Chapter 8: Post-Game Interview
Inspiration Song: After Hours by Kehlani
After I changed back into my street clothes, I headed out to meet Jade.
I found her leaning against the exterior of Michelob Ultra Arena, out back by where the players exited. She met me with a soft smile. "Hey, superstar."
"Hey," I said, wrapping her up in a hug.
"Congrats on the win," she said into my shoulder, squeezing me back.
"Thank you so much for coming," I replied softly into her hair. I stepped out of our embrace and looked her over. I couldn't get over the sight of her in my jersey. It was doing something to me.
"See something you like?" she quirked her eyebrow.
I blushed, "Maybe."
"You're still not slick."
"I'm less smooth on the court, trust me," I laughed. "I'm sorry you came just to see me sit on the bench."
"Hey, it's okay," she said, rubbing my arm. "You're a rookie. It's going to take some time for them to get you into the rotation. Plus, watching Kelsey and A'ja play was cool too."
"So, what I'm hearing is you'll be coming to more games to watch me?" Kelsey said with a smirk as she, as was becoming normal, appeared at the most inconvenient time.
"Don't forget about me, Plum Dawg," A'ja said walking out behind Kelsey. "She likes us both."
"That I do," Jade laughed.
"What about me?" I asked, meeting her chocolate eyes.
"Hmm," she pondered for a bit before leaning over to whisper in my ear, "I guess you'll have to figure that one out."
Boy, would I.
"You girls have plans tonight?" Kelsey asked, looking between the two of us.
"None that I know of," Jade answered for the both of us.
"Well, we're going to grab dinner and maybe get a few drinks after," Kelsey replied, watching my face grimace. "We're not gonna get crazy. I promise, Money."
"Okay, okay," I agreed. "I'm down if Jade is. I just can't do another hangover like last week."
"I don't think Becky would let it slide as easily this go around," A'ja joked. "Jade, are you in?"
"Absolutely," she replied without hesitation.
"Cool," Kelsey said as they started walking to their cars. "I'll text ya the deets, Kate."
I looked to Jade, "Wanna ride with me?"
"Sure," she agreed happily. She bumped my shoulder as we walked, "Why do they call you Money?"
"Umm," I started with a blush. "It's because they think I make clutch shots."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"Well, I can't wait to see 'em, Martin," she said looking over at me with a smile.
***
After a pretty relaxed dinner with some of the team, Jade and I found ourselves at a small club with Kelsey, A'ja, Jackie, Sydney, and KB. I felt completely underdressed, and the girls made sure to give me a hard time about it.
"You're gonna have to up those game day fits, Rook," KB said. "You gotta ball out with me."
"You love having someone new to call Rook, don't you?" I joked back at her. We all were about two drinks in, just talking in a booth. I had my arm around Jade's waist.
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Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin
Romance"You're not slick, Martin. I hope you're much smoother on the court," she chuckled. "Not really," I admitted with a smile. "This isn't just the alcohol talking right now, is it? Cause if that's the case, I'd rather we not," she admitted. "I know I...
