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"Mum, I need your help with something."

"I told you, I can't do your homework for you," Kez mumbled, not looking up from her music panel as she adjusted sounds. "I know that. It's not about homework or basketball." Kamari said, pulling up a chair to sit down, pointing over to the dog bed for Sargeant to lay down and he did as so. "Okay..what's it about?" She pulled off her headphones and turned in her chair to give her full attention.

"So, I wrote a song..for this girl I like, and she's a huge fan of you, so I was wondering if you could maybe record it so I can gift it to her?" Kamari smiled, fiddling with her rings nervously.

"Why not just sing it yourself?" Kez suggested, very glad her daughter did come to her with this stuff because she couldn't imagine finding out her daughter had some kind of secret girlfriend. "Mum, I haven't sung on a track since I was a kid and I only did that for your album. Why can't you just do it? You have a more angelic voice." Kamari pleaded, putting her hands together for extra dramatics.

"I'm not doing it. I'll produce it for you but you have to sing it." Kamari frowned at her words and Kez leaned forward to take her daughter's hands, "It'll mean so much more if you do it. If I sing it, there won't be the same emotion and yearning that you're voice would have. Making a song for someone is special, it has connection, it has a bond that cannot be replaced, but heard, many times. You can feel emotions through your music, through your voice, and that is what you want her to hear, is it not?"

"Why must you get all motherly and poetic?" Kamari sighed, a smile smile curling up her glossed lips.

"Is this song for...Hazel, perhaps?" Kez smirked knowingly, her daughter's eyes going wide.

"What?! No! Definitely not!" Kamari denied, scoffing at her rightful accusation. She sighed in defeat after a few seconds of silence from her mother. "Fine. It is for Haze, but it doesn't mean I'm like gonna start dating her or anything cause she's already dating this guy on the Iowa team. It's just for her birthday because I'm a good friend." She explained, stopping before she began to ramble about how much she hated Hazel's boyfriend.

"She's sixteen...how old is he?" Kez questioned, always protective over her daughter's friends, especially Hazel given she practically raised her too. "Seventeen, probably almost eighteen. He's a freshman. You know, ever since she got put in Iowa, it's been so hard to get in contact with her. She's always busy, or hanging out with her new friends. It doesn't help that Caitlin Clark has basically taken her under wing."

"You sound..envious. Is that what you are?" Kez pondered.

"Of course I'm envious! Iowa was my dream! UConn was hers! Don't get me wrong, I love my new team and Paige and Azzi have been very good to me, but it's not the same. I wanted to play with Clark from the first minute she came to watch one of my games in high-school. In UConn, I feel like I'm just another player. They've already got so many good players like Aaliyah, Paige, Azzi, Nika, so I'm constantly under pressure to be as good as them. Ya know, I love her, she's my best friend, but it just feels like she stole something from me."

"It's okay to feel like that. You're feelings are valid. But you're not looking at the bigger picture. You'll be in UConn for another two or three years, enough time to solidify yourself as one of the best cause Paige isn't gonna be in college forever. They want you to hold down that team when she leaves. Hazel was picked for Iowa because she's good enough to be Clark's teammate without them having to worry about the possibility of overshining her. I know it's your dream, but you would've never been able to work with Clark. That's why I recommended UConn for you."

"..wait, you got me put in UConn?" Mari frowned in confusion.

"Yes...but not because they chose Iowa, they originally wanted you in LSU or South Carolina. I talked to Geno about you and after that he put in a request to have you put in UConn. That's majorly why you were chosen to go there. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner. I thought you'd have adjusted to it better without me explaining it to you. You tend to let your emotions get the better of you."

"Sue Bird and DT said it was a good pick, so I guess you weren't wrong. I can't exactly be mad when even the best of the best thinks it was a good decision." She sighed, still a bit disappointed her mother lied to her, even if it was in her best interest. She wasn't wrong either. She did tend to let her emotions get the best of her. She was still working on that.

"I'm sorry for lying to you. You didn't deserve that, babygirl." Kez said sincerely, taking her daughter's hands in hers.

"Since we're telling the truth now...how are you really feeling since the divorce was finalized? It's okay to feel hurt, mum. You loved him very very much. He was still your husband. You're allowed to mourn your marriage." Kamari spoke, her voice filled with concerns and sympathies. "You don't need to worry about me, Kamari. I am strong. This is not my first heartbreak. I always come back from it. You just need to put your mind on basketball, not on me."

"I hate when you do that. Dismiss me, as if I'm not supposed to care for you. You may be my mother and protector, but that does not prohibit me from protecting you as well. I know you've been through so much, and you have Uncle Lewis, but you also have me. I am here for you just as you are always there for me. I'm not a little girl anymore. You don't need to hide these things from me. I will always be there for you. You're my mother, and I love you."

"I love you, too." Kez smiled tearfully, pulling her into an embrace, hating the feeling she got in her stomach because she knew no matter what, there would always be that one secret she kept from her daughter. And she was not at all ready to tell her the truth. It wasn't time, and it wasn't coming anytime soon. She pulled away, wiping her daughter's tears as she did the same. "So, tell me, what's this song called? Have you got a name for it?"

"Ja. It's called 'She's My Sunshine'." Kamari smiled brightly, reaching behind her to grab her music book where she liked to dabble in music and poetry out of habit because she tended to get inspired just like her mum. She flipped to the page and handed it to her mum, scanning her face for approval. Kez leaned back, her brown eyes observing over the lyrics. Her face was always so unreadable so Mari was a little frustrated that she couldn't see through her.

