Page 85 of If We Meet Again

Ashley pointed towards the empty glasses. “Would you like another?”

Megan reached automatically for her purse. “Sure, but let me getthese ones.”

She caught the waiter’s attention and signalled for two moreof the same.

“So…how is basketball?” The question Ashley really wanted to ask, she decided tohold off on.

“It’s good. We won the WBBL cupthis year.”

“I saw that, actually. I bet that wasincredible.”

“It was amazing to finally get my hands on a professional trophy.You saw it?”

“I watched a bit of it. I was actually at work, but I managed to sneak away to stream the last two quarters. You played greatby the way.”

“Thank you, that means a lot.”

“It must have felt good being the top scorer and assist leader on your teamthis year.”

“It does, but I would trade that for a championship.”

“Do you think you have a shot next year? You got to the quarter-finals this year, right?”

Ashley thanked the waiter for his prompt delivery. At $18 a Mojito, it was going to be an expensive evening, but as soon as the fresh, cold taste of lime and mint caressed her lips the price tag was forgotten.

“I think we do, but it depends how we react in the off-season. We need a strong centre to really help us next year; we don’t have the height advantage that the top teams have, that’s what lets us down. Some games we just get destroyed inthe paint.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Any word from your agent about the WNBA?”

“Not yet. She tells me to keep doing what I’m doing, stay motivated and the time will come. My dad seems to think a good championship run will make them come looking.”

“Is that where the scouts go? Tothe finals?”

“The semis and the finals. They tend to have some representation there.” Megan re-adjusted her position, crossing her right leg. The slightest touch of her foot could be felt against Ashley’s calf, which surprised her. Such a simple touch feltso intimate.

“What will happen with you and Candice if you move back here?” The question escaped her lips before she had the chance to consider howit sounded.

Megan angled her body towards Ashley. “We broke up.”

“Oh.”

“Last month.”

“Why? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

“It’s okay, we just grew apart. She started speaking to her ex again, and I realised I didn’t care. I think I knew from the beginning. At the baby shower, you asked me if I loved her. Most people would know at that point, but I was putting off the inevitable, hoping my feelings towards her might deepen over time but theynever did.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, everything happens for a reason.” Her glare remained fixed on Ashley. “Anyway, you haven’t told me about your writing. How’s it going?”

“I actually went for an interview this morning.”

“You’re kidding? Where?”

“AtThe New York Times.” Ashley grinned.

“Shut up!” Megan instinctively squeezed her thigh. Ashley acknowledged the touch, but only momentarily, not wanting to draw too much attention to the closing gap between them.