Page 127 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“To a degree. I’m not supposed to overexert myself.”

“That works out,” Liam said cheerfully, picking up the ball. “You don’t have to run or anything like that. We can just stand in place and practice shots.”

“But shooting at an empty hoop is a piece of cake,” Will reminded him sarcastically.

Liam took another shot. This time, he missed.

“See? Not really.”

Will narrowed his eyes. Right, as if he was going to believe the guy who’d just effortlessly sunk a shot from half-court had missed while standing right by the basket.

“Seriously, Liam, what are we doing here?”

“I told you. You should move around a bit. You’ve been at home for a long time. It’ll clear your head.”

“Because it’s too dark in there?”

“You said it.”

“And you implied it, asshole!”

They both started laughing.

“You do realize you picked the worst possible sport, right?” Will asked wryly.

“Because?”

“Because I have basketball-related trauma, and I won’t mention whose fault that is.”

“Even better. You have to face your fears, right?” Liam said casually, making a successful shot.

Will watched Liam move around the hoop.

“Aren’t you sick of basketball? You must have practice several times a week, plus your pick-up games… If I were you, I’d want to do something else in my free time.”

“Yeah…” Liam cleared his throat loudly. “I’m not on the team anymore.”

“What?” Will said, surprised. “Since when?”

“Since last month. I thought Norma was keeping you up to date.”

“Why didn’t you?”

Liam shrugged. He was still acting like his usual self, but something in his expression told Will it was a sensitive topic for him.

“What happened?” he asked anyway, unable to curb his curiosity. “They didn’t kick you off, did they?”

“No, I quit.”

“Why?”

Okay, it was definitely a sensitive topic. He couldn’t remember ever having to drag words out of Liam before.

“It’s just… you know…” Liam shifted restlessly. “The situation with some of the guys… the shaggy ones… it got a little out of control. The atmosphere started to sour, and I figured there was no point sticking around in that kind of company. So I let it go.”

“Let me guess. They were thrilled.”

“Ecstatic. But it’s better this way.”