She walked out of the room and turned to go down the hall when Stuart waved to her from the bar.
“Hey,” she said, putting her elbows on the end of the bar. “You were busy when I got here.”
“Oh, I saw you,” Stuart said. “Are you finished with team time?”
Ariana shrugged. “The coaches left and we’re just hanging out for a little longer.”
He nodded and reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “For you.”
Ariana furrowed her brow and looked from the paper to Stuart.
“Just read it,” he said.
She opened the piece of paper and immediately smiled.
10,
A little luck for tomorrow, but you don’t need it with all that confidence, sexy.
Your BB,
C
Ariana looked at Stuart and then gazed around the bar. “Where is she?”
Stuart shook his head. “She’s not here, Ari. She couldn’t be. You know that.”
Ariana smiled at him then reread the note. Her heart was beating with happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Stuart reached out and snatched the paper out of her hands.
“Hey!”
“I’m supposed to tear it up,” Stuart said. “No one else can see it.”
“I promise no one else will,” Ariana said seriously. “What did she tell you?”
Stuart smirked. “I’ll tell you this. Forherto come in and leave a note for you means you’re something special.”
“Yeah?” Ariana knew she had the goofiest smile on her face, but she didn’t care.
Stuart nodded. “I’m surprised because she doesn’t take risks like this. Her career is very important to her. I hope you realize that.”
“Oh, I do,” Ariana said. “I don’t want to be a risk.” She never wanted to be a problem for Nicole, but she also wanted to spend time with her. “Damn, she constantly surprises me.”
“Oh yeah? I’d say you surprised her by jumping in her lap.” Stuart chuckled. “I saw the replay.”
Ariana laughed. “You’ll keep our secret?”
Stuart held up his hands. “All I know is that you’re friends and other people don’t need to know about it. I love Ni—hervery much. We’ve been friends a long time and I will always protect her.”
Ariana nodded. “I will too. We’re just becoming friends, but I really like her.”
“I can tell by the look on your face,” Stuart said. “Be careful. I happen to love you both.”
“We’ve sort of got a list of things we’re discovering we have in common,” Ariana said. “You’re on the list.”
He nodded and smiled. “I hope this will be good for both of you.”