"I have the perfect melody for this. It's going to be a beautiful gift, if you do still intend to gift this to Hazel." Kez said, giving her daughter an approving smile as she pulled open her laptop to search for the music she made with Lewis that would go perfect with the song. "If she returns my calls, then yes, I do," Kamari confirmed, pulling her legs up onto the chair as she nervously waited to hear what her mum had for her.

"Hey, would you like to accompany me to the fourth play-off game in New York? I didn't know if you were busy or not but I've got an extra ticket because mum couldn't make it. She's got a surgery scheduled for this child with a heart condition from Morocco, I believe. I don't believe I have anyone else to go with, unless I'm open to calling Will and I doubt Kelsey would enjoy seeing me there with my ex husband." Kez spoke as she set up her system to be prepared for Mari to record in the booth.

"Yebo, I have a clear schedule for that day. But, isn't Kelsey's husband going to be there? Won't that also be displeasing?" Kamari tilts her head, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Mhm, she said they're trying to work things out. It's cute. I like that she's trying." Kez hummed, picking up her glass of tequila to take a sip. "I'm sorry- why would you like that?" Mari frowned in confusion. "Because she's trying to convince herself that she's fine without me..that she doesn't need me. It'll be all the more fun to prove her wrong and watch as she finally accepts that he's a man who will never change."

"Damn mum, you sound like an evil mistress," Kamari snickered in amusement. "But seriously though, you betta not fumble her. Kelsey is awesome and deserves better than her stupid fuck husband."

"I could not agree more, babygirl, but watch the language."

"You right. It sounds better in Xhosa."

"Yes it does."

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"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Kez reached up to rub her eyes, making sure her sight wasn't completely fucking with her. It wasn't. "What the fuck are you doing here? Where is my daughter?" She scoffed. "She's back in Connecticut, something came up so she gave me her ticket. She said you were okay with it." Will explained, also just as confused as he pulled off his coat to hang up on the rack in the familiar New York penthouse she shared with Lewis, who was in Texas for race week.

"She lied. Go back to wherever you came from. I don't want you here." Kez scowled bitterly.

"Sure, I'll say in a hotel, but I'm still going to the game. It's not like you have many other options to give it to anyways." He shrugged, causing her to pause in her steps, turning to face him. "Are you implying I have no friends? Cause I can just as easily call a friend over right now and I'm sure they'd love to see a game with me. I just don't want you in my company. The only time I have to endure moments with you is filming or when you come to see the kids. That is all. So, you can return my ticket and leave."

"I don't think I will. Clearly Mari gave it to me for a reason, and I'm not going to disappoint her." He stated.

"Oh, so now you care about disappointment? Where was that same care when you gave your attention to your little girlfriend during our marriage, eh?" Kez smiled sarcastically, bringing the man to scoff under his breath. "Wow. So, all the blame is placed on me? As if you were the perfect fuckin' wife?"

"I never claimed to be perfect. You knew my flaws and you still chose to marry me. That's on you. I married you because I loved you, and if I knew you still loved her, I would've never so much as stated a vow I could not honor for you. You did that to me. You gave me hope, only to turn around and dishonor me. Don't blame me for losing the hope you so falsely provided. At least when I cheated, I was honest about it. You still can't even admit you did 'til this day. There's nothing more pathetic than that."

"Maybe, but at least I tried to fix our marriage. You did nothing to fight for us." She chuckled at his victim complexes, stepping forward and placing a hand on his cheek. "There was nothing to fight for. It was doomed from the beginning, and that I can admit was both of our faults. We were stupid enough to believe a marriage would fix what was already broken, Will. I don't wanna go back. I don't desire to go back. I don't desire you anymore. I don't love you anymore."

"I wish I could say the same to you, Keziyah, but we both know you have more power over me than you want." He gently pulled her hand off his face and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "I'll send the ticket back. I don't want you to be uncomfortable. You should enjoy yourself." He dropped her hand and picked his coat off the rack, backing away from her.

"Can I pay for your flight back? This was Mari's doing so it'd only be right." She suggested, but he shook his head in dismissal. "No, that's alright. I think I'm gonna stick around for a bit. I have some friends here. But, thanks for the offer..and bit of a clear conscience." He offered a smile before pulling open the door and leaving.

She groaned, plopping down onto the comfy couch. She picked up her phone, dialing her friend's number and after a few seconds he picked up. "What's up, Kezie?" He greeted. "Hey, you still in NYC for the week?" She questioned. "Yes ma'am. Why do you ask? I figured you were in Austin right now?" He frowned in confusion before taking a bite of his pizza again. "Nah, they don't need me at that race. I'm actually in New York right now, and I've got courtside seats to the WNBA playoffs for tomorrow, so I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to that?"

"Oh hell yes I would. I wanna see the Liberty smoke the Aces," Miles grinned excitedly.

"I'ma pretend I ain't hear you say that."

"Good, 'cause Lewis would kill me if he heard that."

"Yeah, he don't play about A'ja. But uh, if you don't wanna spend another night in a hotel, you can come stay at my place here." She suggested, trying not to sound like she was bored out of her mind..because she most definitely was. She had a love hate relationship with being alone. She liked to be by herself, but she also liked the comfort of knowing someone was just down the hall.

