Page 56 of Hold 'Em Tight

“Let’s go.” Lennox wraps an arm around Missi.

“But–”

“This isn’t good for you or the baby,” Lennox says, and my eyes flick over to Rylee. She’s looking down at the paperwork, acting like she’s ignoring them, but I can see the way her body tenses. “The team doesn’t matter anymore. You have me. And our baby.”

“You're right.” Missi huffs, lifting her chin. “We don’t need this team. We have something so much better.”

When Missi wraps her arms around Lennox, his gaze flicks over to us, and I see something like… sadness?

The man looks miserable. Who is he trying to fool?

Doesn’t matter. He cheated on Rylee and Mateo, and knocked up our biggest enemy. Even if he regrets it, he made his bed, now he can lie in it.

It’s not until Lennox and Missi leave the gym that we all take a collective breath.

“I don’t give a fuck about what that witch says.” Rylee slaps the paper down in front of me. “Sabrina isn’t just the best we saw today, overall, she’s amazing. Look at her credentials. She’s been cheering since she was five. And for the past few years, she's been full time at a competitive level. She’s only taking a break now so she can go to college. She’s joining the team. If we want to win Nationals, it’s the only choice.”

Normally, I’d sit down, review the tapes, go over their information, and choose what’s best for the team, but I don’t think I’ll need to do that today. There were a few other girls who were at our level and would do fine on the team, but Rylee is right, Sabrina is clearly the best choice.

“Alright then.” I nod my head. “Donny, want to go see if Sabrina is still outside?”

“On it, boss.” Donny hops up and heads outside.

“She really was good,” Mateo mutters. “Just imagine what she can do for the team.”

“Also, it doesn’t hurt that Missi hates her. Any enemy of hers is a friend of mine,” Rylee laughs.

Sighing, I shake my head, because there’s no way I’d let Sabrina join the team over pettiness alone. But she really does have talent. So my girl can get what she wants, and I don’t have to be in the doghouse about it.

The door opens and the little pixie of a woman steps inside. She’s changed out of her workout gear, and is now in a pair of ripped jeans and a tank top. Her blonde hair that was once in a ponytail is now hanging down her back in beach waves.

“Not going to lie, she’s pretty hot,” Rylee murmurs.

My eyes widen, snapping over to gape at Rylee.

“What?” She laughs. “It’s true.”

“Hey,” Sabrina says, and my attention goes back to her. Sure, she’s pretty, but no one will ever come close to Rylee in my eyes. “Donny said you wanted to see me.”

Rylee stands and holds out her hand. “Welcome to the team.”

Sabrina’s eyes widen, a smile taking over her face. “Really?”

“Yup. You're not only the best we saw today, but your credentials are amazing.”

“Thanks,” Sabrina mutters. “I was planning on taking a break while going to school, but cheer is in my blood.” She shrugs. “If I can do both, then why not.”

“Are you already enrolled in Solidarity Academy?”

“Ah, no.” She looks sheepish. “I was supposed to attend school back in Colorado. But when I saw you were having open auditions, I thought I’d give it a try.” She rubs the back of her head. “Honestly, I didn’t think too far ahead. I don’t even know if they will accept me.” She laughs nervously.

“No worries about that,” I tell her with a friendly smile. “We have a scholarship position that's just for the team. So as long as you don’t have a criminal record or anything, I don’t see there being any issues with your acceptance to the school.”

“Nope.” She laughs a little less nervously. “None of that.”

“Good then,” Rylee says. “It might take a few days to get everything put in place. Do you have anywhere to stay?”

“I’m staying at a hotel nearby,” she answers.