Page 56 of Full Court Love
I take a small step toward her, and her smile falters. None of these girls have ever seen me like this before. It’s so quiet as I continue, I swear I can hear the popcorn popping out at the concession stand.
“In fact, I’m desperately praying we won’t ever cross paths again after this season ends. If anyone wants to know why, I’m happy to tell them. Or you can. Just be sure to include every nuanced detail of how you ruined two people’s lives.”
I brush past her toward the door but turn back for my mic-drop moment.
“Thanks for all your concern, though. Means a lot.”
The door closes behind me and I pause for a moment to hear the aftermath, but the locker room stays quiet. Then Ihear the door open, and a few girls come up and hug me from behind.
“That was amazing! I’ve been waiting for you to finally fight back.”
“Gosh, I’ve wanted to shut her up for so long.”
“You are my hero, Lucy!”
I laugh as I walk to the court for warmups, wondering if I did the right thing. I feel bad that I just embarrassed her, but I’ve been her doormat for years. At some point, actions have consequences.
As the high from standing up to Sasha wears off, I’m left with my own thoughts once again. I’m trying to stay locked in on the game, but my eyes keep darting around the arena.
I’m looking for one person. A person I have no business wanting to see right now.
The clock reads two minutes to game time when I see him walk in.
He still came.
I’m oddly relieved, but also livid at him. I’m both glad he’s here and angry that he thinks he has a right to watch me play. And I’m definitely still in love with him. I can’t stop checking to be sure I’m not imagining that he’s here.
With all of this going on, I’m not focused on the game whatsoever.
This could only go poorly.
CHAPTER 24
JORDAN
I’m a glutton for punishment.
That’s the only possible explanation as to why I came. I couldn’t help it. I might love her enough to keep her away from me, but I’m not even close to disciplined enough not to come watch her play.
I needed to come. I needed to see her, to be sure she was okay. And also because even simply sitting in the stands makes me feel close to her. I’m feeling guilty about it, though, as I see her glance up here every few minutes.
Normally, Lucy is the picture of joy when playing. She can’t help but smile every once in a while because she loves it so much. She told me that for a long time, she tried to be the super-serious type, but it just didn’t work. I believe her exact words were, “I can smile and still be the most cutthroat competitor you’ve ever had the displeasure of encountering.”
The girl has a way with words.
The memory brings a smile to my lips.
But today, her smile is gone.
Even in warmups, she seems slightly off. I know precisely why, but I also know it couldn’t be helped. One day, she’ll understand. I hope. Although the thought of her moving on,seeing her date someone else through pictures online, eventually seeing an engagement announcement and wedding–I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it.
That was supposed to be me.
Now I keep imagining some faceless man in that place, living the life I had tricked myself into believing could be mine.
A small consolation is that Sasha looks miserable throughout the course of warmups. I’d love to know the story there. Good for whoever pulled that one off.
The game starts, and I’m mesmerized by Lucy, per usual. The grace with which she plays is unmatched. The ball is an extension of her body. Every move is controlled and looks so natural, and I can’t take my eyes off her.