"I would love that. This hotel is crazy expensive. Send me your address again and I'll be there in a few hours. We can grab dinner too. I found this really nice place that serves the best sushi. You're gonna love it." Miles didn't give her much a chance to respond before he hung up, quick to finish his food so he could go back to the hotel to pack up his stuff and check out.

A few hours later, he arrived at the penthouse, putting his stuff into Lewis's room because his room had the better view and bed next to Kezie's. "Hey, what's up with all this lavender, mate?" Miles mumbled in confusion, referring to the many vases around the place that had lavender flowers in them. "It brings peace and relaxation to the mind, body, and soul. You could use some," she answered, pulling on her favourite lavender coloured cardigan with white knitted flower patterns.

"What would you do if you had a child who is allergic to lavender?" He pondered.

"Disown it."

"Oh."

The car parked outside the restaurant and she climbed out, tossing her keys to the valet. "I still find it so weird that you enjoy driving in New York," Miles comments, setting a hand on her back as they walked into the restaurant. "You find everything I do weird," she shot back, a woman escorting them upstairs to their reserved table. "You rubbed essential oils in my helmet right before a match as some sort of odd ritual you do. Of course I find you a little weird."

"You still won, did you not?" Kez scoffed, and he sighed, nodding in reply. "Exactly, so stop complaining. I did you a favour, you were getting your ass kicked out there." They approached their table, the waiter kindly pulling out the chair for her. They obviously booked under Miles name to avoid them finding out she'd be there. If she had done that, it would get out to paparazzi and she was not even the mood to deal with that. She wished for a quiet and peaceful dinner with her friend.

A few ways down in a reserved room, there was a long table that seated the whole Las Vegas Aces team, and some of their partners, obviously. Chelsea walked in, returning from the bathroom and sitting down in her chair next to A'ja and Syd. "Now, either I'm trippin' on pain meds or I just seen Keziyah on a date."

"What?" Kelsey quipped up a bit too fast for her husband's liking. "Who's she with?"

"I don't know, some dude I didn't see his face," she explained. "Wait, show me. I might recognize him." A'ja got up and helped Chelsea up, they peeked outside the room and got a glimpse of the singer. They returned to the table, the rest of them waiting for an update, but mostly Kelsey. "I think I know him. I recognize the back of his head. He's like a fencer dude. I don't think it's a date. They've been friends for a while and he's with Lewis more than her." A'ja explained.

"I know who you're talkin' about. That's Miles," Kelsey added knowingly, receiving looks of question, mostly from her husband who turned to her with a confused look. "How do you know?"

"Uhh, I just seen him on social media. He attends a lot of races," she dismissed, shrugging her shoulder.

"We should invite her over," Syd proposed. "I'll go ask," A'ja volunteered with a grin, especially seeing Kelsey's look of objection. She got up quickly, walking out to go to Kezie's table. She walked over, gaining their attention rather quickly. "Sorry to interrupt y'all, but we was wonderin' if y'all wanted to come sit with us." Miles looked to Kez for her answer because he was definitely down for that but he wasn't sure what she wanted to do.

"That sounds lovely. Thank you." Kez smiled, taking A'ja's hand and getting up from her seat. "I got you a seat right next to me across from your girl," she grinned, putting her arm around her shoulders. "He's here, ain't he?" Kez mused, and A'ja nodded in confirmation. They walked in, gaining everyone's attention immediately. "Look who I got to join us. I know, I'm amazing. You're welcome."

Miles pulled out the seat for her and she sat down after greeting the rest of the team and coach. He took his seat next to her, across from Kelsey's husband Darren who he was just a bit familiar with because of American football. "I didn't know you were gonna be in New York. I thought you were in Austin? Isn't it a race week?" Kelsey asked with tight smile.

"It is, but I'm not needed there. It's one of our more...boring tracks. Besides, what kind of fan would I be if I missed the playoffs?" Kez smiled innocently, pulling her bottom lip through her teeth for a few seconds.

"A fake one," Syd coughed out.

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"Someone's at the door. You expectin' anyone?" Miles leaned against the doorframe of the small home gym she had.

"Uh, no?" Kez frowned in confusion, grabbing her towel and wiping her face. "I'll get it though. You can go back to sleep." She stood up from the bench and walked down to the door as Miles returned to his room upstairs. She unlocked the door, assuming it was one of the workers in the lobby or a housekeeper because nobody else had the address or permission to get in. Pulling it open, she was quite wrong.

"Uhh..how do you know where I live?" She questioned, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe.

"Mari told me," Kelsey shrugged.

"And let me guess...Tony let you up?" She nodded slightly, "is Tony the tall one with nice hair?"

She sighed deeply, pulling open her door wider, "I'm gonna kill him." Kelsey stepped inside, kicking her shoes off to the side. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" She questioned immediately upon walking in. "Aw, that's bothering you, isit? I didn't think you wanted anything to do with me now that you seem to be content with repairing your marriage." She mocked, walking down to her kitchen for a drink.

"You're still mad about that? That I'm actually trying? Something you completely gave up on, clearly." She argued, following her into the kitchen. "Uh uh, you don't know anything about my marriage so you have no room to speak on it." Kez stated, grabbing her bottle of red wine. "But you're allowed to speak on my marriage any time you please?" She scoffed.

