Page 7 of Fast Break

Seven

Palmer

"Clear!"Islidemy hand up the shaft and launch the ball toward Ava, our star midfielder and Captain.

She catches it on therun, spins around one defender, then makes aquickbackward pass to Jewel.

The move takes our opponents by surprise, and Jewel handily puts the ball in the net over the goalie's left shoulder.

My heart hitches when I seeCharlieat the entrance to the tunnel filming the team'swalkback. He looks up from the viewfinder and catches my eye. Hisgrinstretches across his face, both his dimples on full display. It's contagious, and I return the smile with my own.

"Greatgameout there,"he says as Iwalkpast."Told you you'd kill it."

I don't get achanceto respond, carried through by a wave ofteammates. There is much cheering in the locker room, but onceCoachenters, Ava whistles and we allfallsilent.

"That was a tremendousstartto what is sure to be a stellarseason.

If we keep up this momentum, if we keepplayinghard and making our connections, we can go all the way again this year.

"She pauses to allow for cheers. "I want to call out our attack line for a superior performance today.

We started out a little slow, but by the second period, we were on a roll and we didn't let up.

"Defense,"she motions toward the back of the room, where Istandwith Andi, Marisol, and Vera, my D-line,"You held the line and kept them to single digits in goal.

Excellent job, especially on your part, York.

Your firststartas goaltender was a massive success.

While we all hope for a speedy recovery fromTisha, I think we can be confident we're in good hands withPalmer. "

"Hear, hear!"Tishashouts. I give her a grateful smile.

"Four days until our nextgame. Go home fortonight, enjoy the win, and get ready to hit it hard atpracticetomorrow. Showtime eight a.m. Bring it in."

We move closer together, layering our hands ontopof one another."On 3,"Coachdirects,"1, 2, 3..."

"Battle! Family!"we all cry, lifting our hands.

After aquickshower, Istandat my locker making sure my equipment is set up fortomorrow.Tishaleans against her locker next tomine."You going out with theteamtonight?"

"I guess."Honestly, I don't want to. I want to findCharlie.

I'm anxious for my first lesson. Last night, it took me a while after I got home to unwind and settle into bed.

When I finally found sleep, he invaded my dreams, and I woke up wet, restless, and needy.

It probably says something that in three years withBrennan, I never woke up like that.

"You have to come celebrate,"she says."We're only going to Harbor Lights. Nothing too crazy. It's Karaoke Night."

I roll my eyes."Okay, but I'm not singing."

Tishapouts, sticking herlipout for maximum effect."Who's going to be Sporty Spice when we do 'Wannabe'?"

"Ask one of the rookies,"I suggest."It'll make them feel like part of theteam."

Tishaclicks hertongue."You're nofun."

"Yeah, I know. I'm trying to fix that,"I say with agrin.

"Oh yeah?"Tishawaggles her eyebrows."Anyone helping?"

"Maybe,"I say, concentrating hard on my gym bag. There hadn't been time before thegametoday to tell her about last night.

"Is itCharlie? Please say it'sCharlie."

I sigh andTishasqueals. I motion with my hand to keep it down."We had a nice time last night, and I, um, propositioned him. I asked him to help me experiment with being more casual."

"I take it he said yes?"Tishaclaps her hands together."Ooh, I knew it. You played better because you let that man give you an orgasm."

"Actually, no,"I correct her."He said he'd help, but then he put me in a car and sent me home."I tellTishawhatCharliehad said about taking his time.

Tishafans herself."Girl, I know the man hasgame. But that's a whole other level. I’d better get details."

"When I have them."

Wewalkout together and join the other players heading out fordinner.

I attempt to be casual while I look forCharlieamong the crowd, disappointed when I don't see him.

But now is the time to bond with myteam, and for once, I could go out and not worry aboutBrennanwaiting for me at home or the fight we'd inevitably have if I were out too late.

"Palmer."

Charliecomes up behind me. He nods atTishaand smiles."Hey,Tisha."

"Hi,Charlie,"she says in a singsong voice. I side-eye her, but she ignores me."We're going out for Karaoke anddinnerat Harbor Lights. Wanna join?"

He scratches the back of his neck."Thanks, but this is a moment for yourteam. Although, let me know the next time. I'd love to video Marisol doing Karaoke. She has some pipes."

"She'd love that."Tishawinks atPalmer."I'llmeetyou at the car."

"So, what's up?"I askCharlie, ignoring the nervous twist in mystomach.

"I wanted to congratulate you."One side of his mouth quirks up."And ask if you were freetomorrownight fordinner?"

"Yes. Of course."I glance around and lower my voice."My first lesson?"

His mouth tightens a fraction, but then he grins."Sure, if you'd like. But I want to take you out todinner. Whatever happens after,"he shrugs,"we'll let it happen organically. Sound good?"

"Yeah, sounds great."I'm not entirely sure what he means about letting things happen organically. He's a player, which is why I'm doing this.

"Okay then. Well, have a good timetonight."He tugs a lock of my hair, then disappears down the hall. Clearing my thoughts, Iwalkout.Tonightis about myteam.Tomorrowis aboutstartingmy education—my awakening —withCharlie, and I can't wait.