AVERY: Great. Done.
AVERY: Off to do my best to win the game AND the bet.
RAWLEY: There really doesn’t seem to be losers in these bets.
I put a laugh reaction on his last text and set the phone down. I need to scramble to get to the arena.
Dylan and crew are already on their way from Tampa, and I can’t wait to see them. Hazel just turned five, so I bring her a plushie collectible doll that Dylan says she’s obsessed with.
When I get to the arena, I beeline to the locker room to get ready.
My first day starting.I can tell people are checking me out, even the staff, as I walk through the arena. Seeing how I’m reacting to the shift.
The locker room is the same way, my teammates watching me, not really talking. Sarah squeezes my shoulder, but no one says anything otherwise.
I get it with the team especially, because Katrina isright heretoo.
I’ve never “taken” someone’s starting spot before—I’ve justhad itfrom the beginning of the season. Now that it’s a reality, at the highest level possible, I feel self-conscious about it and the weird energy it can create on a team.
Coach Anker comes out of her office about five minutes after I arrive, and clears her throat.
“I know we’re making a change today. We are a team though, and we all have the same ultimate goal—winning the championship. We’re only going to get there together.”
“That’s right,” Wendy says.
“So let’s keep playing as one,” Coach continues. “And kick Sacramento’s butt today.”
“On it, Coach,” Amari says.
The chatter reaches a more normal level after that mini–pep talk. But I don’t quite settle my edge, still feeling a little off kilter about how to act with Katrina around.
Surprisingly, she’s the one who sorts that out.
As I lace my shoe, I see her coming toward me.
Oh hell, I really don’t want to deal with this.
Instead of making a nasty comment though, she extends a hand.
“I know I’ve been…it’s been weird between us, but you earned that spot, Parker.”
It comes out of her mouth like she’s been rehearsing it. Who knows if she really means it?
But, yeah, if this “truce” is going to correct the vibe I’m feeling, I’ll move past this thing between us. Forgive, if not forget.
“Thanks,” I say while I take her hand. “Like Coach said, we’ll do this together.”
She nods before dropping her hand and retreating to her bench. I drift my eyes to Sarah, who’s watching. Catching that she’s in my line of sight, Sarah shrugs.
Yeah, same.Shrug.But I’ll take Katrina at her word, if cautiously.
Thankfully the drama is broken up a minute later, when Dylan texts me.
DYLAN: Here.
My excitement rears up again in response. I’d asked Kayla to help him with VIP parking, courtside seats, and an escort in the building so they don’t get mobbed. Dylan and Wells can handle fans, but it’s for the best for Hazel here.
I go to Coach’s office. “Is it okay if I duck out for five minutes? My family just got here.”