"I am when I'm the one you're fucking on the side," she shrugged nonchalantly.

"Which is exactly why it has to stop."

She pursed her lips, not responding as she poured her wine into a glass. "Hello? Are you hearing me?" Kelsey snapped her fingers to get her attention because it seemed to be somewhere entirely else. "I heard you. I just don't believe you." She said, picking up her glass and walking away to return to her gym. Kelsey groaned, getting up to follow her. "Could you not walk away when I'm talking to you?"

"Let me guess, darling. He made you a promise that he would never do it again because he values your friendship and marriage. Which- you obviously fell for because you're trying to break it off with me, clearly in the denial stage. Am I right?" Kez queried, tossing her towel onto the bench and turning around as Kelsey quieted. "See, I would totally believe you if he actually knew about me because that would mean you want no more secrets between the two of you. So, does he know about me?"

"He doesn't need to know about you." Kelsey stated.

Kez smiled, walking towards her, her glass of wine still sitting in her right hand as she used her left to push her hair back. "If you really want to stop this, that's fine with me. I can let you go. But the real question is..do you want to stop things with me?" She leaned closer, moving her hand to her waist to pull her closer. "I don't think you do. You could've shot me a text to end it and that would've been just as sufficient. But you didn't, 'cause you're here for something else."

That cocky smirk rested upon her smooth lips, her eye contact never faltering, her left hand moving her body to slide around her neck, bringing her closer until their lips brushed over each other's. But she wouldn't kiss her. She wanted to, but she also wanted Kelsey to come to her, not the other way around. Kelsey couldn't take the teasing much longer, setting her hands on Kezie's face to finally press their lips together.

The kiss was of a gentle whisper at first. Soft and cautious with uncertainty. But that hesitant feeling soon dissolved like they knew it would. Her hands found their way around Kez's neck to pull her in closer, her lips parting for a moment. The sensation of her soft groans against her mouth sent a warm and pulsating feeling racing up her neck, and spreading through her chest. She pulled away first, her tongue sliding over her lips that formed into a smirk, "I knew you missed me."

"Shut up."

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"I cannot be seen with you wearing that." Kez laughed, watching Miles pulling on a Sabrina Ionescu jersey he bought. "I'm forever Team Liberty, you cannot persuade me with your Aces agenda." He shot back in a sassy manner. "Then it's gonna be all the more fun to watch you break down when my girls win," Kez retorts, pulling an arm around his shoulders.

"That's not gonna happen. We're winnin' tonight. There's gonna be a 5th game whether you like it or not." Miles stated confidently, following her as they walked down to their courtside seats. "You've gotten more delusional from spending time with Kaylen," she joked, playfully smacking the back of his head. "Delusion is the solution," he scoffed, taking his seat on the right side of hers.

"Now you're quoting him. I feel bad for you." Kez mumbled, taking her seat on his left.

"I'm gonna go get some pretzels. You want anything?" He asked. "Get me a cherry slushy," Kez replied, receiving a nod as he stood up and retreated to find wherever they were selling food. Seconds going by, more and more people rolled in, and the arena was mostly filled with Liberty fans because they were in NYC, so it was gonna be a home crowd. She supported all teams on the regular season, but during playoffs, Aces was her team.

She got up to greet Dawn Staley, the woman just sitting a few seats away from her. She went back to her seat after talking with her for a seconds and Sue Bird excitedly took a seat on her left. "I'm so glad you made it! I thought you would be at a race." She said, pulling the singer into a hug. "Nah, I couldn't miss my girls winnin'." Kez grinned, putting her arm around the woman.

"Ah yes, you're an Aces girl now. I always forget cause you used to ride for Mercury." She chuckled, knowing her best friend Diana was the reason Kez wasn't so keen with that team anymore. Although, she would always ride for Brittney Griner because it's BG and she couldn't trust you if you didn't like BG. "Yes, it's good to switch up teams after a while. Keeps it interesting."

They talked for a while about many things before Miles returned, handing her the cherry slushy she requested. He had a soda and some soft pretzels like he wanted. Then all of them got to talking, Sue asking Miles about his fencing and such. She got up halfway to talk with Dawn for a bit, the coach wanting some updates about Kamari's progress. She had wanted Mari to play for her but things didn't go that way, but that didn't mean she didn't want updates on the girl's progress in the sport.

When the game was nearing to begin, she returned back to her seat. The crowd got oddly loud and that's when she had glanced up at the big screen to see they were just showing her like they always did when celebrities come to games. She smiled, giving a small wave before pointing to Sue Bird and they moved the camera to fit them both in the screen. Sue smiled, throwing her arm around Kezie's shoulders cause she knew DT would call her about it later.

The players soon came out through the tunnels and Miles pulled out his phone to get some pics of the Liberty team. Kez leaned back comfortably into her seat, taking a pretzel bite to eat. "There's yo' girl," A'ja nudged Kelsey teasingly and the woman quickly turned to move her sight where A'ja was looking. "Damn." Kelsey mumbled under her breath, her eyes scanning the woman who had on some short cropped jersey and some baggy jeans that hung very low on her waist, a little too low. Her abs were very much on display and it was a little distracting.

"We need to work on your subtlety," Jackie comments, putting her arm around Kelsey to turn her around, pulling her eyes off of Keziyah. "Was I that obvious?" She mumbled, trying to take some look backs at the singer who was busy talking to Sue to see what was going on. "You bein' obvious right now. Stop starin' at her," Alysha warned with a light chuckle.

