Page 162 of Never Say Never
Okay…
A production assistant comes up to us. “It’ll be just a few minutes longer for us to get the setup ready. I put some waters on that table for you.”
“Great, thank you,” Rori says. For the PA, she has a real smile.
Shoot.That’s not promising for today’s vibes.
The PA turns to face me directly, looking a little shy. “I hope I’m not overstepping, but I just wanted to say you and Rawley are so sweet together. I loved when he wore your jersey.”
“He’s an amazing guy.” My lips turn up on their own at the thought of him that day, and she grins back at me.
Nina’s voice breaks the moment. “Rori, Avery, you all good here?”
“I am,” I answer, expecting Rori to say the same.
Only when I look at her, she’s staring at me with a curious look on her face.
I’m not a mind reader, and it’s a little off-putting that I can’t just ask her what’s going on in her head. But there’s a zillion people around, and we barely know each other.
“Let’s get started ladies, if you’re ready. I’m Zara, the director.”
Zara gets us in position on the court where Rori is going to “teach” me how to serve.
“You both feel confident in your lines, before we start?”
After we nod yes, she walks through the blocking for each line.
“We’ll shoot it multiple times from many angles, though, so don’t worry too much,” she says after she’s done, before walking off to give her team more instructions.
Rori starts bouncing on her feet like she’s about to play for real.
“These always take so long to get started,” I say, making another attempt at small talk.
“Yeah, I get impatient, so it helps to stay active.” This time her voice is a little warmer.
“Totally, I kind of wish I had a ball in my hands to kill time.”
Rori gives me a half grin. “Let’s get you one.” She calls over to Nina to bring me a basketball they’ve set aside as a prop later.
Once it’s in my grasp, I start palming and juggling it between my hands. Dribbling it will be loud while all these people are working, so I restrain myself on that front.
“Sarah’s boyfriend Malcolm is a friend of mine,” Rori says. “Have you met him?”
Now she’s making small talk. I take that as a good sign.
“I have, even before I was on the Surge. Sarah’s been my UConn mentor the last few years.”
“Oh, so you were already friends with her?” Rori looks like she’s studying my every answer.
“Yes, we’re good friends. I’m staying with her right now.”
Something changes on her face, like I passed a test. “She’s a great person.”
“Places, ladies!” calls out the assistant director.
“Here we go,” says Rori, and I roll the basketball toward the table where they placed our water.
The script is a little cheesy, like most commercials. But Rori’s energy has shifted, and a real connection is passing through us as we recite the lines, so that at least feels natural.
