“You too.” She clears her throat as she crosses her arms over her chest. “Well, everyone’s here and ready, so just tell us where you want to set up.”
For the first time since I’ve been back, I glance down at Ainsley’s hand. No ring on her finger, though I don’t know if she has a boyfriend. Not that it would matter if she does, but it’sstrange that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. Or maybe it’s strange that it’s crossing my mind at all. I just don’t know much about her life, is all.
What’s worse, it bothers me that I don’t.
Travis lines up the teams in size order, and Ainsley helps him wrangle them into position for the group photo. Every now and then, he touches her shoulder, or the small of her back. She doesn’t flinch, but she shifts her weight from one leg to the other each time he reaches out for her.
How does she know him?
The question plagues me more than it should.
I move to stand on her left. “How’s your neck?”
Her eyes light up as she turns to me. “It’s great. A little sore, but definitely better.”
“What did you do to your neck?” Travis asks.
“I was reaching for something in the garage, and apparently I’ve reached the age where household tasks are Olympic sports.”
Travis chuckles. “Should’ve called me. I would’ve been able to reach whatever you needed.”
So, he has her number.
Ainsley waves him off. “It’s no big deal. Landon worked on my neck. He’s a physical therapist.”
“Nice to meet you, man.” Travis outstretches his hand, and squeezes mine way harder than necessary. He might be slightly taller than me—an inch max—and his muscles are bigger, but he’s overcompensating for something with that kind of a handshake.
“I’m the new coach for the JV team,” I say.
Travis releases my hand and rests it on Ainsley’s shoulder. “Well, you’re lucky to be working with this one. She’s a gem.”
“She sure is.” I arch an eyebrow at her, and she stifles a laugh behind her hand.
“Are you guys all gonna kiss, or are we taking a photo?” Natalie’s voice breaks through the awkward tension, only adding more awkwardness on top.
Ainsley rolls her eyes. “Real mature, Warner.”
Natalie grins.
Ainsley and I take our spots behind the girls, in the center so we’re shoulder to shoulder.
“She’s like a mini-you,” I whisper.
“Tell me about it.” Ainsley grits her teeth as she smiles. “And I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve it.”
“Oh, I can come up with a list if you need it.”
She digs her elbow into my ribs.
Travis snaps a few test shots.
“How do you know Travis?” I lean closer. “He seems smitten with his little gem.”
“Shut up.”
Tori turns her head to look at us from over her shoulder. “Please don’t shut up. This is great.”
“Turn around, Delgado,” Ainsley and I say at the same time.
