Chapter 475: Chicago
Tuesday, February 14th, Evening
Kay was never much for dresses or skirts. When she signed her contract, her first one, she wore a pants suit. On draft day, a first-round pick, she wore a jumpsuit. But tonight, Ivy picked out her outfit. It was one of her few dresses, sleeveless, and ended just above her knee.
Dressed like this was odd, making Kay uncomfortable; she was a baggy jeans and baggy t-shirt woman. Ivy also insisted on doing Kay's makeup, which she hardly wore. But here she was, even wearing high-heeled boots.
They hung their coats up and were seated. Kay looked nervous and wished she had brought a shawl; she didn't like having her incomplete sleeve tattoo exposed to the public. On the court, she wore a compression sleeve on that arm.
"So, Karen, this place has great food," Ivy said.
Kay nodded, "Un-huh," she said and looked at the menu.
"What's wrong?" Ivy asked.
"Nothing," Kay said.
"Karen," Ivy said.
"It's nothing," Kay said.
"Karen," Ivy said.
"Ivy," Kay said.
"What's bothering you?" Ivy asked.
"Well, for one, I'm not used to dressing like this," Kay said.
Ivy reached over and took one of Kay's hands. Ivy gently rubbed Kay's hand. "You look gorgeous, Karen," she said.
Kay sighed, "It's just not me," she said.
"You're beautiful, one of a kind, and mine," Ivy said, her voice playful.
"Why do you call me Karen?" Kay asked.
"It's your name," Ivy said.
"Just whenever I'm called it, I feel like I have to ask to see the manager," Kay said.
Ivy laughed, "You're not that type of Karen, Karen," she said.
Kay squeezed Ivy's hand, "Thanks," she said.
"I'm trying to bring you out of your shell," Ivy said.
"I don't need to be dragged out of my shell," Kay said.
"You don't like change; you're as steady as they come," Ivy said.
"I like that, no drama," Kay said.
"But everything I challenge you, you come to life," Ivy said.
Kay squeezed Ivy's hand. Kay sucked on her bottom lip and looked Ivy over. "You do bring me out of my shell," Kay said.
"I also take care of your shoulder and regulate your meds," Ivy said.
"Thank you," Kay said.
"You're welcome," Ivy said.
The server walked over to their table, they introduced themself and recited off the specials. Ivy ordered for herself and her beverage. Kay looked puzzled and looked between Ivy and the server.
"You don't know what you want," Ivy stated.
"I could come back," the server said.
"Umm, I'm not sure between two dishes," Kay said.
"You could show me," the server said as Ivy leaned over. Kay pointed out the two dishes, and a few words were exchanged. Finally, Kay picked one, and the server left. Ivy looked at Kay.
"Yes?" Kay asked.
"Karen, have you ever thought about life after basketball?" Ivy asked.
Kay shrugged, "A little, but not much, I don't want to broadcast like Angela, and I'm not sure I could coach. Largely, I just want to win a championship," she said.
"I get the winning thing, I think," Ivy said.
"I had goals, win a national championship, win an Olympic gold medal, win a world championship, pretty standard stuff," Kay said.
"You won a high school championship," Ivy said.
"I won two," Kay said, "and I got the national championship as a freshman."
"I saw the ring in your jewel box," Ivy said, "What about the other goals?"
Kay held up her right arm. "This happened," she said.
"You can't blame everything on your shoulder," Ivy said.
"In this case, I can. Because of my accident, I couldn't go to the tryouts," Kay said.
"You'll get on the next team," Ivy said.
"I'm not sure if there will be next time," Kay said.
"Karen, I know you can do it," Ivy said.
"If I even get the tryout, who knows if they'll pick me," Kay said.
"You're a great player," Ivy said.
"I'm a good player in a league of great players," Kay said.
"Is this because of your aunt?" Ivy asked.
"Yes," Kay said, "No."
"Karen, it could be one or the other, not both," Ivy said.
"It's complex," Kay said.
"Just tell me," Ivy said.
"I admire Angela, even looked up to her, but…." Kay said.
"Take it slow, Karen," Ivy said.
"But I've listened to the press, and I've been called the inferior copy or the puppy dog niece," Kay said.
"You're not; you're a great player in your own right," Ivy said.
"Thanks, I just want something for myself," Kay said.
"You will," Ivy said.
Kay nodded, "Ivy, have you ever thought of leaving Chicago?" she asked, playing with her fingernail.
"No, why do you ask?" Ivy asked.
"Well, I could be traded," Kay said, still playing with her nails.
"Oh, that, Karen, we'll worry about it when it happens," Ivy said.
"Are you sure?" Kay asked, now annoying playing with her nails and biting her bottom lip.
"Yes, I am," Ivy said.
Kay sighed, "Okay," she said.
Before the conversation could move to the next subject, the server arrived with their food. The food was passed out, and the server left. The two women looked over their food with approval and started eating. Conversations were still fresh in the world, but the seriousness was downplayed and quickly forgotten.
