“Fuck,” I whispered and turned around to gauge my appearance. My lipgloss was gone, and I had the Asian glow—thank you, Mother—even though I hadn’t had a sip of alcohol.
Is that what Nola does to me?
We smoothed out our clothes in silence, and Nola dug in her pocket for lip gloss. “Here.” She offered, and I silently took it.
“So…” she started when I handed the tube back. Our eyes met and that damn heat zipped through me again.
“This didn’t happen.” I forced out.
“N-no, right.” Nola stammered.
“I—” I took a breath. “I’m not out…or clear on what I am.” I shrugged. “It’s just better if we don’t bring this up ever again.” The words were heavy leaving my mouth. I couldn’t bear to look at her, embarrassed for her to see how hard it was for me to pull away; to stay away.
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
“Noted.”
“Cool.”
We left the bathroom. My body burned with Nola’s possessive touch. I was so close to reaching out for her again just to cement that this momentdidhappen. The feeling didn’t last long as we were guided to a photographer, a backdrop, and the eight other draftees in our class. They were a combination of girls I was familiar with from high school, college, and tournaments. Farrah stood with the group, her wide smile tilting at the sight of me and Nola walking together. I looked away to avoid the question that I knew was at the tip of her tongue.
I totally didn’t realize I wasn’t holding my jersey until Nola passed mine to me. Her eyes looking at the production assistants who were giving commands. I tried to offer a smile when our fingers glided across each other’s, but she was focused on the camera.
I wasn’t sure why I felt so disappointed by that.
INTERVIEW WITH NOLA YOUNG
Editor’s note: I sat down with twenty-one years old Nola Young, fresh out of completing Notre Dame’s successful run for the NCAA women’s basketball championship. Just as the dust settled, she then became the first draft pick for the league, which means she’s packing her bags and heading to Chicago. Daughter of the infamous Nolan Williams and highly decorated Olivia Young, Nola seems to be taking walking in her parent’s footsteps in stride. Her cool charm and bubbly laugh are just two ways anyone can feel like they’re good friends with the young star, but when the room is quiet and it’s just the two of us at her favorite local diner not far from her now alma mater, her eyes remain glued to one spot in deep contemplation. Is she plotting for more? What her next steps are? Or is she in deep gratitude? It’s unfortunate to say, I never got an answer.
Nola, how does it feel to follow in both of your parents footsteps and be selected as the number one draft pick from your class?
NY: It’s incredibly humbling, and also the biggest ego boost ever? I’m really excited to head to Chicago, still in my midwest territory, ya know, so that’s cool.
How did you feel that night after hearing your name called?
NY: I don’t think I stopped breathing until I heard the second pick called. Of course I was hopeful it’d be me but that was hard to think of when sweat kept running down my back.
Oh yes, the second pick being Brittney Lee from USC. You guys have a long, interesting, history throughout your collegiate career.
NY: Interesting is one way to put it.
Could you only breathe when you heard her name because for some, she was the wildcard number one pick?
NY: Nah. She’s cool and talented as hell, but Chicago made the right pick. They need someone who won’t freeze up under pressure or, I don’t know, vomit on the bench when it comes down to the final minutes. Maybe it’s because of how I’ve grown up. You know, in the mix, constantly under pressure. But I know what I’m walking into, I hear the noise, and I’m ready to deliver for the Violets.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Nola
Present Day
“Daya, I feel like I’m being punked.” I said as soon as we got into our SUV headed to my new home.
“This is the most unprepared I’ve ever been.” My best friend answered, and I could see how today had rattled her too.
We were sane people. Born into athletic families, we knew the definition of calm, cool, and collected. What it meant to have a clear head during adversity.
But the Miami Waves were besting us.
