Page 86 of Take the Shot


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“Since our granddaughter has decided she is going to be the next great point guard,” Archie said.

Nicole chuckled. “As stubborn as she is, I can see that happening.”

“You’re not wrong. She reminds me of someone else I know,” Lori said, squeezing Nicole’s shoulder and walking into the living room. “Come on, it’s about to start.”

Nicole reached for her phone and sent a quick text to Ariana. She knew she wouldn’t get it until after the game, but did she have a story for her.

As the game was about to start Nicole could feel her heart leap in her chest when the camera zoomed in on Ariana. She was wearing her hair in a loose bun on top of her head instead of her regular ponytail. Nicole would have to ask her about the change. She’d been wearing her hair that way when they’d played on Sunday.

Nicole flashed back to running her fingers through Ariana’s hair once she’d released the dark brown strands. Everything about her was sexy. Nicole widened her eyes and couldn’t believethose kinds of thoughts were running through her head while she sat in her parents’ living room.

“Is that her?” Lori asked.

Nicole nodded with a smile on her face.

“You must like her,” Lori said.

Nicole quickly turned to her mother. “What?”

“The way you're smiling,” Lori said.

“I do,” Nicole replied. “I can tell you that she’s an even better person than she is a point guard. We were at a youth event together not long after the season started.”

“Have you known her long? She’s having a great season,” Archie said.

“Yeah, I mean, I’ve known her to say hello, but we’ve kind of become friends this season,” Nicole explained.

“I’d guess so, after she jumped into your lap,” Archie said.

Nicole’s brows flew up her forehead. “Oh, you saw that.”

“Yeah, it was great.” Archie chuckled. “You probably kept her from getting hurt.”

The game started and they focused on the screen. Nicole watched as Ariana did the things they’d discussed on Sunday. Her defense was stellar and by halftime she’d scored eighteen points with three steals.

Nicole hadn’t noticed her mom go into the kitchen for snacks until she sat back down next to her on the couch.

“So, tell me about her,” Lori said.

“What? Who?” Nicole asked innocently as her cheeks began to warm.

Lori chuckled. “You know who. Ariana Villa.”

“As I said, we’re friends.” Nicole shrugged. “It’s new.”

“Uh huh,” Lori replied, munching on popcorn and offering the bowl to Nicole. “You don’t smile at your other friends like that. Does she bat for your team?”

“Mom!” Nicole exclaimed, almost choking on a kernel of popcorn.

“Oh, a baseball metaphor isn’t appropriate?” Lori chuckled. “Is she gay?”

Nicole sighed and narrowed her eyes. “Yes, Mom. She’s gay, but that doesn’t really matter. You know it’s hard for me to be close to players and not appear biased in the eyes of others. It’s a fine line.”

“Mmhmm, I believe you’ve called it career-ending,” Lori said.

“Yeah, I don’t get that,” Archie said. “You’ve got these fathers calling their sons’ games in college basketball. Or what about the former football players who have gone into broadcasting and call their old team’s games? You know they still have friends on the team. No one seems to mind that. Come to think of it, they have to have friends across the league who play on the other teams. How’s that any different from you being friends with basketball players?”

Nicole appreciated her parents’ support. “I know, Dad, but it’s part of the business. I knew when I went into it that it would be that way.”