PRESENTING THE PAST - Paige Bueckers x Nika Muhl, Diana Taurasi x Sue Bird

CHPATER 14

PAIGE

"I'm seriously going to miss you, pretty face," I say, pinching Nika's cheeks while my other hand wraps around her waist.

"I'm gonna miss you too," she replies, pulling me into a hug. I sway her gently, humming a little tune. "I might fall asleep here, Paigey," she whispers, making me giggle as I kiss the back of her head.

"Okay, miss! I'll see you next year?" I release her from the hug and pinch both her cheeks softly. I like doing that to her. We're about to go home for the break. There's been a big change of plans for where they're spending Christmas this year. To Nika's surprise, they're flying to Europe, particularly Paris, for the holidays.

"I'll see you next year, Paige Madison," she says, giving me a kiss on the cheek before grabbing her suitcase and walking out of our room. I do the same. In the shared living room, Mom and Sue are there waiting for us.

"You good?" Mom asks us, and we both nod in response. My pinky finger is still reaching for Nika's while our moms get ready to leave. I see her trying to stop herself from smiling, but when she glances at me, she bursts out laughing instead.

"What?" I ask her. I look at Mom and Sue, who are also giggling as they watch us.

"Paige, you look like a dumb shit," Mom says with her usual unfiltered comments, earning her a slap on the shoulder from Sue.

"Language, Diana Taurasi. They're kids," Sue says, giving Mom a stern look but grinning herself.

"Kids? Do you see how they flirt? If so, oh my God, kids these days are scary," Mom replies, shaking her head while Sue pushes her out of our dorm.

"Look who's calling us kids when they're the ones acting like children," Nika whispers, giggling. I laugh and wrap my arms around her as we exit the building.

"So, Paris, huh?" Nika and I walk over to my mom, who's asking Sue about the trip.

"Yep! We just want Nika to experience a European holiday," Sue answers, smiling at Mom.

"Well, that's actually... I thought you guys were spending Christmas here in the US. Tough luck, huh," Mom mutters, stomping her foot a little, a sign she's anxious. "I was actually hoping to take you and Nika out for a Christmas dinner..." she says, almost whispering. I look at Nika, who's also looking at me, shrugging her shoulders.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, D! I didn't know. Oh God!" Sue exclaims, her hands covering her face, but Mom lightly taps her on the shoulder.

"It's okay. Maybe some other time," she says, but I can tell she's not okay with it. I've never seen her want something more than that Christmas dinner with Sue and Nika.

"We promise to make time when we come back, D! I'm so sorry!" Sue still feels guilty about their trip. I help Nika load her luggage into the back of their car.

"They look cute," Nika says, still watching them as we put in the last bag.

"I know. If I didn't know them personally, I'd think they were dating," I say, wiggling my eyebrows and making Nika smirk.

"I know, right," she agrees, walking to the passenger side of the car. I follow her while our moms are still talking to each other, barely noticing their surroundings.

"Enjoy your holidays, Nik," I say, gently tapping the top of her head. Then she does the most unexpected thing—she smiles and tiptoes to give me a kiss.