overtime | clark & martin

Azzi.

AN: So this is even longer than the Caitlin ending (please don't ask how many words I will be embarrassed) but some parts are from previous chapters so you can fully understand how Azzi and Jess came to be. But like yeah this one was really fun and I think Jackie got next. This starts after Jess moves to Turkey.

Azzi Fudd sat at her desk, the soft hum of the evening settling around her. The quiet was almost comforting, except her mind wouldn't stop spinning. She'd seen the news—everyone had. Caitlin Clark's interview had blown up, and Jessica's name was plastered all over social media, in the headlines, and on every basketball forum.

It wasn't like Azzi and Jessica were close. Not really. They'd hung out in group settings, but it wasn't like she knew Jessica the way Paige did. Still, the whole thing felt... wrong. Jessica wasn't the type to use someone for fame, at least not the Jessica she knew.

She let out a long breath, her fingers hovering over the paper in front of her. Writing a letter felt strange, old-fashioned, but maybe that's why it felt right. It wasn't public, it wasn't social media where everything was on display. It was just her, reaching out.

With a final sigh, she started writing.

Hey Jessica,

I know this might seem random, but I've been thinking about you. I just wanted to check in.

Azzi paused, tapping her pen against the paper. Was that too direct? She didn't want to make it sound like she was prying, but ignoring the elephant in the room didn't feel right either.

She shook her head, continuing.

Anyway, I know you're overseas and probably dealing with enough already, so I thought I'd send you something. I've been reading this book, Emma by Jane Austen—yeah, it's a classic, and maybe you're not into that kind of stuff, but I remembered you liked Pride and Prejudice? The movie at least.

Azzi's lips quirked into a small smile. She wasn't sure if Jessica even remembered mentioning it, but it had stuck with her. She'd wanted to make the letter feel personal, like it was more than just a courtesy check-in.

So, I thought maybe we could start a little book club. Nothing serious, just something to talk about that's... not basketball or everything else going on. If you're up for it, of course. If not, no pressure.

Azzi hesitated again, feeling a little silly. Who started book clubs in letters? But there was something about it that felt less intimidating than just saying, "Hey, how are you holding up?" because she knew Jessica would brush that off. This was a way to stay connected without forcing anything.

Also, I saw the highlights from your last game. You're killing it out there. We miss you here, though.

She wondered if she should mention Paige—after all, Paige had been pretty quiet about everything too, but that felt too messy, too complicated. This letter wasn't about anyone else. It was about Jessica, about giving her something to hang onto when it felt like everything was falling apart.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Hope Turkey's not too cold this time of year. Looking forward to hearing from you—if you feel like writing back.

—Azzi

Azzi stared at the letter, chewing on the inside of her cheek. Was it enough? She didn't know, but it was something. She folded the paper carefully, sliding it into an envelope and addressing it to Jessica's team in Turkey. It wasn't much, but maybe it was exactly what Jessica needed—someone reminding her that she wasn't alone.

As she sealed the envelope, Azzi found herself hoping that the letter wouldn't go unanswered.

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