“Of course I do. She’s hot and she gave you a lap dance during the game.”
Nicole shook her head as Kate laughed at her amusing interpretation of Ariana’s flying leap.
“She was at the diner and it’s a favorite of hers too.” Nicole smiled and took a sip of her beer. She hadn’t planned on telling Kate about her day with Ariana, but she decided to test the waters.
“Hmm, I know she plays basketball, but…” Kate raised a brow and smirked.
“You’ve mentioned that before,” Nicole said. “Maybe when the season is over.”
Kate’s face lit up with delight. “Okay, you! Go for it.”
“We’ll see. October is a long way off, but I like her. We talk so much basketball.”
“Imagine that,” Kate drolled. “I’m sure you have a lot in common. I keep up, Nicole. She’s a hard worker just like you.”
“But she’s still a player and not retiring anytime soon.”
“Don’t make problems before you have a chance to see if there’s anything there,” Kate said.
Nicole looked over at her in surprise. “That’s kind of the approach I’m taking.” Testing the waters with Kate was turning out to be okay.
“Good. You’ve got months to get to know each other better. Right?”
Nicole nodded and furrowed her brow. “I did not expect this reaction from you. I mean, you are my agent and a scandal with a player would not be good for my marketability.”
Kate shrugged. “I know you’re not going to do anything to risk your career. Hmm, maybe I need to get creative with your next contract.”
Nicole chuckled, but inside she wished there was a way dating Ariana wouldn’t be such a detriment to her career.
Kate stayed for one more drink and after she left, Nicole stayed to watch part of the game with Stuart.
“So, what’s happening with your new friend?” Stuart asked, coming around the bar and sitting on Kate’s now vacant stool.
Nicole smiled. She knew she could confide in Stuart. After all, she trusted him to deliver that note to Ariana. “Well…” Nicole glanced over at him and raised her brows.
“Yes?”
Nicole sighed. “I like my new friend and she likes me.”
A big smile grew on Stuart’s face. “Imagine that.”
“I sound like I'm in middle school.” Nicole chuckled.
“Hey, that feeling doesn’t ever get old or go away,” Stuart said. “She wouldn’t be worth it if you didn’t feel that way.”
Nicole nodded. “That’s true. I already know she’s worth it. I just hope I can last until the end of the season.”
Stuart chuckled. “Who says you have to?”
“Stuart,” Nicole said warily.
“I’m here for you, remember that.”
Nicole met his gaze and saw the wheels turning in his head. He grinned then looked at the TV. “Your girl’s game is on.”
“Stuart!”
Stuart laughed. “No one heard me!”
