He blinks, and then his eyes are back to normal. “We’re done.”
“No, we’re not.” He stares down at me, and I can easily read the frustration in his eyes. “We leave now, and he wins. I’m not leaving.” His jaw locks, a sure sign that he’s frustrated or being stubborn. He’s good at both those things.
“Fine, but if he comes at you again—”
“I’ve got it.”
I turn away, but he stops me with a hand on my elbow. “You’re bleeding.”
I pull away from him. “It’s fine.” I turn back to Caden, who’s only been a few steps away this entire time. “Ready?” I ask.
He looks between me and Reid and then nods. “Yeah. Foul shots. Riley gets to go to the line.”
“What?” Exavier scoffs.
But the other guys line up, and I take the ball from Caden. I stand behind the line and let years of muscle memory take over.I make the first one and then the second. I feel marginally better about myself, but then it’s time to get right back at it. The rest of the game is brutal. Ex feels like he’s out to prove something, and he’s rough. Somehow, I make it through the end of the game. A few of the guys give me a high-five, and I do the same. But inside, I’m dying. I realize these are guys, most of them division-one athletes, but I just got my backside handed to me. Still, I’m the one that agreed to play. I pass Reid. “Thanks, Reid; I’ll catch you later.” I’m far enough away that I can keep walking without him following. He looks like he takes a step my way, but one of the guys keeps talking to him.
On the way to my dorm, I pass two girls who laugh as I pass. “That was not pretty.” I don’t even realize at first that they’re talking to me.
“I’m sorry?”
The taller one crosses her arms. “I hope you’re not planning on trying out for the women’s basketball team this year.” There’s a challenge in her eyes that I don’t back down from.
“Actually, I’m here on scholarship to play.”
The girl on the left raises her eyebrows in surprise, while the girl on the right scoffs. “Seriously?” She turns to the girl beside her and shakes her head. But when she looks at me again, she’s smiling but there's no warmth to it. “Well, it will be great to meet you on the court.” They both snicker and walk away. I watch them go, feeling a little hollow inside.Two of my teammates?The thought of playing with them for an entire season is too much to process right now.
When I get back to my room, Ashley’s at the desk, working. She’s got her headphones in, so I don’t bother her. I grab my stuff to take a shower, hoping I’ll feel better after that. Zane texts me later in the evening to invite me to Sunday lunch tomorrow, but I decline, saying I have too much to do to be ready by Monday. It’s not a lie. He texts right back.
Zane-okay, we’ll give you this weekend since you’re still moving in, but after that, it’s mandatory
Me-I thought that was only if you lived there
Zane-nope
I can’t help but smile.
Me-okay, next week
I drop my phone on my bed, wondering if maybe I should go tomorrow. But I feel like I want this weekend to settle in, to get a chance to be independent before I show up as “Zane’s little sister” for the day. I’m super happy I made the call, though, because I spend all day Sunday getting ready for classes on Monday.
Monday morning, I get up extra early and head out for a run. Reid texts me when I’m on my way back inside.
Reid-what time’s your first class?
Me-first hour
I head up to my room and shower and get dressed for class. I spent way too much time yesterday deliberating about what to wear today. I decided on jean shorts, one of my FMU t-shirts, and comfortable sandals since I’ll be walking all day. Since it’s going to be a warm one, I throw my long blond hair into a high ponytail. I stay quiet because Ashley’s not awake yet, and I don’t want to wake her. Once I’m ready, I grab my bag that I made sure was packed yesterday and then leave the room. I take a steadying breath in the hallway and remind myself that I can do this. I can figure out where to go and get there on time. I head down the stairs, thinking there’s a good chance I throw up this morning. I push open the door and pull my sunglasses down over my eyes. I come to a stop when I see Reid standing a few feet from my dorm. He lifts his head from his phone and turns my way. “What are you doing here?” I ask when I get close. He holds out an iced coffee. I look down at it and then at him.
“It’s a cold brew with a splash of oat milk and one stevia. I thought maybe you could use the pick-me-up on your first day.”
I stare up at him. “Reid, that was...really thoughtful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Where’s your first class?” I tell him, and he nods. “I’ll walk with you.” I notice that he’s not carrying a bag or anything for that matter.
“Do you not have class this morning?”
“Not until second hour.”
