Somehow they’ve made it work for over a year though.
“Oh, there he is…” Sarah says in a sing-song voice as he comes into the room.
“Ready to assist as needed.” He walks over to stand behind her, casually laying a hand over her shoulder. “Morning, Avery.”
“Morning.”
Malcolm and I don’t know each other well yet, but he seems like a great guy. Not that I’d expect Sarah to choose otherwise. The last two days he’s been here, we haven’t been able to hang out much. My plate’s been filled up with a home game and time with Rawley.
Whose ears must be burning, because I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.
RAWLEY: Do you need me to bring anything later?
AVERY: I don’t think so. It looks like Sarah single-handedly bought out a big box store.
RAWLEY: Okay! Connor and I will be there at six then.
His brother is leaving in about a week to go back to school, and he was an instant plus-one so they could maximize their remaining time. Landon headed out to Wimbledon after their Oregon trip, and Rori’s about to play for the title, so they’re still in London.
Connor’s interesting—and hard to figure out. I think he started to warm up to me after the initial Surge game he cameto, but since Rawley and I started hooking up, he’s been cooler in our encounters. Though I don’t want to read too much into it, because how many times have people made assumptions about my demeanor?
“I don’t get to watch your games as much as I want when I’m overseas, but it looks like you’re doing awesome, Avery,” Malcolm says. “Congrats.”
“She is.” Sarah beams at me.
“Thanks. It’s felt good.” Since Coach Anker moved me to the starting rotation, I’ve been averaging over twenty points a game. 20.5 to be exact, but who’s counting.
There hasn’t been a hint of giving the spot back to Katrina, and I’ve relaxed with each passing game that it’s going to be mine, permanently.
Equally important is that the team is on fire, and we’ve won five games in a row. So today will be a nice break with my teammates too.
We get moving on the party setup once we’ve had breakfast, and after a couple of hours, Sarah and I take off for practice. Yes, we have practice even on a holiday.
“I checked, and we’re a couple wins ahead of our record this time last year,” Wendy observes at the end of our shoot-around.
“We’re going to win it all this year,” Sarah declares. The other women around us hum in agreement.
“But first, your party,All-Star,” Marisa chimes in, smiling.
The announcement that Sarah has been named as a starter for the All-Star team was a few days ago, and that earned her the new nickname on the team. She’s only been a reserve in the past.
Being a starter in the All-Star game is rare air—another goal to aim for.
“Tonight’s going to be so fun,” Amari adds.
When practice breaks up, I join Sarah back at the house for round two of party prep, although Malcolm’s made a lot of progress in the time we’ve been gone.
“I went for a run, and then decided to get to work,” he explains.
With less to do, I have more time to get ready.
Flipping through my clothing options, I reach for a short navy skirt and a red sleeveless cotton shirt. Color-appropriate for the day.
And Rawley seems into it when I wear skirts? Yeah, this outfit is perfect.
My prediction is confirmeda few hours later.
“This little skirt has been driving me nuts all night. I can’t wait to fuck you in it.”
