“Hi, sorry I missed your call. What’s up?”
“Surely you’re watching a game,” Shealyn said. “Where were you?”
Nicole chuckled. “I went to the bathroom. Is that okay?”
“Yes, of course,” Shealyn stated. “It’s just that you’re always home, analyzing or watching a game, so I was surprised when you didn’t pick up.”
“I’m watching Dallas and Seattle.”
“I watched a little of that one and then flipped over to Chicago and Minnesota,” Shealyn said.
Nicole’s gaze was on the game, but she wasn’t watching it. She was thinking about Ariana and their conversation. Nicole hadn’t meant to say she found Ariana’s confidence sexy, but once the words were out she didn’t have a choice but to explain it. She smiled thinking about what Ariana had said about her voice. That’s how her crush began.
“Hey,” Shealyn said. “We’re okay. Right?”
“Yeah, sure,” Nicole said, trying to focus on her phone.
“I really am sorry about the other night,” Shealyn said. “It was funny to me but you had to cover plus be the center of Maggie’s attention. I was not a good partner.”
“It’s okay,” Nicole said. “Maggie will be there Saturday night. Please do not invite her to anything.”
“I promise I will not!” Shealyn exclaimed. “She’s not right for you anyway.”
“Um, who gets to decide who is right for me?” Nicole asked.
“I know, I know. You do,” Shealyn said.
“Thank you,” Nicole said. “The only love life we are discussing is yours. How’s Dewayne?”
Shealyn chuckled. “He’s listening to the girls read and then it’s bedtime.”
“Did you need something when you called?”
“Oh, yeah,” she replied. “We pushed the production meeting to eleven in the morning. You should have an email about it.”
“Okay, I’ll see you then.”
“Enjoy the game. Bye.”
Nicole ended the call. She didn’t like lying to Shealyn, but she did not need her opinions on Ariana Villa or the time they were spending together. She reminded herself that they were professionals and could keep it that way.
Then why was she so looking forward to Saturday’s game and Sunday afternoon?
This is still not a good idea.
Chapter Fourteen
“Your coaches have created an excellent game plan for tomorrow night,” Coach Bell said from the head of the table. “You have practiced hard all week and everyone is prepared. You know your roles and have done the work to get us the win tomorrow night.”
There were severalhell yeahsfrom the players and coaches gathered around the table in the private room at the bar.
“Savor the rest of your meals, relax, and enjoy this time you have together,” Coach Bell said.
“But don’t stay out late,” Coach Li added with a grin. “You have a game to win tomorrow.”
Ariana chuckled as several of her teammates groaned. She liked her coaches, but especially Emerson Li. Coach Li had made her a better defensive player which had also helped her shooting. It was all connected.
The coaches said their goodbyes to give the players time together. There were several conversations going at once as Ariana nudged Cameron with her elbow. “I’m going to the restroom.”
