Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin

Chapter 10: Birthday Shenanigans

Inspiration Song: Birthday Bitch by Trap Beckham (I don't love this song, but gotta bring the vibes, ya know?)

June 5th.

The last few weeks had been great all around. It had been so good to take on Caitlin and the Fever at home—especially since we won. It had been odd guarding her instead of playing with her, but it felt like a part of me was home being on the same court as her again. Jade wasn't able to make it to that game, unfortunately. She had booked a small acoustic group to sing at Sinsations after normal business hours. She was really trying to keep growing her business and had expressed interest in wanting to turn it into a bar in the evening to feed into the Vegas nightlife. Although I was sad that she wasn't able to meet my best friend—and Caitlin had some words about it as well—I understood. I admired that she had such high ambitions for herself.

My playing time had been pretty consistent as of late with some of our vets still out with injuries. I was really gelling with the team. I thought my transition to the W was going to be hard, but the girls really made me feel comfortable and took me in without a second thought. They really seemed to like me in Vegas. A'ja had even gifted me my rookie backpack—Hello Kitty because why not?—on our first road game trip. I was supposed to sport it with every tunnel picture at away games this year.

What I hadn't anticipated though was all the love I was receiving from fans. My jersey was one of the highest selling in the league, and Iowa fans were coming to games in droves to see Megan and I play. While I had expected this for Caitlin, I never thought that I would be in a similar situation. I was beyond grateful for everyone's support.

Today, we were in Dallas for our game. It was also my birthday, and while I was hoping that everyone would treat it like another day, I should've known better. Jade had blown my phone up right at midnight with some very sweet messages and expressed how badly she wished she could be with me today. Caitlin, Jada, and Monika had started a group chat just to send embarrassing pictures they had of me in their camera rolls. Then I was met this morning with a "Happy Birthday" tiara and "Birthday Girl" button, which A'ja made me put on immediately. I sent a quick picture of me with the accessories to Jade to which she replied: "I always knew you were a princess 😉." If that hadn't already been enough, the team also got me a bundt cake, which I shared with everyone.

After shoot around, we went to get food at a steakhouse. The girls had convinced the bus driver to pretend they were leaving me, making me sprint to catch the bus. Everyone on the team had that video plastered on their Instagram stories. "A little hazing for the birthday girl," they called it. We got the win that night, and I even had some fans sing "Happy Birthday" to me. It was honestly such a good, but chaotic birthday.

After everyone got settled into our hotel rooms and showered, Kelsey asked me to meet her down at the hotel bar for some drinks. I tried to decline, hoping to just relax and Facetime Jade for a bit. As usual, however, Plum Dawg had other ideas.

"Ayeee, birthday girl," I hear Kelsey whoop and holler with A'ja, Megan, Alysha, and KB. They were sitting up at the counter of the small bar, all with drinks in hand. As I approached, she handed me a tall, dark drink.

"What's this?" I asked, eyeing it suspiciously.

"A Long Island," she answered, even toned.

"Are you trying to mess me up? We've got a flight tomorrow to head to Seattle. Do you know how much alcohol is in this?"

"All of it, actually," A'ja answered, fighting a smirk.

"Kate, just have one, and a shot with us," Alysha begged. "You know I never do outings with you guys. Plus, it's your birthday...I know your girl isn't here but have a little fun."