Chapter 15

The morning after Caitlin’s intense game against the Seattle Storm, she found herself lying on her couch, staring at the ceiling of her apartment. There was no practice today, yet she felt like she was carrying the weight of the world. Or maybe it was just the weight of last night-the weight of Sienna’s lips against hers, the way they had melted into each other like they were meant to fit, the way Sienna tasted of strawberries with a hint of caramel. Caitlin could still feel the effects of that kiss-or rather, the make-out session that had left her breathless and aching for more.

She could still remember the way Sienna’s hands roamed across her body, feeling every muscle like she was trying to memorize her shape. The way her fingers tangled in Caitlin’s hair, tugging slightly, drawing a deep groan from Caitlin’s throat. The way Sienna had gasped against her lips, soft and needy, making Caitlin lose herself in the moment.

Now, she lay on her couch, frustrated and conflicted. Because as much as she wanted to chase after Sienna, there was still Connor.

Connor, who had texted her before she could step foot into her apartment, telling her he would be in Indiana soon and that he missed her. Connor, who had been her safe choice, the guy she had stayed with because it was expected. But the truth Caitlin had been avoiding for weeks was finally staring her in the face: she hadn’t thought about Connor. Not once. Not in the past few weeks, not after every interaction with Sienna that left her feeling things she had never felt before. All she thought about was the blonde next door.

She knew she didn’t love Connor anymore. Maybe she never truly had. But she was scared. Scared of what the world might say, scared of how people would react if they knew she liked a girl. She had spent her whole life carrying expectations-on the court, in her relationships, in her public image. But now, she felt like she was drowning under the weight of them.

She needed to talk to someone. Someone who knew her better than she knew herself.

Picking up her phone from the coffee table, she scrolled through her contacts and pressed dial. The phone rang once before a familiar voice, groggy from sleep, answered.

“Hello, Cait.”

“Hey, Kate,” Caitlin said softly.

Kate sighed heavily. “Caitlin, it’s 4:34 in the morning. This better be important if my beauty sleep is being interrupted.” Her voice held a teasing edge, but Caitlin knew her well enough to hear the underlying concern.

Caitlin hesitated for a moment before exhaling sharply. “Kate, I did something impulsive. And I don’t know how to fix it. I need to talk to someone.”

Kate immediately picked up on the vulnerability in Caitlin’s voice. Her teasing tone disappeared, replaced by a quiet firmness. “Switch to FaceTime. And tell me everything. I mean everything, Clark.”

Caitlin switched the call to video, and Kate’s sleepy face filled the screen. Her blue eyes, though still heavy with sleep, softened as she took in Caitlin’s expression. The warm glow of her bedside lamp illuminated her features, making her look both comforting and wise.

Caitlin’s throat tightened. She wished Kate was here, wished she could feel the warmth of her best friend’s embrace as she unraveled.

Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “Kate, I-I messed up. I did something I shouldn’t have done. I’ve hurt two people, and I feel so stupid.” Her voice cracked, and she hated how weak she sounded.

Kate’s expression softened. “Hey… hey, Caitlin, you’re not stupid. You’re my best friend, and I’m sure whatever you did isn’t even that bad.” She offered a small smile. “Now, tell me what happened.”

Caitlin swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the phone tighter. “I-I kissed Sienna.”

Kate’s eyes widened in shock. “You what?!”

Caitlin looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. “After my game yesterday… I kissed Sienna. In the restroom.”

Kate sat up straighter, rubbing her eyes as if to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. “Clark, how the hell did this even start? You better start explaining. Now look at me and tell me.”

Caitlin forced herself to meet Kate’s gaze again, and this time, unshed tears gathered in her eyes. “I couldn’t take it anymore, Kate. I was jealous, and the feelings I’ve been keeping bottled up for Sienna-I just couldn’t hold them in any longer.”

Her body started to tremble, the anxiety creeping up on her like a wave she couldn’t control. She felt like she was spiraling, like she was seconds away from losing it completely.

Kate noticed immediately. “Caitlin. Superstar. Take a deep breath for me.” Her voice was steady, grounding. “Tell me everything you see around you. Let’s talk this through, okay? Don’t panic. Everything’s gonna be alright.”

Caitlin nodded, inhaling sharply and letting the breath out slowly. She wiped at her eyes, steadying herself. “Okay. I’m ready to tell you now.”

Kate nodded, her expression calm and patient. She knew Caitlin better than anyone. She knew how hard this was for her. She also knew that, to the world, Caitlin Clark was a basketball superstar, but to Kate,Caitlin was just a girl-her best friend, her sister. And no matter what, she would always be there to listen.

“Okay, Cait,” Kate said softly. “Im listening.”

Authors Note :

Hey guys, sorry for the late update, writing this chapter made me emotional Fr but I miss Kate and Caitlin’s friendship so I decided to write it, also who’s ready for March Madness I’m so ready also sorry for the grammatical errors. Anyways until the next update lovelies, stay happy y’all mwah 💋.

XoXo V 💜💜💜