STAY - PAUL GEORGE

11

Julianna Coley

"I really hope I don't see him" I told Cynthia while we were waiting for Melo to finish changing. If Paul walked out before Melo, I was leaving. I don't want to waste my time.

"Melo said he was gonna be quick" She said back.

I rolled my eyes as I rested my back on the wall. My phone was almost dead because Michael was blowing up my phone. I wished it was Paul.

"Who's Michael?" Cynthia asked nudging my shoulder.

"A guy that is gonna make my phone die" I said jokingly.

"Girl. Spill the tea." She said seriously.

"I just sat next to him during the game and we talked about random stuff. I'm not interested though" I said back.

She chuckled. "You're never interested."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What does that mean?"

She sighed. "You always end things before they even become something. You always do, you can't deny it."

I rolled my eyes. "Just because of Paul" I muttered.

"No," Cynthia was now close to yelling and I hoped she would tone it down. All these people didn't need to know my business. "You always do. Sometimes you just gotta ride it out. Y'all just met, I don't think it's fair to make him commit to you when he's not even your boyfriend. When the time comes for him to make a decision he'll make it and you just have to accept it."

"But.." I attempted to say something back.

"No. If y'all have something by that point, if y'all really want to be together you'll make it work out. You always gotta sacrifice when you're in love Julianna."

I sighed. She was completely right. Everything she said was on point.

I chuckled, "Now I want to talk to Paul"

She smiled, "I knew you would come around. And girl do yourself a favor and block that Michael guy. If you and Paul end up working out he's not gonna want to see that."

I pulled her into an unexpected hug. "You're the best"

"Don't you think I already know that!" She laughed. God I love her.

Paul George

"So, why did y'all not pass each other the ball" Russ scoffed. "Our offense was so predictable, we were lucky it was against the Mavs"

I stared down at the floor. "Personal matter" I said not wanting to make eye contact to either Russ or Melo. I knew I had let people down, and I hated knowing that.

"Personal matter. I don't care. Y'all can't let this affect how the team plays. It's basketball, Y'all should forget about your problems when on the court." Russ explained. He was a good leader. Cool and collected. Always willing to take the last shot, even if it doesn't fall.

"Russ, stop" Melo pointed to me. "He's leaving. Don't include him"

Russ looked over at me. "Is that true? Man I thought we were just getting started" Russ said back as he sat down.