"Why did she have to wear that? Does she not own a full shirt?" Kelsey complained.

"I mean..if I had those abs, I wouldn't buy full shirts either. In fact, I'd probably walk around the house naked if I had her body," A'ja shrugged, her teammates cracking a laugh.

"She does," Kelsey mumbled knowingly.

Keziyah pulled out her phone to take some pictures, remembering she promised Mari she'd get some for her. They announced the starting five for each team. LV Aces had Alysha Clark, Kelsey Plum, A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Cayla George. NY Liberty had Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Betnijah Laney. The Aces were 2-1, so if they won this game, they won the championship. If Liberty won this game, it would force game 5 in Vegas, which would determine the winner.

Although, she had feeling game 5 wouldn't be necessary, even with Chelsea Gray on the bench due to injury in the previous game. And Keziyah really hated being wrong.

"Who do you thinks gettin' the first foul?" Miles asked, watching as both teams joined the court to start the game.

Kez snorts, leaning forward so her elbows tocuehd her knees, "KP."

Three minutes in, Kelsey got the first foul.

Miles laughed, and she smirked, taking a sip of her slushy. "Told ya."

The 1st quarter ended with Liberty in the lead, 13-23, Aces down by ten points. The passes were sloppy and they were all over the place through the quarter like a team would be when they didn't have their usual starters. It was off to a rocky start with Aces but she was sure they'd get it back.

"Your girl callin' you," A'ja coughed, nudging Kelsey as they had returned from the tunnel.

Kelsey turned to see Kez waving her over. She quickly ran over, taking her outstretched hand so the singer could pull her down a bit to talk in her ear. "Stop tryna play like Chelsea. Get your head back in it and play like you." She said and pulled away, patting her waist. Kelsey nods, letting go of her hand and running back over to her teammates. She didn't need to say anything in response, as long as Kez knew she heard her.

The 2nd quarter was off to a decent start, three minutes in they went up by five points and Liberty called timeout after Kelsey shot her first points of the game. They got back into it soon, the pace of the game speeding up as Liberty came back with a three pointer. Kelsey assisted Cayla with a three and more through the quarter, only down four points with five minutes left in the 2nd.

A'ja was fouled by Jones, so the Liberty player had to go to the bench and was replaced by her teammate, Stephanie Dolson. Just shortly after that, Kelsey was fouled by Vandersloot. She wore a bit of smirk on her lips as she walked to the free line, then again she was always a little arrogant after a foul like that. Free throws were a bit of a strong suit for her. She missed the first one, but she got that second one.

Dolson was fouled, leading her to get two free throws, two of which she unfortunately missed for Liberty fans. Kez was quite content with the misses, whilst Miles was a bit stressed. Kelsey scoring two points right after did not help with his stress. Aces were down by one point, 30-31, with two and half minutes left in the 2nd quarter.

After Alysha got her charge call, they switched Jones and Vandersloot back into the game, and after a few misses from Aces, the Liberty gained two 3 pointers, putting them up in the lead by seven points. With seconds left in the 2nd, Jones shot a two just before that clock ran out. Liberty came out with the lead again, 30-39.

"You still confident they're gonna win now?" Miles mocked as the teams went through the tunnels for halftime.

Kez shot him a bitter glare, "why am I friends with you?"

During halftime is when lots of people went up to get some pictures with her, which she kindly agreed to because Miles went to get her a new slushy and himself some nachos. "I love your jersey. It's so pretty." Kezie smiled, greeting the nervous young girl who came up to her with her parents. "Thank you. My mom bedazzled it," she smiled proudly.

"Well, she did an amazing job. You look great in it." She spoke, taking the silver pen to sign the jersey as they requested. "Could you give this to A'ja and Kelsey?" She asked, holding out two bracelets. "Of course, I can. These are very pretty. They're gonna look great on them, right next to that trophy, yeah?" She chuckled, the girl nodding in agreement, putting the bracelets onto Kezie's wrist so she wouldn't lose them.

They got a picture and then she got one with the mother who looked to be an even bigger fan, probably through her music career. The girl seemed to recognize her through her movies, probably as Makena in Black Panther or another one of her Nickelodeon or Disney roles. She signed some more stuff, mostly WNBA stuff, even if she wasn't exactly a basketball player, but they liked to joke that she was because she still played in that celebrity game like she was a pro herself.

She did get quite a few bracelets too. It reminded her of going to the Eras Tour and leaving with bracelets all the way past her forearms. Lots of them had phone numbers on them too, so that was nice, but not for her because she gave them to her single friends. She wasn't the keenest on pursuing fans.

The game soon resumed to begin the second half and 3rd quarter. And obviously this meant the teams would have to switch hoops. For a while, the rule always confused Keziyah when she watched basketball when she was younger because she would get so focused into the game, she'd completely forget and think they were shooting it in the wrong hoop. Of course she grew out of that after learning more about basketball as she consistently watched.

Five minutes into the 3rd QTR, Aces went from 30 to 38 as Liberty went 39 to 46. "What'd I miss?" Miles returned, handing her the cherry slushy before taking his seat. "Some clean ass shots from Cayla and Sabrina," Kez shrugged. "We're kickin' your asses," Miles chuckled, glancing up at the scoreboard.

