Chapter Nine

A'ja Wilson pov

"Girl bring your ass. We already late," I chastised as Angel side eyed me before grabbing her purse. "Okay come on. I'm ready," We were headed to the practice facility to shoot and do an interview for Wall Street Journal which was crazy to even say out loud. We decided on taking my car because the way Angel drives scares the shit out of me. "When is my baby coming back?" I asked as I pulled onto the freeway. "Next Tuesday. Jackie already book her from Wednesday afternoon ," she joked as I laughed. We had an ongoing joke that Halo was always booked and busy because everyone loves to keep her for a few hours, or a few days in my case. Halo was truly our locker room baby. We finally pulled up to the facility and rushed inside, apologizing for our tardiness as we came across people. They started with us separate and while Angel was doing her interview I got to interact with some of the babies they had here from the Las Vegas youth team. "Hi! How are yall?" I awed as the young girls freaked out as if vehicle was here. "Oh my god it's A'ja Wilson. I'm gonna scream!" A tiny one who couldn't be any older than like seven said as I laughed. "Yall are so adorable. Are yall having a good time?" I asked as they said yes in unison. "Good, they got yall some good snacks and stuff here?" I said as I looked to their table and they agreed."Yeah I got cookies, see!" Another girl said as she held up a pack of Famous Amos cookies. "Ouu you got the best cookies ever girl. Well I'm glad yall are having fun. I'm gonna go do my interview and I'll be right back okay," I said as they said bye and I left off. I felt my eyes start to water a bit as I cursed myself for being such a cry baby. But moments like this truly meant the world to me. Those young girls remind me of me when I was still trying to figure life out and it's such a surreal feeling. I walked into the gym and they had all of the lights and microphones set up. "Oh yall got the whole set up in here. Okay let's do it," "Okay so this is going to be your Job interview. As a matter of fact, how was your first job interview?" The reporter asked as I chuckled."That's something that I could never imagine. I've actually never had a job interview. Oh gosh I would be so nervous," I said with a laugh.She rattled off my resume as I couldn't help but to smile hard. I was so proud of myself and I couldn't help but to show it. "So what do you think of that?" She asked."I mean it's good. It's aight, nothing to crazy," I said with a laugh."But no, definitely something I'm super proud of. Just seeing where I came from, from a young girl who hated everything to do with basketball to now. It's been an incredible journey so yeah. Definitely really proud of myself," "Now we have you and interceded for saying Your idols become your rivals, and then your teammates. Can you explain where that comes from?" She asked as I smiled reminiscing on last year. "When it came to Candace Parker, she's someone that I looked up to my whole career..." I started as I rambled off about playing with Candace and her influence on me and my game. "And you must know this question was coming, that is an absolutely gorgeous ring. If you're comfortable, can we ask about the night of your proposal, and do we have any wedding details yet?" "I'm sorry I'm over here smiling like an idiot. But no it was amazing. Jordy literally went about and beyond with some help from my teammates and my bestfriend, Allisha. They made my day so special. And as of now we haven't planned anything yet but once we do I'll have to decide if we are going to share that or not," I said with a large Cheshire smile on my face."Alright and last but not least, it's been a few years since you've become teammates with the reigning MIP angel Reese, I've heard that one of her first wnba games was to watch you play in your rookie year. Talk about your guys' relationship off the court and now as teammates," "Well I've known Angel since she was like thiiis high," I said motioning my hands really short before laughing. "But I've been watching her since she was a senior in high school, when Dawn was recruiting her, and it's been amazing watching her progress not just as a player but as a young woman. Obviously I watched her college career and began following closely when she was at Maryland. Reached out letting her know I was watching and I loved her game and how she carried herself and that's kind of how our relationship blossomed. Now she's the little sister I never asked for but I love her. It was really cool to play against her in the behind of her rookie year and it's so different from watching her game because her motor is truly insane. I'm just glad I don't have to rebound against her no more because, whew!That's what drew me to her when she was in college because I was like 'oh that's young A'ja 100%," I said remembering."But yeah now she's My little baby. And she's had her little baby, my god daughter Halo. And she's amazing all around, a great teammate, friend, and mommy," I wrapped it up. They asked a few more questions before I took lunch and they started with Angel. I'm assuming they asked her the same question because I was able to hear her answer to one similar to mine."So Angel you recently became teammates with A'ja but you've known her for quite some time. What advice has she given you?" The reporter asked."Yeah I love her. She's been an inspiration to me obviously since I was very young, like high school. Being able to pick her brain since I was at Maryland my freshman year up until like yesterday when I was asking her opinion on this play we're working on. It's been amazing having her by my side literally every step of the way. I just love being able to see a woman in sports that thrives through everything.Ya knows her oath hasn't been easy, and mine definitely hasn't been easy, so it's nice to see like okay well A'ja made it through so I know I'll be alright, type of thing. So just being able to watch her and take after her, and walk in her footsteps. Cause she said the frown for me and other players that look like us to thrive and be who we are and be successful in this league," "And what about having her as a teammate now. How has that been?" "Oh my gosh amazing. It's so nice not having to step on a court and have Someone say 'okay Angel, A'ja is your man'. Cause that lady be hooping, do you hear me? So it's nice being on her team and playing booth her vs against her. There are  times she'll do something and I'm getting back on defense in pure awe of her talent," she said making me smile. After that we took some pictures and then we were all set. "Okay ladies, this singing up today so feel free to post any of the pictures that were selected after 3pm today," the director said as we nodded before saying goodbye to the kids and heading out.

