She takes a breath. “Yeah, let’s do this.”
I pull open the door, and she follows me inside. As soon as we’re inside, I see the group of girls gathered around a piece of paper on the wall. Some are happy; others are not. One girlbrushes past us with tears in her eyes. Star and I exchange a look and continue over to the wall. We make our way past the girls gathered until we’re right next to the list. I force myself to look over the names. Relief fills me, followed by excitement when I see my name. I quickly look back over the list for Star’s name. “You made it!”
Star turns to me, eyes bright. “You did too!”
We hug, and elation flows through me. I reach out really quickly to Reid, only because technically practice hasn’t started yet. And I have to share this with someone.I made it.
His answer is immediate.Of course, you did.
A sense of rightness flows through me, and I face Star. “Should we get ready for practice?”
She grins. “Yeah.”
Minutes later, we’re dressed and ready for practice. We’re busy warming up when Coach appears and blows her whistle. “All right. Let’s get to it.” And that’s that. There are no words of congratulations. She simply tells us what we’re doing first, and we’re off and running...literally. She has us run several drills for warmups, and then we start scrimmaging against the boys. I’m surprised when she has Star and I both take spots on the court. I do a quick scan of the girls. Brene’s at point guard, Star’s at left shooting guard, and I'm at left power forward. On the other side of the key, Angeline is playing right shooting guard, and Sasha is playing opposite me under the basket. "Blackwood take that shot,” Coach yells when I pass the ball instead of taking the shot. I grimace and make a mental note to take the next one. At the other end, they score on us; and we head back up the court. The ball doesn’t make it over to my side for this possession. Sasha drives in down low and makes it. It takes another possession or two before I get the ball down low again. Using the moves Reid made me drill, I push against Cameron and get close to the basket. I end up missing my shot, and Cameron gets therebound. Frustration burns through me, and I chase them down to the other end. I manage to stop the next shot and get the rebound. I kick it out to Star, and she races down to the other end. She passes it to Brene, who goes up for an easy lay-up. I grin and slap Star’s hand as I run past.
“Good job.”
It’s back and forth after that. I do manage to finally score down low, but it’s frustrating. I’m used to scoring at least double digits every game. Most games I scored twenty to thirty points, but I would push myself to get better. I had to if I wanted to keep a spot on this team. Finally, Coach blows the whistle and calls us in. “The banquet is this weekend. Each of you should have the official invite in your email. Don’t be late. Now, five hundred shots and then hit the showers.”
Star and I make our way over to our favorite basket and get to work. A little over two hours later, I braid my wet hair and dress in black athletic pants and an FMU long-sleeved shirt. I’ve been trying to dress better coming and going ever since Coach talked to me. When I get outside, I don’t see Reid anywhere; and I figure he’s still in his meeting. Star walks with me a little while before we part ways. “You played well tonight,” I tell her.
“You too.”
“Not really, but I’m working on it. I’m not used to playing under the hoop,” I confess.
“Really?”
“Yeah. I always played shooting guard.”
She looks over at me. “But you’re so tall. You’re what six foot?”
I nod. “Yeah. What are you?”
“Almost five nine. What side did you play?”
“Left,” I tell her.
She grimaces. “Oh boy; you’re gunning for my spot.”
“I’m not; I have a feeling I’m not leaving the forward spot.”
“Well, I would have never known. You’re doing a good job for playing a position you don’t normally play.”
“Thanks, Star. Do you have a dress for the banquet this weekend?” I ask after we’ve walked a little bit.
“I can’t believe I’m going; it’s so surreal. And yes, I think I have one that will work. What about you?”
“Same. I think I have one that will work; and yes, it’s totally surreal.”
Chapter 26
Riley
I’m busy getting ready for the banquet when somebody knocks on our door. “Come in,” I call out.
“Hey,” Star says as she comes into our room.
“You must be Star,” Stephanie says by way of introduction.
