Then I’m the only one left.
And finally, let’s give an extra special cheer for GUARD AND FIRST TIME STARTER, NUMBER EIGHT, AVERY PARKERRRRRR.
The crowd goes wild as I run up to my teammates, who all give me high fives. I turn and wave to all the sections of the arena, like they did.
This may be my first time, but I’m making sure it’s not the last.
That’s in my hands now, because with the intros over, it’s time for real ball.
“Starters, get in position,” I hear a ref shout out.
All five of us walk to our places together as Wendy goes to the center of the court for the tip-off.
I twist my head toward Dylan before the whistle blows, and he shoots me a wide smile.
I guess Hazel isn’t the only person who can make him happy after all.
Wendy wins the opening tip-off, deflecting the ball to Marisa, who brings it into our side of the court.
She passes it back swiftly to Amari, who calls the play. As I execute my part of it with a backdoor cut under the basket, the ball lands in my hands.
I shoot andswish.
An easy two.
We’re in rhythm quickly and I forget that it’s my first game starting, all the drama with Karina, any of the press nonsense.
I just play hoops.
And when the clock runs out after the full forty minutes of game play, what do you know?
I have twenty-two points and eleven assists.
A double-double.
29
RAWLEY
RAWLEY: I’m here.
Avery told me just to text her when I got to Sarah’s place because we’re running late for the concert.
I’m still not sold on this band after repeat listens, but I am beyond ready for a night with Avery.
Maybe I should be more anxious because I have to do anything she wants later, thanks to that double-double.
Instead, I’m prepared to do her bidding—looking forward to it, to be exact.
Even more so when she rolls out of her house in a black glittery halter top and a black leather skirt.
My woman is sexy as fuck.
Not yours, Rawls.
“Okay, let’s hustle,” she says as she enters the car.
Damn if she doesn’t smell good too. Suddenly the scent of roses and lilacs mixed with a fruity note fill my senses. I subtly sniff again.Pear,I think.
