” she said aloud. Her voice filled the room then there was quiet again. Nicole could hear the AC unit humming in the background as she let her admission fall over her like a weight.
This is not a good idea,she thought.
Nicole had gone to sleep last night ready to walk things back with Ariana. She didn’t want to, but knew it was best. Friendships with players during the season were discouraged and could put her and the network in jeopardy.
She texted Ariana and hoped she would understand.
I apologize for freaking out last night. My anxiety got the best of me and that rarely happens. I’m embarrassed and it won’t happen again.
Nicole figured Ariana was still asleep and was surprised when her phone pinged with a reply so quickly.
No reason to apologize. I understood the situation and know you’d do the same for me. I’m glad I was there for you.
Nicole stared at the phone. Ariana was right. She did understand the situation. None of Nicole’s other friends would get it except for Shealyn and she was no help. She thought it was funny and knew that Nicole would cover for them on the air.I’m glad I was there for you.Nicole reread that again and again.
She was glad Ariana was there, too. She liked talking with Ariana. She liked Ariana! Maybe they could keep this secret, at least for a while.
Nicole’s phone pinged with a message.
Safe travels, basketball buddy.
Nicole smiled and replied.
I’ll let you know when I get back.
Nicole sighed and put her phone away. Just because she liked Ariana didn’t mean anything beyond friendship would happen. They were both adults and professionals. This could work. She’d talk to Ari about it Sunday.
Nicole zipped her suitcase closed and looked around the room one more time to be sure she didn’t leave anything behind. Her phone rang and for a moment she wondered if it was Ariana. She picked it up off the table and saw Kate’s smiling face on the screen.
