Six Years Later
Nicole glanced over at Ariana and reached for her hand. “Was it strange being in our dressing room?”
Ariana chuckled. “I can remember sneaking in there a few times before or after my games to steal a kiss or just to see you smile. But I never imagined I’d be changing there to actually commentate a New York WNBA game.”
They walked down the hallway and onto the gym floor. There were people roaming about preparing for the upcoming game to open the WNBA season.
“Is that Shealyn?” Ariana asked, gesturing to the media table.
“She’s here to make sure we don’t screw anything up.”
“If there wasn’t pressure before, having the boss here just added to it,” Ariana said.
“Aw, don’t you look cute strolling over to the media table hand in hand,” Shealyn said.
“Hey, boss,” Ariana said. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Yeah, I don’t remember Laura or Rob being here for opening day when we were commentating,” Nicole added.
“I’m here to give you encouragement,” Shealyn said. “You’re making history and I wanted to see it for myself.”
“Are you sure you aren’t a little nervous about us and you’re missing your old job?” Nicole asked.
Shealyn smirked. “I have full confidence in you both. I didn’t move into the big office to oversee our broadcast team without knowing who to put in our major market on opening day.”
Nicole grinned. “Why did you decide to take that promotion?”
Shealyn lowered her chin and gave Nicole a look. “You know why! I waited for your wife to finally retire so I could move up and stop traveling.”
Ariana laughed. “Sorry about that, Shealyn. I really thought I had a couple of more years in me, but when Nic almost beat me in one on one I knew it was time to give it up.”
“Hey,” Nicole slapped Ariana on the shoulder. “I can still play.”
“I know you can, honey, but I only spotted you six points that day and you nearly beat me.”
“I was on fire! You should’ve seen it, Shea. Everything I threw up was going in.”
“You’re not going to make me believe that’s the only reason you decided to retire,” Shealyn said.
Ariana sighed and smiled at Nicole. “We got tired of traveling most of the year, what with my season from May to October and Nic’s from November to April. This way we’re traveling together and not all year long.”
“Plus we can celebrate our anniversary wherever we want instead of where I’m calling a game,” Nicole added. “Someone couldn’t wait to get married.”
Ariana grinned and linked her fingers through Nicole’s. “Come on, it was brilliant to get married on New Year’s Eve. Everyone wanted us to have a big party so it was the perfect day.”
“That was some wedding,” Shealyn said. “I’ll always remember it.”
Nicole squeezed Ariana’s hand. “It was everything we wanted and all our friends and family were there.”
“I want to know when you’re going to move out to the suburbs with me,” Shealyn said.
“Why would we move?” Ariana replied. “We have a basketball court on the roof!”
Nicole laughed. “I think she fell in love with me the first time she saw that basketball court.”
“Not true,” Ariana protested. “You know we fell in love right here.” She slid into the chair where she’d be sitting to call New York’s game.
Nicole chuckled then felt herself being pulled into Ariana’s lap. She yelped and started to laugh. One look into Ariana’s eyes and she was taken back to that day. Nicole couldn’t count how many times she’d lost herself in those warm brown eyes.
“That was the best play I ever made,” Ariana said softly.
Nicole smiled and cupped the side of Ariana’s face. She didn’t know how it happened, but every day she woke up more in love with Ariana. The world stood still that day and had several times since, but she’d always remember Ariana flying through the air and catching her so she wouldn’t get hurt.
“Is this how Nicole taught you to call games?” Cameron asked, walking up to the table.
“Hey,” Ariana said with a big smile.
“Let me up, honey,” Nicole said, getting out of Ariana’s lap.
“I can’t believe after all these years you’re making me start the season without you!” Cameron exclaimed.
“I’m right here, Cam,” Ariana said. “I’m with you.”
“Ha ha,” Cameron replied. “I want to know if you’re going to analyze games for me the way Nicole did for you all those years.”
“Come on, I shared all the info with you,” Ariana replied. “You know I’m always on your side.”
“Blah, blah, blah,” Shealyn said, putting her fingers in her ears. “I didn’t hear that. You are now a neutral broadcast commentator, Ariana.”
Nicole laughed. “Yeah, just like you were when your favorite players were on the court.”
“Stop!” Shealyn said. “You’re making us look bad.”
“Oh, you're safe, partner,” Nicole said. “Besides, nothing compares to secretly falling in love and marrying your favorite player. I won the prize for that.”
They all chuckled.
“Have a great game, Cam,” Ariana said, reaching out and bumping fists with her.
“You, too,” Cameron said. “I know this is new for you, but you’ll be great.”
“I had a really good teacher.”
Nicole could see the love in Ariana’s eyes as she gazed over at her.
Seven years ago, in this same arena, Nicole had prepared to begin another WNBA season. She was sitting beside her friend and longtime broadcast partner, unaware her life was about to change in the best way.
She took her seat next to Ariana and secured her headset over her ears. She could hear her director begin the countdown to them going live. With a smile full of trust, encouragement, and love, she gazed at Ariana. “Here we go.”
Ariana nodded. “We’re going to be great because we’re prepared and we’re doing this together. No one can beat us, Nic.”
“Welcome to opening day in the WNBA,” Nicole said.
“I’m Nicole Neal-Villa here with my broadcast partner Ariana Villa-Neal.
You may remember Ariana from her playing time the last thirteen years here in New York.
Now she joins us to share her inside knowledge of the game as a player. Welcome, Ariana.”
“Thanks, Nic,” Ariana said. “I’m a little nervous because it’s strange not being on the court, but I’m sure you’ll help me find my way in this new life.”
“We’re going to have a lot of fun,” Nicole said. “That’s what it's all about.”