“Hey there.”
“Hey yourself,” Kate said. “Are you home?”
“No, we stayed over last night and I’m about to leave the hotel for the airport.”
“I watched your game last night,” Kate said. “I want you to know that every time I watch a game you call I always learn something. I’m not one of those basketball fans that knows all, so for you to teach me and make it interesting… Well—you’re very good.”
Nicole chuckled. “Thank you. I guess that’s a good thing since I love it and they pay me to do it.”
“That’s one reason I called,” Kate said. “It’s negotiation time.”
“Already?”
“It’s best to get this done early,” Kate said. “I want you to think about what you want in your next contract. How about we meet for brunch Sunday?”
“That sounds good,” Nicole said. She’d have plenty of time to eat before seeing Ariana that afternoon. Brunch with her best friend was just what she needed.
“We can even go to that favorite diner of yours near your apartment,” Kate said. “Emily and I will meet you there.”
“Do I need to have suggestions for the contract by then?”
“Think about it and we can throw some ideas around and maybe a few numbers,” Kate said. “It’ll be a place to start.”
“Okay,” Nicole said. “It’s been ages since we’ve been to brunch.”
“I know how much you love it,” Kate said. “I’ll text you with details.”
“Thanks Kate,” Nicole said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Hey, are you okay?” Kate asked. “You sound a little distracted.”
Nicole sighed. “I’m about to have a conversation with Shealyn about an incident that happened during the game last night.”
“Oh, are you all right?”
“Yes, but Kate you need to hear this, too,” Nicole said. “I love you and appreciate how much you care about me, but my dating life is just that: mine. I’m asking you to please respect me and my judgement.”
“Okay, I hear you,” Kate said. “Did Shealyn do something?”
“Yes, she tried to set me up with one of the referees in last night’s game,” Nicole explained. “Let’s just say she made it hard to do my job with her distractions.”
“And Shealyn?”
“She thought it was amusing while I tried to cover it with my commentary,” Nicole said. “I know you mean well, but please Kate, let me take care of me. I’m going to tell Shea the same thing.”
“I’m sorry if I overstepped,” Kate said.
“You haven’t lately.” Nicole chuckled. “But I promise I’ll be fine.”
“I know you will,” Kate said. “Have any players fallen into your lap lately?”
Nicole laughed. “No, just Ariana.”
“Okay, this is the last thing I’ll say about your love life,” Kate said. “Maybe you need to ask Ariana out in the off season.”
“What good would it do? Are you going to negotiate a clause in my contract where I can date players and my integrity will not be challenged?”
“Oh, that would be fun,” Kate said. “There are so many players who would want to go out with you.”
