As the sole host of NBA 2KTV, Rachel naturally would not miss the All-Star Game events.
She had to bring NBA 2K players on-site coverage of the All-Star Game, while also gathering material for NBA 2KTV's All-Star Weekend special.
For Rachel, this was destined to be an extremely busy weekend. She had originally needed to go over the interview scripts for the next day's star players that evening, but work was the furthest thing from her mind right now.
"I'm so jealous of their family of four. They're so happy." Rachel linked her arm through Link's. Having finished dinner with Kobe and his family, the two were now taking a stroll through the hotel's small garden.
New York was bitterly cold in February, and most people had no desire to wander around outside at this time of year.
But for Link and Rachel, who rarely had time to be together, it felt exceptionally warm right now.
"Yeah, Kobe has a wonderful family. Two adorable daughters, a wife who loves him... Oh, right, I heard they're planning to have more children too. What a lively family. That way, Kobe can retire with peace of mind."
Link looked up at New York's night sky, his emotions complicated.
Although this was not his first time going through it, hearing Kobe talk about his retirement plans over dinner still felt unbelievable to Link.
He had not forgotten how, during his first All-Star Weekend, Kobe had called him out to train in the middle of the night.
He had not forgotten their countless battles on the court.
Nor had he forgotten the sweat they had poured out in the training gym every summer.
And now, this guy who had been by his side for the past few years was suddenly saying that he wanted to