“You too.”
On the next play, I set a pick for Star and she gets a nice jumper. The next play, Sasha goes up for a shot. The ball bounces off the backboard, and I outjump Cameron to bring it down. I go back up a second later and put it back in. Adrenaline courses through me as we run to the other end. Star slaps my hand as I pass. On our next chance at offense, I see the pass coming and intercept it before their center can. I run hard, pushing the ball in front of me. I look down the court and see Star ahead of me. I give her a clean pass, and she lays it up beautifully. I grin and slap her hand as we run back for defense. The whistle blows, stopping the play. “Can somebody tell me why only the freshman are capable of scoring?” Coach’s words are sharp, and I don’t dare look at the other three girls playing offense. I don’t look at Star either, even though I’m really proud of her. Playing with her is a dream. Coach Parella sends three new players in to take Sasha’s, Angeline’s, and Brene’s spots. I don’t miss the death glares Angeline and Jaida shoot me, but I don’t focus on it because I’m playing my heart out. This is the one chance I’ve got. I feel bad about the other girls, but they’llmake the team. They’ve played for Coach before. They’re all returning players. Star and I are not; we have to do everything in our power to prove ourselves. And prove ourselves is what we do. We run harder than everyone else, put up more shots, pull down more rebounds, give more assists, and outrun everyone else on that court because we want it. We want it, and we will do anything it takes to make sure we both get a spot on this year’s team. I’m not even fighting just for myself anymore; I’m fighting for her too. I set her up for as many shots as I can, making sure to rebound every shot she takes. Together, we score more points than I can keep track of. We don’t stop. When Coach finally blows her whistle, I know we’ve done everything in our power to make this year’s team.
Chapter 23
Riley
“That’s a wrap. Five hundred shots before you leave tonight. I’ll post the names on Monday afternoon. If your name is not on the list, don’t bother coming to practice. You didn’t make the team.” Coach Parella walks away, and I watch her go, knowing this weekend is going to be the longest weekend of my life. Star and I head over to our spot to start our five hundred shots. We stay focused and quiet. Only when we finish do we finally talk. “You did good out there today,” I tell her. “Really good. You’ll make it.”
I see the hope in her eyes. “You think so?”
“I really do. It was really good playing with you.”
“Me?” She laughs. “I don’t know who lit a fire under you, but you were hot out there today. You made everything you touched turn to gold.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “All right.”
“Seriously, Riley. I don’t say this lightly. You’rereallygood.”
We head to the locker room, and I shower quickly. I’m anxious to see Reid. Once I’m dressed, and my hair is braided, I grab my bag. “Hey,” Star calls out behind me, hurrying to catch up to me. “Where’s the fire?” she asks with a grin.
“I’m just ready to get out,” I tell her as we head towards the exit.
I push the door open, feeling a tightness in my chest. I scan the area and only breathe a sigh of relief when I see him. I walk over to him and walk right into his arms. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tight. “Hey, you good?” His hand runs upand down my back. “Ry?” I can hear the worry in his voice, so I pull back to look at him.
I feel like I can finally take a full breath. “It was good.”
“Your girl was on fire,” Star says, reminding me of her presence.
Reid doesn’t take his eyes off me. “Of course she was.”
“All right. Well, you two are disgustingly adorable; I’m going to take my leave.”
I break out of my Reid trance and turn to face Star. Reid doesn’t release me but holds me loosely, so I can face her. “You did good, Star. I’ll be looking for your name on the list on Monday.”
“Fingers crossed. Yours will be on there for sure. See you Monday.”
“See you.” I watch her go a moment.
“Do you feel good about it?” Reid asks, tugging me close
I look up at him, feeling like all is right in my world again. “I do. I mean, I did my absolute best. If I don’t make it after that, then I’m not meant to play college ball.”
“You’ll make the team,” he says confidently. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Want to go grab something to eat?”
I don’t hesitate a second. “Yes. I’m so hungry.”
He takes my hand in his, and we start for his car. “What are you hungry for?”
“Anything.”
As we start the drive, he takes my hand in his again. “Tell me about practice.” I give him a play-by-play during the drive and while we eat sandwiches at a sub shop.
“Monday’s going to take forever to come,” I tell him after I’ve finished eating.
