Page 87 of Home of the Brave

I started to nod, but my media training kicked it. “East was better prepared today. They saw how well we performed and came ready. Now that we’ve each had a chance to feel out the other, game three should be interesting.”

He smiled his thanks, and I moved on to the next. Unfortunately, they were more like the first, either wanting to place the blame on me or demanding an explanation of my teammates’ poor performance as if I controlled them.

The Stripes players had started filtering in, so I was soon getting waved on as they wanted to get their moments with the winners.

I was on edge and ready to head back to my hotel room to decompress by the time I finally saw her.

Victoria was at the end, no mini sticks or toys in sight. She gave me a soft smile. Cambrie was leaning against the wall, her camera pointed at the ground. They were giving me a break.

“Where was the defense?” Victoria whispered. “Did Tyson have anything to say?”

I shrugged. “I didn’t wait around to find out.

“Are you going to get in trouble?”

I didn’t know or care. “I’ll find out.”

“Oh.” She looked up at me, and I turned away.

“I’m going to head out.”

“Okay,” she took a small step back. “I’ll see you later?”

“Not tonight." I walked away, not giving her a chance to respond, but I wasn’t in the mood to be around anyone.

It wasn’t fair––or right––for me to let my frustration boil over into our interactions, but when I got like this, I was out of control. I could think about how I should act or respond, but I ignored that. Like I was on autopilot. Rejecting the things that might make me feel better so I could languish in my frustration.

I got back to my room, called for room service, took another shower, ate dinner, and silenced the world.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt almost like myself.

The oppressive guilt of acting like a complete jerk was a jarring reminder of the day before.

I’d apologize to my teammates. They’d understand and let it go easily, but I was worried I’d really messed things up with Victoria.

Although she’s been a player herself and knew just as well how much a bad game could mess with your head.

Since the women were playing their third game, I knew she’d be in the crowd watching, and I wanted to catch her before then.

There was just one problem.

We never exchanged phone numbers.

Cambrie and I swapped at the festival so I could ask her, but that felt wrong.

One of the guys might have it. Maybe even Amelia.

I could ask, but that would lead to questions and teasing.

The only other option I could come up with would be pretty close to stalking. Go to her hotel and wait in the lobby, or go to the arena and try to spot her there.

Which was the least terrible? Or creepy?

Before I could overthink it, my phone buzzed.

Tyson: Flag day, wear your assigned color

Oh right. Someone, I wasn’t clear on who, planned out how the men could form the flag based on where we sat. We’d been given strict instructions to sit in our assigned seat and not mess this up, or else.