Chapter 2

Sienna Callaway was seated at her desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard of her laptop as she finalized her latest piece for ESPN. Her office was modest but cozy, with framed photos of her favorite interviews lining the walls and stacks of basketball stats cluttering the desk. She was in the zone, her emerald green eyes focused, when the sound of her office door creaking open pulled her from her concentration.

She looked up to see Jodi McKinley, her boss and one of the most respected editors in the sports journalism world, standing in the doorway. Jodi’s signature stern expression gave nothing away, her sharp blazer and perfectly styled hair making her presence all the more commanding.

Sienna straightened in her chair, a hint of unease bubbling in her chest. Before she could greet her boss, Jodi cut straight to the point.

“I’m giving you the assignment of interviewing basketball sensation Caitlin Clark,” Jodi announced, her voice steady and firm.

Sienna’s jaw dropped. She blinked in surprise, trying to process the unexpected statement. “But I thought Pike was doing the interview,” she managed to say, her voice tinged with confusion. “I thought he was the one who was supposed to cover it.”

Jodi stepped further into the room and settled into one of the chairs opposite Sienna’s desk. Crossing one leg over the other, she leaned back slightly, exuding a calm authority. “He was,” she replied with a slight smirk. “But I decided it would be best if you handled it instead. You’re kinder, soft-spoken, and don’t interrogate people with that condescending tone Pike can’t seem to control. The last thing I need is for him to get on Caitlin Clark’s nerves with his obnoxious questions. This is Caitlin Clark we’re talking about—one of the biggest names in basketball. I’m not letting Jones ruin this with his usual antics.”

Sienna bit her lip, her mind racing. Caitlin Clark was a name she knew well—her dad was a huge fan, always raving about her electrifying performances on the court. This wasn’t just an interview; it was the interview, the kind that could elevate her career to the next level. But the weight of the assignment also made her hesitate. What if she messed up?

Jodi’s piercing gaze bore into her as if sensing her internal debate. “So, are you willing to do the interview or not?” she asked, her tone sharp. “If you’re not up for it, I’ll give the assignment to someone else. But I’m trusting you with this, Sienna. Don’t make me regret it.”

Sienna sat back in her chair, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. Meeting Caitlin Clark wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was personal. She’d heard so much about Caitlin from her dad, but now she’d get to see what all the fuss was about firsthand.

Finally, she exhaled deeply and nodded. “I’ll do it. I’ll interview Caitlin Clark.”

Jodi’s lips curved into a rare smile, one that felt almost approving. “Good. Don’t disappoint me,” she said as she stood and smoothed her blazer. “I’m counting on you.”

With that, Jodi turned and strode out of the office, leaving Sienna alone with her thoughts.

She stared at the now-closed door, the weight of the assignment settling on her shoulders. But instead of fear, she felt a surge of determination. Grabbing her notebook, she began scribbling down potential questions for the interview.

This was her chance to shine—and maybe, just maybe, to meet the basketball star her dad couldn’t stop talking about.

Authors Note :

Hello my lovely readers…. Welcome to the first official chapter of  Courtside Chemistry, I hope you all enjoy this book and please don’t be a silent reader, This chapter is just the prologue, I wanted to write this in Sienna’s pov but this one just describes her perfectly. Sorry for the short chapter….

Xoxo V 💜💜💜