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"I'm starving. You wanna get sushi?" I asked as Angel nodded typing away on her phone. "Who you texting that's so important that you ain't talking to me?" I teased as she sighed."So Jay I are done. For good this time I think," she said as my expression softened. "Oh Ang, I'm sorry baby," I said as she shook her head wiping a stray tear."No it's fine I guess. I, I'm just worried about Halo more so. I know how it feels to grow up with your parents not in the same home. I never wanted that for her," she said as my heart broke. Even though this was probably best for Angel, she still was thinking about her daughter. Like I said, the best mother ever."Don't stress about it baby girl. Think positive; Hay has two parents who absolutely adore her, can support her financially, physically, emotionally , and know how to do what's best for her. Yall did better by separating healthily vs staying in a. Relationship that could have turned toxic and caused her trauma," I suggest as she sighed, nodding. "You're right A. Thank you,"  I smiled as we pulled into the parking lot of The sushi place."Besides, now you can entertain Paige," I teased as she coughed in surprise.i laughed bride continuing. "What even happened exactly during draft weekend?" I asked as she sighed letting her seat back before starting the story. "Okay, so boom," Angel started, shifting back in her seat as her eyes took on that far-off look. "It was draft night, and my name had just been called. Everyone was cheering, and my mind was racing a million miles an hour. I remember thinking, 'This is it—everything I've worked for.' But it was all so overwhelming."As Angel spoke, her voice softened, and I could tell she was completely lost in the memory, like she was back there in that night.Draft night. The air was thick with excitement, nerves, and the kind of energy you only feel once in a lifetime. Angel's heart was pounding from the moment her name was called, the surreal blur of lights, cameras, and applause surrounding her as she took the stage. This was the beginning of everything she'd dreamed about since she was a kid.Later, when she and a few of the other new draftees made it to an after-party, the vibe was different. The pressure was off. They were young, newly minted professionals, and for the first time that night, Angel felt like she could actually breathe and take it all in. She made her rounds, talking to a few familiar faces and getting congratulated by people she'd admired her whole life. Then, just as she started to relax, she spotted Paige Bueckers.Paige was standing near the bar, laughing with a few friends. They had met a couple times, but only in passing—barely more than polite smiles and nods. Tonight, though, something was different. Angel couldn't quite place it, but her stomach twisted a little when Paige's eyes met hers across the room. It wasn't something she was used to feeling, especially not around another girl.

Without really thinking, she found herself walking over. "Hey Paige. Crazy night, huh?"

Paige turned, her blue eyes bright as she grinned. "Right. And congrats Angel. You deserve this so much"

Angel laughed, nodding. "Thanks I appreciate that. It's been wild, almost Like, all the pressure is supposed to be off, but it feels like this is where it actually starts."

"Tell me about it." Paige's expression softened, and they stood there, shoulders close enough to touch, just talking. The noise of the party faded into the background, and for the next hour, it was like they were in their own world.

At some point, Paige suggested they get some air, and they ended up wandering outside into the cool night. The city lights glittered above, and there was an energy to the city that matched what Angel felt inside—something between excitement and uncertainty.

They leaned against a railing, looking out at the city skyline. Paige glanced over, her gaze lingering for just a second longer than usual, and Angel felt her heart speed up. She couldn't deny that there was something about Paige that drew her in, something that made her feel seen in a way she hadn't expected.

"So, what now?" Paige asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Angel swallowed, feeling a tension in the air that she didn't fully understand. "I don't know," she murmured, almost as if she were talking to herself.

Before she could think twice, she felt herself leaning in, and Paige did the same. Their lips met softly at first, tentative, testing, and then with more intensity as the uncertainty melted away. Angel's mind spun, part of her caught between disbelief and something she didn't have the words for. She'd never thought about being with a girl, but right now, with Paige, it felt... right.

They ended up back at Paige's hotel room, their kisses turning urgent, exploring, new. It was as if all the nerves and pressure of the night were released in those quiet moments. It felt intense and raw and real, like nothing Angel had experienced before.

When she woke up the next morning, the weight of it all hit her. She looked over at Paige, who was still asleep, and felt a pang of panic rise in her chest. She didn't know what this meant, and that scared her more than anything. She'd always had a plan, a path to follow, but this was new and uncharted, and she wasn't sure she was ready for it.

The next night, after the draft festivities were officially over, they ended up together again. The same pull, the same intensity. But by the time it was over, Angel knew she couldn't keep this up. It was too much, too fast, and she wasn't ready to dive into something she didn't fully understand. So she did the only thing she knew how to do—she pulled away. She stopped replying to Paige's texts and avoided her calls, burying herself in her training and focusing on her rookie season.

"...And I've kinda avoided her ever since," Angel admitted, her voice trailing off as she came back to the present. She let out a shaky laugh, her eyes flicking to mine.

"Damn, Angel," I said gently. "But maybe it's time to stop running. You got that whole season ahead of you. Maybe you should just let whatever happens, happen." I said as she sighed leaning back. My poor girl was going through it.

Excuse all errorsAjah