Crossing Paths

Chapter 2: Tacos and Truths

**Kate's POV**

The evening air was warm and inviting as we arrived at the food truck park. It was a charming setup: five food trucks forming a half-circle around a cluster of picnic tables. String lights hung above, casting a soft glow over the scene. The sun had just set, leaving a soft orange and pink hue in the sky. It was the perfect setting for a relaxed evening.

Alex and I had decided on tacos, but the variety of food trucks was tempting. We ended up ordering from a couple of different places, grabbing a mix of tacos, quesadillas, and a few sides. We found a spot at one of the picnic tables and settled in, the warm light creating a cozy atmosphere.

"So," Kate started as she took a bite of her taco, "what got you into helping at this camp?"

Alex smiled, wiping a bit of salsa from her lip. "Honestly, I've always loved basketball. Growing up in a small town, there weren't a lot of opportunities to play at a high level, but I made the most of what I had. Helping out at camps like this is my way of giving back, and it keeps me close to the game I love."

I nodded, impressed. "That's really cool. It's great that you're giving back and helping kids improve."

Alex shrugged, looking a little bashful. "I guess. It's also a good way for me to work on my own skills. You know, practice teaching and explaining things. Helps me understand the game better."

I could see the passion in her eyes, the dedication. It reminded me of myself. There was something about Alex's humility and dedication that made me want to know more about her.

"What about you?" Alex asked, turning the tables. "You seem to know a lot about basketball. Are you coaching or...?"

I hesitated for a moment, not sure how to frame my answer. It was always tricky talking about my basketball career without sounding like I was bragging. "Well, I play college ball," I finally said, trying to keep it casual. "I'm at Iowa. This camp was a chance to give back and, honestly, it's nice to just be involved in basketball without all the pressure."

Alex raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Iowa, huh? That's a big program. How'd you end up there?"

I chuckled, grateful for her interest. "It was a bit of a journey. I've been playing since I was a kid, and I guess I just kept pushing myself. Iowa offered me a spot, and it felt right. It's been a wild ride, but I love it."

As we talked, I found myself opening up more than I expected. Alex was easy to talk to, and she seemed genuinely interested in my story, not just because I played at a big school. It was refreshing. We laughed and shared stories, talking about everything from our favorite basketball moments to our most embarrassing plays.

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**Alex's POV**

As we sat at the picnic table, the lights above us creating a warm ambiance, I felt at ease with Kate. The food was great, but the company was even better. When Kate started talking about her basketball journey, I could tell she was passionate about it. There was a spark in her eyes, a kind of quiet determination that I admired.

"That's amazing," I said, genuinely impressed. "Playing at Iowa must be intense. Do you ever get overwhelmed?"

Kate shrugged, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Sometimes. But I love it, you know? The competition, the team—it's all worth it. And being here, at this camp, it's a nice break from all that. It's just about the love of the game."

I nodded, understanding. "I get that. For me, basketball has always been an escape, a way to focus and push myself. UTSA isn't a big program, but I'm hoping to make a name for myself, maybe transfer to a bigger school someday."

Kate smiled, a supportive look in her eyes. "You can do it. You've got the skills and the drive. Just keep pushing."

I felt a warmth in my chest at her words. It was encouraging to hear that from someone like Kate, even if I didn't know her full story yet. As the evening wore on, we continued talking, sharing more about our lives, our dreams, and our love for basketball. It felt like we were peeling back layers, discovering more about each other with each passing minute.

As we finished our meal and the lights above us twinkled in the night sky, I realized how much I enjoyed being around Kate. She was kind, down-to-earth, and there was an undeniable connection between us. I couldn't wait to see where this week—and maybe beyond—would take us.