Just as he finished his sentence- or statement it seemed, A'ja shot a two, putting the score at 40-46. "You were saying?" Kez hummed, receiving a sassy eye roll as Liberty was forced to call a timeout.

Returning from the timeout, Sabrina fumbled a two, putting the ball in the hands of the Aces to which A'ja shot her own two even in the path of many guards on her. The Liberty were heavily lacking on their offense, missing several shots. The ball was back in the hands of Aces but a whistle was blown as a foul got called when Kelsey took a nasty shot, something of a football tackle. She still got up and brushed it off.

Liberty were given two free shots after Sydney fouled a player, two shots of which they missed on the first. They got the second, giving them one extra point. After a tricky play with Jackie and Stewie, they had to do jump ball to determine which team got the ball. The ball went to Liberty and Stewart made a two pointer seconds after.

A'ja responded with a smooth two pointer, just for Vandersloot to reply with her own two, even falling in the progress. A'ja added another two right after. Jones received a foul on A'ja, leaving Wilson to get two free throws. The fans weren't very happy with that call as expected. A'ja made the first free throw but missed the second.

After a fail shot from Stewie, the ball went to Aces and with an assist from Kelsey, Alysha laid in a two. The game was 49-51 that soon switched into a tie game when Alysha shot another running two. With just seconds left, Alysha failed to deliver another running two but she was fouled and given two free throws. Both of which she made to give Aces a two point lead.

The clock ran out, and Aces finished the 3rd with that two point lead.

"It's alright, we still in this," Miles shrugged, more so trying to reassure himself because somehow the Aces always seemed to lock in during that second half. "Ukuba nethemba kulungile," Kez spoke with a smile, patting his back.

Sue chuckles, "what does that mean?"

"Optimism is good," Kez translated, receiving an eye roll from her friend as Sue seemed to nod, pursing her lips in agreement.

The teams returned for the 4th QTR, and immediately did Jackie make a two. Stewie failed to shoot, but was fouled by Cayla, giving her two free throws, two of which she made. Aces came back with a two from A'ja. Kez stood up from her seat, putting her hands to her mouth to amplify her voice directed at Kelsey. "Shoot me a three, baby!"

"I got you!" And seconds after that, a beautiful three pointer from Kelsey. New York called a timeout.

"That's what I'm talkin' about! That's my girl!" Kez exclaimed, clapping her hands before sitting back down.

"Damn, that was a gorgeous shot," Kez mumbled after looking back at the replay. Sue nodded in agreement just as the camera panned away from Liberty's fanboy to focus on her, the crowd getting louder when she winked at the camera. "Sabrina will make some better ones," Miles said, although he looked far more stressed after Kelsey made the three.

Returning from time out, Alysha Clark took a charge foul from Breanna, which gave Aces the ball. Jackie threw the ball and Kelsey ran to get it, but it went out of bounds and somehow right over Keziyah's head. Kelsey ran a bit too fast and ended up practically jumping onto Kezie. The singer quickly grabbed her waist to steady her, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

"You okay?" Kez asked, patting her lower back as Kelsey moved to get off her lap. "I almost tackled you and you're askin' if I'm okay?" Kelsey asked with a steady laugh. "Yeah, yeah, get back in the game, ma." Kez patted her ass, and she smiled, running back to her team. Sue passed her slushy back which she had quickly taken from her hands after seeing Kelsey running at full force.

After some misses from both teams, Liberty got the ball and Laney made an easy two. A miss from Kelsey gave Liberty the ball, and Sabrina splashed in a three to push the score back up. "That's what I'm talkin' about! There we go! Let's go!" Miles stood up, cheering on his favourite team.

A few misses from Aces and with a pass from Sabrina, Laney made in a two pointer to tie the game, 60-60. A'ja responded with her own two that had her old college coach Dawn Staley up from her seat cheering her on. The game was tied again by a two from Vandersloot, forcing Las Vegas to use their time out. 4:50 left on the clock.

Some misses from both teams happened before Kelsey was fouled and given two free throws, both of which she made. There was a timeout on the floor after Alysha got a personal foul. Returning from that timeout, Jones got a rebound and shot in a two to equal the score again. Just after that Jackie pushes off Laney to make a two pointer.

Sabrina had the ball and with a little miscommunication, Jones missed her pass. The ball went back to the Aces and Jackie was fouled by Laney, giving her two free throws, her first free throws of the night and she made both. After Stewie failed a three, the ball found A'ja who made in a two pointer, forcing New York to call their own timeout.

Back from timeout, Vandersloot made an easy three to push up their score. Just after that, Sabrina made a quick two. Aces called another timeout immediately after. Seconds back out there, Jackie had the ball, wearing out the clock to which Aces called their last time out with 20secs left in the last quarter.

They went out there with a plan, George shot at the rim so it would bounce into A'ja's hands for an easy two, only for Stewie, Sabrina, and Jones to get their hands on the ball and block the shot, giving the steal to Vandersloot. Running back down the court with 8.8 left, New York called a time out. "This is the most stressful game I've ever been to. Remind to never come again," Miles expressed.

"They don't got enough time for it," Kez comments, glancing up at the clock. Ten seconds, maybe, but 8? No way.

They gathered back on the court and thanks to the guarding of Aces, they couldn't get the ball out to their players quickly enough. Sabrina passed it to Stewie who was too guarded to make it in, forcing her to pass to Laney, who passed to Vandersloot. She shot the ball and it was off, the clock going off just before Jones rebounded it in for a two that didn't count.

