WNBA Anthology

Neighbors (Kierstan Bell - Las Vegas Aces)

Kierstan notices the boxes sitting outside what she now assumes is the once vacant unit across the hall from her. They're large yet net and she notices the door is ajar. The sounds of upbeat, happy music can be hear and she pauses to figure out if she know what song is playing. To her surprise and mild embarrassment, the door swings open to reveal a woman who looks to be the same age as her in a black short sleeve romper and short blonde hair.

"Damn girl," Kierstan says. "Your waves are spinning!"

Kierstan finally realizes what she has said and covers her face, hoping she didn't turn as red as the tattoo on her neck. A laugh meets her ears and she peeks out her fingers to see the woman smiling.

"Thank you. I get that all the time."

"Kierstan," Kierstan says, holding her hand out. "But everyone calls me KB."

"Chloe but most call me Apollo."

"Apollo?" Kierstan questions, wonder in her eyes as she looks at her new neighbor.

"Used to be a stage manager for the Apollo Theater in Harlem."

"You're from New York?"

"The accent wasn't a give away?"

Kierstan heard the accent but she didn't know where it was from so she didn't want to assume.

"Anyway, It was nice meeting you KB. Have to get back to unpacking."

Kierstan waves as she enters her apartment. She can feel her heart beating fast: she has a crush.

The next time Kierstan sees Apollo, the young woman is walking with a large black dog that is holding its leash as she is wearing a shimmering black cowl neck dress that stops mid-thigh and is flowy. She's wearing black Hermes Oran slides and has on silver jewelry including a cuban necklace with a matching watch band and anklet. She sees a tattoo on her thigh of what looks like a dragon but the dress is just long enough to keep her from seeing it clearly.

"Hey," Kierstan says, Apollo looking up from her phone and smiling at her.

"Hey! How are you?"

"I'm good. Where you headed to?"

"It's my friend's birthday and she got a section at TAO so, I'm headed there."

"That's funny. My teammates and I are headed that way tonight too."

"Teammates?"

"Yeah: I play for the Aces."

"I knew you looked familiar. Sherlock, don't you dare take her banana."

Kierstan looks down to see the dog sniffing at the banana in her hand. He whines, sitting at Kierstan's feet as he looks at her.

"Don't feel pressured to give him the banana."

She chuckles, patting his head and offers it to him. He takes it, doing a little spin before walking to the door. Apollo rolls her eyes, shaking her head as she unlocks the door and lets him into her unit.

"Well, if I see you tonight, don't be a stranger."

"I won't," Kierstan says, smiling as Apollo smiles, entering her apartment.

"So, whose is this girl that you have been crushing on but rarely see?" Emma asks, looking at Kierstan who is scanning the club trying to spot her.

"She's right...there!"

Emma, Chelsea, and Kate all look to where Kierstan is pointing and Emma whistles. Apollo now has on heels and she is glowing underneath the club's lights. She rapping to a group of girls and guys before she begins to twerk, Kierstan nearly dropping her drink as she catches a glimpse of cheeks.