Nicole nodded. “Me, too. I stopped by to watch shootaround for a few minutes.”
“Oh?” Shealyn said, hanging her clothes next to Nicole’s. “Is this something new for the new season?”
Nicole shrugged. “I wanted to speak to a few players before the game and didn’t want to interrupt them during warmup. Plus, I checked to make sure everything is ready for us.”
“Well, what did you find out?”
“As usual, Keith was getting our equipment ready. Some things never change.” Nicole paused. “And I saw Ariana Villa and Cameron Benson practicing passes. Their connection is as sharp as ever.”
“I know Ariana is one of your favorite players to watch.”
“The things she can do with the basketball,” Nicole said with awe in her voice. “She can fit a pass in the narrowest of openings to her teammates and let them shine.”
“I could feel the building buzzing with excitement as I came in,” Shealyn said.
“Ah, the sound of shoes squeaking on the floor and the clank of the ball as it hits the rim.”
“It better be the sound ofwhooshas it goes through the net,” Shealyn said. “It never gets old.”
“It was a little hectic out on the floor, but it’s expected, especially on opening day.”
“I’m sure! Don’t you love it!”
“You know I do,” Nicole said. “It feels like the excitement builds the closer we get to tip-off.”
“It’s not like our playing days,” Shealyn said, “but we still have an important job bringing the action to the fans who watch from home. Your preparation and attention to detail amazesme. The little nuggets of information you drop during the game makes it more entertaining for our audience.”
“Ah, thanks, Shea,” Nicole said. “I love to analyze and figure out what works and why something else didn’t. It can be like a giant puzzle.”
“Yeah, I know you love analysis, that’s why it’s your part of our job.” She chuckled. “I just like to talk!”
Nicole laughed. “That you do and thank goodness you do it well.”
“Shall we prepare to dazzle them with our brilliance?”
“Hell yeah, partner.” Nicole raised her hand and Shealyn slapped it for a high-five.
Nicole changed and walked into the small bathroom to freshen her makeup. When she walked out Shealyn stopped and stared at her.
“What?” Nicole asked.
“You’re bringing it this season, Neal,” Shealyn said. “Or is this just for the opener?”
Nicole shrugged and looked down at her outfit. “Too much? What’s wrong with it?”
“No, no,” Shealyn said. “All the single women should be drooling over you.”
Nicole scoffed and shook her head. “Right.”
“Seriously, you look nice,” Shealyn said, taking her turn in the bathroom.
Nicole had chosen this outfit because she felt confident and professional. If she looked nice too, that was an added bonus, she thought as she smiled.
Shealyn walked out of the bathroom in a black and white fitted dress. “Well?”
Nicole laughed. “We’re both wearing black. I hope people don’t think we’re going to a funeral.”
“If Ariana Villa plays like you think she will, it may very well be Los Angeles’ funeral,” Shealyn said.
