The day before the finals felt endless. Light practice in the morning, just enough to stay loose without risking injury. Then the afternoon stretched out with nothing to do but think about tomorrow.
Don't think about it. That just makes it worse.
But Maya couldn't help it. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Golden Gate's defense. Saw herself failing to beat them. Saw Tyler and Marcus's prediction coming true.
Only if she doesn't mess up.
Coach had mandated a team dinner that evening. Bonding, he called it. Building chemistry before the biggest game of their lives.
Maya arrived at the team house at six. The off-campus rental where seniors lived, usually off-limits to underclassmen but opened tonight for the occasion.
Tank answered the door. "Hey. Come in. We're setting up pizza."
The house was already crowded. Players scattered across the living room, kitchen, even sprawled on the stairs. Music playing. Conversation loud but not quite natural.