Las Vegas Aces took the victory and their 2nd back-to-back championship.

"I'm booking the next flight out," Miles mumbled bitterly. Kez chuckled, just watching everyone on the Aces celebrate. "You gonna stay?" He asked. "Ja, I'll stay for a bit," Kez nodded. "Alright, I'mma catch a ride back. You good here?" She gave a hum and nod, shaking his hand before he got up to leave.

She stayed there for a little bit, but seeing Darren and Kelsey share a kiss was enough for her to get up to leave. Fortunately, A'ja grabbed onto her arm to turn her around, "you leavin' already?" She asked, putting her arm around her to pull her back. "Uh yeah I was, but I guess I can stay for a bit longer."

"If you gotta go, that's cool, but stay until the trophy?" A'ja compromised, patting her shoulder. "Alright. Hey, congratulations though. You were extraordinary out there." A'ja grinned at the compliment, pulling the singer into a quick hug, "thank you so much for supporting us girl. Means a lot."

"Absolutely, y'all deserve it." A'ja smiled at her words, glancing over her shoulder and seeing Kelsey hugging someone else. "Go hug yo' girl or we gon' have to fight. You might kick my ass but I'ma still put up a fight." She joked, patting her shoulder and she gave her a quick hand shake before going off to someone else.

She walked over to Kelsey, tapping her on the shoulder. The woman turned around and smiled brightly, immediately bringing her into an embrace. Kez smiled, wrapping her arms around her tightly as Kelsey buried her face into her chest. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered into her ear only for her to hear.

"I wanted to kiss you instead," Kelsey mumbled, pulling back and Kez reached her hands up to wipe her tears with her thumbs. "I'll find you later, okay? Go be with your team." She pressed a kiss to her head and Kelsey nodded, smiling up at her before returning back to her team who were ready to receive their trophy, and A'ja the MVP trophy.

Kez went over to a few from the Liberty team, giving them some praise because they did absolutely amazing in the game, even if they lost. "You did all you could, mama. Don't tear yourself down, just bring yourself back up. You'll always get another chance." Kez spoke, her hands cupping Breanna's face, knowing the woman was feeling the loss a lot more. "Thank you." Stewie smiled softly, bringing the woman into a hug.

"You ever need anything, let me know, alright? I got you." Kez pressed a friendly kiss to her cheek, giving her hand a squeeze before they separated.

She stood by and watched the trophy given to the team, and the MVP one for A'ja before she left the arena. She walked out to her car and grabbed her cardigan, pulling it on and sitting on the hood to smoke. She could've went out to the hall by the locker room and such but she'd be overflown with cameras and she wasn't gonna risk that. So, she was gonna wait until they left out to the team bus, which wouldn't be for a while but she was okay with waiting all night if that's what it took.

Already there for a few minutes, she noticed a man approaching her, and from his build and the way he walked, she knew it was just Kelsey's husband Darren. "You don't gotta say it. You're gonna ask me to stay away from your wife." Kez spoke, taking the last hit from her joint and dropping it to ground. She exhaled, crossing her arms and looking at the football player, "and I'm gonna tell you, no. I won't stay away because you ask me to, and you cannot intimidate me either. I'm a trained fighter and can easily drop you, so you don't scare me. I don't care how many guys you tackle on a Sunday."

"What do you want with her? 'Cause we both know the kind of person you are. You don't settle, especially not for a woman. You never have and you never will. You don't love her. Not in the way that I do." He stated. Kez hummed, taking a sip of her slushy she bought on the way out. "I don't like how you think you know me. You think 'cause I'm a player that I can't fall in love? You think I'm incapable of a relationship 'cause I don't choose to settle? That's just stupid to assume."

"It don't matter 'cause there's truth to it. You don't love her. If you did, you would've told her by now." Darren said, taking another step towards her.

Kez smirked, pulling out another joint to light, "would I? How do you know I'm not just saving her the fucked up reality that comes with my life? You don't know what I feel." She grabbed her lighter, bringing the fire to the joint and taking an inhale, holding it before exhaling. "But I know what you feel. I know guys like you. I've been with guys like you. Athletes, just a nasty breed with no respect for women. I bet you were just jumping at the opportunity to cheat on her after you got drafted."

His face fell and she smiled innocently, "oops. You didn't figure that out yet, didn't ya? I know all about it. How do you think she found out, Darren? You didn't tell her a truth she didn't already hear from me."

"You're lying."

"Am I?" She smirked playfully.

He shook his head, turning to leave. "Divorce papers are gonna hit your face sooner or later, mate. If you love her like you claim you do, you'll sign them." Kez added, and he glanced back at her before getting into his car.

A few hours later, she heard the team coming out to the bus, all of them still very loud and rowdy as they rightfully should be. "I can't believe she left you like that-" A'ja trailed off, pausing when Chelsea interrupted, "ain't that her right there? By that fancy ass Jaguar?" Kelsey perked up, cigar still rested between her lips, "where?" Chelsea and Jackie pointed over where Kez was standing, staring up at the stars with a joint rested between her fingers as she exhaled.

"That's hot," Sydney commented bluntly.

"Get your own!" Kelsey scoffed, dropping her stuff before running over to the singer. Sydney frowned in offense, "why the gays always gotta go for the straight girls? Like I was right here, and available, too." Chelsea laughed, "man, get your ass on the bus. She don't want you."

