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She shrugs. “We can still just go in and stay if you want us to. .”
I shake my head. Val would never be able to sit through all that. Opening the door, I face them before climbing out. “Get her a Happy Meal.”
Val’s screeches of delight are muffled as I slam the door with a smile and walk towards the hall where the athletic department is hosting the event. A balloon arch showcases the light room, and I see the familiar faces of the players’ families entering. Anna and Gwen greet me with smiles as I walk in.
“Oh my god, look at you outside of a swimsuit. So pretty,” Gwen gushes.
Anna nods. “So weird to see everyone out of the pool.”
After we won our first game, any hostility that they had for me threatening to turn them in disappeared. The actions of our team proved that cheating wasn’t necessary. Since then, they have stuck to Emily and me like glue. I am a little sad that they are graduating this year.
I smile. “I bet it's not as weird as this being your last banquet.”
Both of their grins drop and I feel bad instantly.
“Sorry, just in my feelings tonight. I wasn’t expecting the year to go by so fast. I feel like I just got here,” I say, guilt making my voice waver.
Gwen groans. “Seriously, then you blink and all four years are gone. It’s so bittersweet. I’m thankful I’ve gotten to play as long as I have, but I think I’m ready to move on.”
“Me too. I got to put this degree to use somehow,” Anna agrees halfheartedly.
“You could always try to join as club coaches,” I say.
Anna grimaces. “I think I’m ready to hang up my swim cap.”
“Yeah, me too.” Gwen nods.
An arm snakes around my shoulder and I startle, glancing at Emily’s face as she saddles up to my side.
Her eyes drag down my body and she whistles. “If Alex could see you now. I bet his tongue would be out, panting like a dog.Please give me a treat Sage, I’m a good boy.”
I push her away, unable to stop the smile crawling over my face. “I swear to god you feed that guy false hope.”
Emily laughs, then shakes her head. “Nah, I already told him to stop or I’d make Greg put him in timeout. I think he finally got the hint.”
My eyes widen, watching her unsurely. “You don’t actually treat him… like a dog, do you?”
She shrugs. “He’s like a little Golden Retriever. It’s all about vibes, you know?”
Emily glances at Anna and Gwen who are watching bemused. When they don’t say anything in agreement, she sighs. “I swear I’m not mean to him.”
Someone tapping the microphone on the stage at the end of the large room grabs all of our attention. It isn't anyone I recognize, but I figure he’s part of the athletic department.
“If everyone could head to their seats, we’ll start bringing the food to the tables,” he says awkwardly before walking off the stage.
Emily entwines her fingers with mine, leading me to a random table near the back of the room. I glance behind me, realizing Anna and Gwen left to find their families.
“Did your parents fly out?” I ask Emily as we sit.
She shakes her head. “No, they went back home after the championship game. They’re coming out to help pack up the dorm. They asked if you could record if I win any awards, okay?”
“Of course. What about Greg?”
Emily sighs, pulling out her phone. “Studying for finals. He offered to come, but I’m telling you that boy is barely passing his math class. And he’s putting in the hours, he’s just not very good at adding.”
I snicker. “Math is hard for a lot of people.”
A crew of catering staff brings a bowl of bread rolls and a plate of chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. They also leave pitchers of soda on the tables before leaving.
