“When?” Cameron asked, joining them.
“Saturday at the youth event,” Ariana explained. “Let me tell you she’s got lockdown defensive skills, too.”
Nicole laughed as she shot the ball again. “She means I fouled her and held on so a little eight-year-old could dribble around her and shoot.”
“And Chloe is now your fan for life,” Ariana said with a grin.
“Don’t look now, but your newest super fan is watching us,” Shealyn said quietly.
Nicole saw Ariana discreetly look towards the scorer’s table where Maggie Patterson was gazing around the court.
“Hey, Ari, I’m wearing a dress tonight so I won’t be able to catch you if you come flying my way,” Nicole teased.
Ariana chuckled. “Oh, Nic, you’d catch me.” She looked over at Shealyn and grinned. “Maybe it’s your turn, Shealyn.”
“Oh no, that’s your thing,” she replied, pointing between the two of them. “Just don’t go flying tonight.”
They all laughed and Cameron said, “Maybe the girl whose number you got at the bar last night will be in the crowd.”
Nicole raised her brows and stared at Ariana. “I didn’t think you dated during the season.”
“Oh, it’s not a date.” Cameron chuckled. “If you know what I mean.”
“Oh!” Shealyn said. “Sounds like hookups are fair game.”
Ariana dribbled towards the basket and took a shot.
Nicole met her gaze and smiled. She knew Cameron was talking about the note Stuart had passed Ariana from her. She tilted her head and suddenly the idea of hookups and non-dating had her attention. She shot one more basket. “We’ll get out of your way. Good luck tonight.”
“Thanks,” Cameron said, rebounding the basketball. “Shealyn’s right, you have a sweet shot, Nicole.”
Nicole smiled and glanced over at Ariana who was closing the distance between them. “Hey, friend,” Ariana said.
“Friend?” Nicole deadpanned, but saw Ariana’s face fall. She reached out and squeezed Ariana’s forearm. “I’m kidding. Of course we’re friends,” she said softly.
Ariana’s face brightened. “I have my good luck charm.”
Nicole widened her eyes. “I saw the picture. Be careful.”
“I will.”
“Hey, they’re going to try and stop you going left,” Nicole said. “Take what they give you.”
Ariana nodded. “Okay. Fake to the right then go left. Thanks.”
“You’ve got this.” Nicole smiled and walked away but not before she saw Maggie staring in her direction. She started to go over to the other woman, but Shealyn intercepted her at the media table.
“Ariana calls you Nic.”
Nicole shrugged and looked down at their setup.
“You don’t let anyone call you Nic.”
What Shealyn said was true, but there was something in the way Ariana said her name. It felt intimate and she said it with affection.
“I know,” Nicole said. “How long has Maggie been watching us?”
“The whole time.”
