Page 68 of Ruthless Court

Doug recognizes my name and looks me over.

He expected older.

Taller.

Male.

Instead they got me.

“You’re Hannah Goodwin?”

“Yes.”

His attention drops to the jersey, then the bandage.

“You said you had extensive experience.”

“I do.”

“Watching basketball isn’t coaching.”

“No. Watching tells you what needs coaching.”

Melissa hides a smile.

Doug crosses his arms.

“Show us.”

I set my backpack beside the bleachers and pull out my whistle.

The boys gather slowly.

The tall kid from the video hangs in the back with his glasses sliding down his nose.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“Evan.”

“Why are you standing on one leg?”

His gaze drops. “I don’t know.”

“You shift every time someone looks at you.”

He blinks.

“Both feet down. Knees soft. Shoulders back.”

He adjusts.

The awkwardness doesn’t disappear, but he looks steadier.

I turn to the rest of the team.

“Right-side layup line.”

They move toward the basket.