Part XVI

Jill paced around the room completely deep in thought. The team presidents and the team owners are waiting for her decision. Even though the Sparks won the game the night before, a sudden problem has risen. Catherine Dunn has just refused to play till the Sparks let go of Alex Cohen. She would by far, would be happier to be traded if the coaching staff doesn't release Alex.

"Almost all the girls wouldn't want Cathy to be traded. But they don't want us to release Alex either…" The assistant coach, Mike said looking at a few papers.

"If we release Cathy, it would be a rough spot on the front line considering New York's line up is really tall… Alex can't move to small forward. Iya Garcia will have a field day bullying her." Another spoke who was also a member of the coaching staff.

"So have you devised a solution with out small mutiny?" The owner asked tapping the table slightly.

"We'll figure something out Sir. But so you know. There is no way in hell I'm trading Alex Cohen." Jill replied looking at her boss.

----

"What's that honey?" Alex asked looking over her shoulder.

She was chopping a few tomatoes for their salad when she heard Marissa come out of their bed room holding a few papers.

"Oh these? These are… Ads… Jobs and small apartments in LA… I don't want you to travel that much everyday… So I was thinking… Moving there would be the best option." Marissa smiled putting the papers on the table and walking towards the blonde.

She held her by the waist while Alex continued to chop a few more vegetables.

"So about this party… Tonight… Are you sure?" Alex asked turning to look at Marissa.

"Yes… Summer organized it… So… You have to look good… It's a definite… Or so Summer says…" Marissa grinned letting go of Alex and taking a few plates.

"Um… I think I already look good…" Alex replied washing her hands.

She felt a nudge on her back and smiled. She turned and pulled Marissa into a loving kiss.

"Are you starting to get cocky?" Marissa raised one of her brows pulling away from Alex.

"Wouldn't dream of it Miss Cooper." Alex smiled sweetly kissing Marissa deeply.

----

Juvy paced angrily around her apartment. Cathy just shook her head. They were having another argument about Alex Cohen.

"Why would you do that? This is a team. We finally have a shot on the crown. Why were you thinking?" Juvy yelled out angrily.

Cathy stood up and held her hands.

"You are either with me. Or against me." She said with outmost seriousness.

She caught Juvy off guard, startling her with her response.

"You are an ass you know that? You told me we were going to help this team… You know I wanted a ring… A championship ring. All you wanted was your MVP trophy!"

"Well you wanted something else too… Did you…?" Cathy looked at her from head to foot rather seductively.

"Well I grew up. I want something more important than that…" Juvy toned down and sat on the couch.

"Something or someone…"

Juvy looked at her confused.

"Don't give me that. I know you are hot for Alex Cohen. I don't really know why though. She's taken."

Juvy rolled her eyes and looked away.

"I guess this means we're over. See you in court." Cathy blew her a kiss and walked out the apartment door.

----

Beth stood in front of the bathroom mirror looking at herself. Bianca stepped in and watched her.

"You know… You look fine already…" She smiled making Beth turn to her.

"I love you…" Beth pulled her close and rested their foreheads with each others.

"I love you too…" Bianca smiled and gave her a passionate kiss.

"Suddenly I don't want to go to the party…" Beth pulled away breathless.

"I don't think they'll be looking for us…" Bianca replied her eyes deeply staring at her girlfriend's.

"Should we call?" Beth asked before being pulled into a kiss again.

----

Summer gave Marissa a hug when they came into the Bait Shop. Jean purposely announced the arrival of Alex Cohen to gain more customers. It never hurt to have more people coming back.

Some of the endorsers Beth and Summer invited also came. They took Alex into a corner to talk to her. Marissa smiled and looked at the blonde blush at the compliments they were telling her.

"They are going to need more than that…" Summer whispered giving her friend a slight nudge.

They share a smile, knowing Alex would still be down to earth no matter how famous she gets. They were hoping nothing would keep her astray.

Suddenly there was a new flash on the television. It made all heads turn as Jean raised the volume.

NEWSCASTER: This is just in. The LA Sparks have released their prized MVP, Catherine Dunn from their line up due to personal matters. Sources say the arrival of the rookie, Alex Cohen has made quite a stir. It was making the current number one player feel left out. Sources also indicate that New York has their eyes on the league MVP. What the future games will hold is shaking the league in anticipation. Nobody does it better than the WNBA.

Everybody's gaze turned to Alex who was still looking at the TV screen in utter disbelief.

"Give me a second Summer… I need to talk to her…" Marissa whispered to her best friend who replied with a nod.

Marissa smiled at the endorsers and well wishers as she dragged Alex to a corner of the Bait Shop. Alex expression was bare. You wouldn't know if she's happy or she's sad.

"Honey… Are you alright?" Marissa asked barely a whisper.

She ran her fingers through Alex's hair as the blonde turned to look straight in her eyes.

"I can't lead that team. We're going to lose half of the team. They don't like me." Alex mumbled frowning.

She took her gaze away from her girlfriend's shining green eyes. She stared worriedly at her feet. Marissa knew the news was starting to stress Alex out: The pressure of bringing the team to the playoffs, and the pressure of taking over the current MVP's place in the line up.

"Look at me." Marissa whispered cupping Alex's cheeks.

She forced the blonde to look at her and gave her a peck on the lips.

"You'll be fine. You have the rest of the team to help you out. You don't have to do everything on your own." Marissa spoke softly.

She felt Alex ease up a bit, making her smile. She ran her fingers through Alex's blonde hair and sighed contently.

"You're not a one man army Alex Cohen. Trust people around you… And it will all be better…" Marissa smiled and tugged the blonde's hand.

"This party was set for you. So… Smile…" Marissa shot Alex a very sexy grin.

Alex grinned back and tried to forget about the tasks ahead. Everything was doing well. And she had to relax. For now.