Page 148 of From Drummer to Gamer

“You’re so adorable, and as much as I love to watch you sleep all day, we need to go now,” he said, pulling me to a seat.

“Go where?”

“You have a tournament to win.”

I stilled. “I told them I wasn’t coming, and it’s too late now.”

“No, it’s not.” He flashed me a smile as he kissed my forehead. “We can still make it, and I told Tin you were coming.”

“What?” My eyes widened. “You spoke with Tin?”

“Yes, now get your pretty ass up.”

Excitement pulsed my blood. The kind I would only get for my games. But it stopped when I realized how I got here. “But I don’t have my lucky jacket or Daisy Luna outfit.”

“I don’t think you need her anymore,” he said, smiling as his eyes softened. “You don’t need to pretend, you can go out there and play as Sierra. Daisy Luna isn’t your alter ego; she’s the strong, beautiful part of you. And as for your lucky jacket, good for you, the owner is now your boyfriend. I’m sure he’ll let you borrow one.”

What did I ever do to deserve this man?

I jumped into his arms, hugging him tight. “Can I have one that smells like you?”

“Of course.” He playfully bit my cheek. “Now come on, we’ve got a game to win.”

We.Not you. Like we were a team now.

And I loved it.

Soon, we were hurrying through the traffic to get to the arena.

But I never felt more calmer because I didn’t care if I won or lost.

I think I’ve already won in life by calling this incredible man mine.

“Sierra, we missed you,” Kiki huffed, pulling me into a hug followed by Tin.

“I was worried about you,” Tin said, smiling at me. “But I’m glad you’re back. We would’ve been lost without you.” Tin surprised me when he cordially nodded to Matty, who nodded back politely.

“I’m sorry for letting the team down and putting it all on your shoulders,” I apologized to him. “And I’m sorry I gave up on you guys,” I said to my team, who all welcomed me with open arms and happy smiles. “I promise I won’t let that happen again.”

“Guys, as much as I would like for us to rejoice in this reunion,” Tin announced. “We have a game to win.”

We all nodded as we made our way to the stage, not before I pulled Matty into my arms and asked him for a good luck kiss, which he happily gave me.

The arena was bigger and was filled with thousands and thousands of people. Many were screaming my name and cheering me on, and somehow, it felt like I had made it in this world.

It reminded me of that little girl who told me she wanted to be like me when she grew up. If I could inspire even one girl like that to chase her dream, then that would be enough for me.

I had no one like that when I was young. I did it all on my own, believing in myself even at times when I didn’t want to. And here I was, feeling like I made it.

And I did make it.

And just like that, my eyes found him in the crowd.

Yes, I definitely made it.

CHAPTER 36

SIERRA