Beyond the Basket - Paige Bueckers

part 28 - the moment of truth

Monday April 14, 2025

Paige POV

We're in the car on the way to the draft, and Alex, my sports agent, is telling me I'm likely to go first overall. I want to believe him, but a part of me holds back, not wanting to get my hopes up. With all my past injuries, teams might see me as a liability and choose someone with a flawless college career—despite me averaging nearly 30 points this season.

"I sent some things to your email for the interviews on the carpet. You always do well with those, so you should be set. Just remember, your fans love your personality, so let that shine," Alex says, but I'm barely listening. My attention is locked on Kie's dress and the way it shows off her cleavage, completely distracting me.

Alex keeps talking, but I can't focus. Kiera shifts slightly in her seat, the fabric of her dress catching the light, and my thoughts scatter again. I clear my throat, forcing myself to tune back into the conversation.

"You good?" Alex asks, glancing over from the front seat.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good," I reply quickly, shooting him a smile in the rearview mirror before looking back at Kiera, who gives me a knowing smirk. I'm so not good.

As we pull up to the venue, the lights from the red carpet flash through the windows, and my heart skips a beat. It's really happening.

When we step out of the car, Kiera takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Her presence helps calm my nerves, but the moment we start walking toward the entrance, the cameras are already on us. I try to focus, knowing there'll be interviews, but I'm still stealing glances at Kiera's dress.

We're halfway down the carpet when a voice calls out from behind me.

"TWIN!"

I whip around and break into a wide grin. There, standing with her arms outstretched, is Nika.

"Nika!" I practically sprint toward her, pulling her into a tight hug.

She laughs, "You supported me through my moment, I needed to come support you."

I pull back, beaming. "I can't believe you're here. I thought you were in Croatia. How did you—?"

Nika shrugs, smirking. "I've got my ways. Plus, I had to see my twin get drafted."

I laugh, shaking my head. "You're the best."

She grins. "I know."

We catch up for a minute, Nika already cracking jokes and easing my nerves like she always does. Then she looks over my shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Is that Kiera? Wow, you didn't tell me she'd be this stunning tonight. I would've dressed better."

I roll my eyes but can't help the smile. "Okay first of all, you were the best dressed person in the league last season. But yeah, she's amazing, isn't she?"

Kiera walks over, smiling warmly at Nika. "Hey, I'm Kie. It's great to finally meet you."

Nika grins, pulling Kiera into a hug. "You too. Heard a lot about you, but now I see why Paige is always distracted."

I laugh, feeling my face heat up. "Okay, okay, let's not embarrass me in front of the cameras."

Nika winks. "No promises, twin."

The three of us walk over to the red carpet, and the sheer number of cameras pointed at us is overwhelming. The flashing lights are blinding, making it hard to see anything beyond the immediate chaos. Nika and Kiera flanking me, I try to stay calm and collected, though my pulse quickens with every step.