“And if you hurt her, just know, they will never find the body.”
My mouth drops open in shock. “Zane! Reid’s your best friend.” I expect him to laugh and say he was just teasing; he does neither.
He shrugs. “You’re my sister.”
And I lose the battle to tears all over again.
____________
I wait in the tunnel with my teammates and try to control my nerves. No matter how many games we play, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this feeling before a game. There are no words to describe it. Elation probably comes closest, and even that falls short. “You ready to play the best game of your life?” Star asks from right behind me while we wait.
I turn around, curious. “Why is it going to be the best game of my life?”
She grins evilly, and I already regret asking. “Because you just got back from a weekend away with your boyfriend. So, how was it?” she asks.
My smile nearly splits my face. “It was really good.” She laughs, and I just shrug because it’s the truth. Reid and I just got back from our long weekend away. Not only was it better than I thought it could be, we also spent hours talking about everything that’s happened. I didn’t realize how much I needed the time with him just to process things. There are no words to describe our time there, and I won’t ever try. That was a special time just for the two of us, but I did tell Star that we went away togetherfor a few days. I wanted to tell somebody, and she’s become a really good friend. “Did you spend Christmas with Cameron?”
She bites her lips and then grins. “I brought him home to meet my family.”
I squeal and hug her. “Was it amazing?” I ask as soon as I pull back.
“It was; he’s such an amazing guy.”
I laugh. “You are smitten, Girl.”
“Look who’s talking?”
I just grin. They announce us, and it’s time to go. “Ready?” I ask her.
“Ready.”
We run out with the rest of our team. Star must have been on to something because I play my best game to date. I put up thirty-five points, four rebounds, and five assists. I’m named MVP after the game and get to do a press conference, my first. I sit behind the table and try not to bounce my leg. I’m so nervous, I could throw up. But just before the first question is asked, there’s movement in the back of the room. A tall figure slips inside and takes the last seat in the last row. His eyes lock with mine, and he smiles and nods his head.You got this,he mouths to me.
I smile, and confidence blooms, not because I have this...but because he’s here.With me.And that’s all the confidence I’ll ever need. I answer the questions the best I can, but I’m sure somebody will write something about the goofy freshman who couldn’t stop beaming the entire time. As soon as it’s over, I stand on shaky legs and start to make my way towards my mate, who’s waiting for me at the back of the room. Before I can get there, Coach Parella steps into my path, stopping me.
“Riley.” I feel my smile fade a little, and I wonder what I did now. She stares at me with a hard expression on her face. “I saw tapes of you playing high school ball. I sent a scout to record youas well. I already knew you could play, and I knew what position you played. What I didn’t know was if you could be coached, if you could be pushed and challenged outside of your comfort zone. I thought you could, and I’m glad I was right. As long as you want to play for me, you’ll have a position on my team.”
I swallow hard. “Thank you, Coach.”
“You keep at it, and you could be facing down an offer to play professionally after college.”
“Really?”
She nods and is right back to business. “Don’t slack off; stay focused.” She turns on her heel and walks away, and I stare after her.
Strong arms wrap around me from behind. “You good?”
I relax against Reid a moment before I turn around in his arms to face him. There’s concern on his face as he wipes away a tear. “What did she say?”
I still can’t process her words, but I share them anyway. “She told me she thinks I’ll have an offer to play professionally after college.” I stare up at him in shock. “That’s the WNBA, Reid!”
He chuckles. “I know, Baby.”
“Doesn’t that shock you?”
“Nope, not in the least. I always knew you could if you wanted to.”
I wrap my arms around his waist.This guy.I swallow and try to regain my composure.I love you, Reid.
