“Not long,” Cameron replied. “Where were you?”
“I decided to get something to eat and while I was there I looked at our stats from the game.” Ariana hoped bringing up their game would keep Cameron from asking more questions. Her phone pinged once again.
Uh oh! Sorry!
Ariana picked up her backpack and walked through the living room on her way to her bedroom.
“Hold up,” Cameron said from the couch.
Ariana slowly turned around and raised her brows. “Huh?”
“What have you really been doing?” Cameron asked, looking her up and down.
“What are you talking about?” Ariana replied with a shrug, trying to sound innocent.
“Who have you been playing ball with?” Cameron inquired. “You’re wearing your basketball shoes.”
“Oh, I shot a few baskets with some dudes in the park,” Ariana lied.
“You’re supposed to be resting and recovering today,” Cameron said. “What did you really do?”
“What’s with all the questions!” Ariana exclaimed.
“You’re acting funny,” Cameron said.
“I’m just surprised to see you.”
“Oh! Do you have someone coming over?” Cameron asked, sitting up on the couch.
Ariana quickly shook her head. “No.”
“We could go to Stuart’s,” Cameron said. “I’m sure we could find someone just itching to spend time with a pretty professional basketball player.”
Ariana laughed as Cameron wiggled her brows up and down. “You just said we’re supposed to be recovering today. I don’t think Stuart’s bar would be a good idea.”
Cameron shrugged. “I’m always here for you. It’s a long season and we’re just getting started. You’re going to need a, uh, stress reliever. If you know what I mean.”
Ariana leaned against the wall leading to the hallway. “Is that what Terrance is for you?” she teased.
Cameron chuckled. “Oh yeah! That and so much more.”
“Don’t you worry about me. I can take care of myself.” Ariana laughed. “If you know what I mean.”
“Ha ha,” Cameron deadpanned. “It ain’t near as much fun.”
Ariana pushed off the wall. “It’ll do for now.” She walked down the hallway to her bedroom as thoughts of Nicole ran through her head.
Ariana didn’t like lying, especially to Cameron, but she’d meant it when she said Nicole could trust her to keep their friendship discreet. She realized she needed to have some kindof story ready whenever she’d been with Nicole. An uneasy feeling settled in Ariana’s stomach. This wasn’t going to be easy. Nicole had warned her at brunch and she was beginning to understand what she meant.
But she’d had such a good day with Nicole. A little lie here and there was the price she had to pay for now. Ariana knew Nicole was worth it.
Chapter Nineteen
Nicole had been texting with Ariana since she left her apartment on Sunday evening. She’d sent Nicole several photos of prospective outfits for Tuesday's tunnel walk. It was fun to see Ariana’s style, but she also threw in a couple of outfits just to make Nicole laugh.
It seemed that Ariana was always in her thoughts. There was something pulling them towards each other and Nicole could feel it. She suspected Ariana felt it too. It started with basketball but there was more to it and Nicole didn’t know what to do about it. She loved her job and her career. Hard work had made her a trusted analyst and voice in the sport of basketball. To allow anything more than friendship with Ariana would threaten everything Nicole had worked so hard for.
Why would she risk all of that for someone she was just getting to know? Maybe she was lonely. She hadn’t had a girlfriend in a long time and hadn’t felt that little spark for anyone in ages. Well, until Ariana fell into her lap.
