“Nice play, Rook,” I tease.
“Try to keep up,Rook,” she says back, a trace of humor in her voice for the first time.
Oh, so it’s going to be likethatwith her today. At least she knows who I am, I realize.
I lock in mentally.Let’s have some fun.
When she gets the ball next, I try to use my extra inches to my advantage. Arms extended, I keep my feet and legs in a more active position so I can pivot as needed to adjust to her moves. Box her in.
Yet, she slips past me after an absolutely sick dribble move that throws me slightly off-balance. And again, no one else can do anything before she’s dropped the ball in the hoop.
“Is this even fair?” whines one of the guys on my team.
“Yeah, it is,” I say to him in a stony voice. I bet he wouldn’t have said that if she weren’t a woman. If I were the one smoking them, a male pro athlete, they’d probably just be saying how cool it is.
Still, I’m not ready to concede she can’t be stopped.
“Hey, Chris.” I use my hand to wave him over. He’s also on my team.
I keep my voice low as I give him some instructions. “Come off your man if Avery gets the ball. Double team her with me.”
“Yeah, okay.” He looks excited at the marching orders.
We all get back in position for the next play. This time, Avery has a knowing look in her eye as we face each other.
“Going to make it three for three, if that’s okay with you?”
“You like trash talking, Ms. Parker?” A wide grin is spread across my face.
“Just telling you what’s about to happen.”
And yes, that isexactlywhat happens, despite Chris trying to help.
I hate losing, but watching her glide through the paint, dancing the ball in her hands, gracefully elevating toward the basket—I’m in awe.
There’s nothing like being in the presence of the best of the best, getting to experience their talent firsthand.
“Fuck, you’re good,” I say to her.
She gives me a smile in return, just a small one, but it’s my first personal Avery Parker smile.
I want more.
“I was actually a huge fan of your dad’s in middle school,” I share.
Just like that the smile is gone. “Oh yeah?” Her tone is flat.
“Yeah…” I don’t know if I should continue, based on her reaction. “Posters and everything.”
“Hmmm,” is all she says.
The next play starts then, so we don’t have time to continue talking.
To no one’s surprise, the ball whips over to Avery, but once Chris makes his move to help cover her, she passes it to Reggie, who scores for their team.
“Nice assist,” I say, trying to recover our relaxed rapport.
But she only nods, and there’s no light in her eyes when they pass over me.