"That's what I'm tryna say! Why she don't want me?" Sydney frowned, even though she was secretly very happy for Kelsey cause she did not like Darren at all. "Cause she wants a piece of KP," A'ja laughed, pushing Sydney towards the bus. "Girl, you know you're happy for her," Alysha chuckled. "I am 'cause I told all of y'all that KP had some fruit and y'all didn't listen to me!" Sydney exclaimed dramatically as they pushed her into the bus.

Kez stumbled back a bit as Kelsey ran at her with full force, jumping into her arms cause she knew she'd catch her. "This is the second time you've tried to tackle me today," she joked, holding her girl up with one hand as her other held the joint away. "The first time was an accident! I didn't see you!" Kelsey laughed, her legs wrapping around the girl's waist to hold herself up so she didn't have to use so much of her strength, even if she had plenty of it.

"Maybe, but you full on straddled me on purpose," Kez teased.

"Just a little bit," Kelsey shrugged innocently.

"You look really faded," she noted with a chuckle. "I am, and so do you. We're a perfect match." Kelsey smiled, leaning down to press their lips together, something she yearned to do the moment that buzzer went off. They smiled into it, hearing the cheers and shouts of her teammates from the bus, some of them peeking their heads out of the open windows. "There we go, KP!"

"You taste like cherry and weed," Kelsey mumbled against her lips.

"You taste like a cigar," Kez replied with a soft chuckle, pressing a peck to her lips. "I was smoking one, but I think it's on the ground somewhere." She snickered, dropping back onto the ground, holding onto Kez to steady herself. She took the joint from Kezie's hand for herself, knowing she always had the good stuff. "You should probably return to them before they take off without you," she noted, sitting up against the hood, her hand still rested on the girl's waist.

She hummed, taking an exhale, "can you come to my hotel room tonight?"

"Yes. I will be there." Kez agreed without a single ounce of hesitation.

Kelsey squints, "are you sure? You're not just saying that so I don't get left behind?"

"I wouldn't lie to you, baby. I'll be there, I promise." Kez reassured, cupping her face softly, leaning down to envelope their lips again. She took the joint from Kelsey's hand and pulled away, "no more of this. You're already faded as it is." She chuckled, taking the last hit before dropping it to the floor because it was burning her finger tips. "Okay, but I'm taking your slushy." Kelsey grinned, taking the cup from off the hood and backing up to leave.

"Bring me a cheeseburger and some fries, okay? Make that two!" Kelsey shouts running back to the bus.

"Yes ma'am," Kez snickered, and Kelsey went on the bus, but they didn't get to leave because she was running back out a second later. "You have to come with us! You can't drive! You're high!" She pointed out, quick to snatch Kezie's keys because she knew how stubborn she tended to be. "I am perfectly capable of driving, Kelsey," she argued, only proving her stubbornness.

"That may be true but I would feel a lot better if you didn't. You can call someone to pick the car up. So stop being stubborn or I'll call your mom and you know she doesn't like you driving when you smoke." Kelsey said, leaving the singer absolutely no choice because her mother was...terrifying at times. She squinted, tilting her head, "that sounds like a threat..."

"Take it how you want but you're comin' with me." Kelsey smiled, hooking her finger in the loop of Kezie's pants and pulling her along to the bus. "Walk her like a dog, sis!" A'ja laughed, her teammates adding some more comments and laughs.

She climbed on the bus, going to the back and sitting at the right near the window. It was still very much chaos with the overly excited team. She really had no idea how they had this much energy hours later. Kelsey plopped down next to her, squinting at the key to Kezie's Jaguar. "I think this is my favorite car of yours." She said, smiling as the singer put an arm around her waist to bring her closer.

"You can have it," Kez smiled, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Kelsey looked to her with wide eyes, "seriously?"

She nodded, "you can have that one and any other car you desire." She said in full seriousness. Kelsey grinned excitedly, pulling her into a quick kiss, her teammates making small whistles. She pulled away and tugged on her cardigan, "can I have this one? It looks warm." She chuckled, "with all my other cardigans you've stolen? Of course." She leaned forward to tug it off and pull around Kelsey's shoulders.

"I was right. This is cozy." Kels smiled, pulling her arms through the sleeves and wrapping it around her, inhaling the scent that smelled of lavender and a hint of mint.

A'ja leaned over the seats with a smile, "so...Kelsey tells me you have a closet full of clothes you never wear. Would it be too much to ask if I could have the ones you don't want? We 'bout the same size, right?" Kelsey shot her friend a look but A'ja was not about to back down now that she built up the courage to ask. "Uhh, yeah, we're pretty close in size, I think. You can come over whenever and take what you want. I don't mind at all. It's all replaceable."

"I knew you was a cool rich person," A'ja grinned, shaking her head before going back to her seat.

"But you have the audacity to complain when I steal your clothes?" Kelsey scoffed, shooting her a look of offense. "That doesn't count. You take all of my favourites and I never see them again." Kez shrugged, causing Kelsey to purse her lips, finding no argument for that. "Good point, but I'm still gonna steal your clothes..."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she smiled, pressing a kiss to her head.

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a/n: kez being a sugar mommy doesn't surprise anyone tbh 👩‍🦯👩‍🦯

i should make a sydney colson fic...she's slowly becoming the loml

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