Page 93 of Come Back to Me

Now, it’s all about us playing our best defense and offense.

We’re down by five points, and there are seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

I’m surprised there’s not a bigger gap in points because Pinecrest is known for dominating when it comes to offense and defense. We’ve played a pretty tight game since it started.

Pinecrest missed their shot, so it’s our ball now. I run to the three-point line because we can really use a three-pointer, while the rest of the guys are spread out near the basket and the free-throw line.

I get the ball thrown over to me and make a shot without any hesitation since there’s nobody blocking me.

“Becker makes a three…” There’s a pause, waiting to see what gravity decides to do with the ball. “And it’s good! Sunset Cove University is now two points away from catching up to Pinecrest!” The announcer shouts over the speakers.

After five minutes pass by, there are only two minutes left on the clock.

We managed to catch up to Pinecrest, and we’re tied seventy-five to seventy-five. It wasn’t easy, but we all worked together as a team and tried to implement different strategies to make this game ours. And those strategies seemed to have paid off.

Connor is holding onto the ball like his life depends on it. My eyes watch every move he makes, and my body reacts by mimicking his movements. He looks down for a second, allowing me to steal the ball from him.

Running over to our side of the court with supersonic speed, I pass the ball to one of my teammates who pops a three-pointer as soon as he steps onto the line.

I watch the ball lift into the air and gravity does its job, making the ball effortlessly sink into the hoop. Pinecrest loses their signature ability of good offense, missing the basket when the ball is turned over to them.

One of my teammates gives me the ball, and I breathe in and out at the two-pointer line to my right. I make a shot at a slight angle.

All I can hear is my heart beating fast and loud. The noise in the arena has been filtered out until the ball swishes inside the net. The crowd erupts in screams and cheers. The buzzer goes off, which means the game is over.

Holy shit, we won!

“And the Sunset Cove Stingrays advance to the semi-finals!” The announcer raises his voice.

I stand there frozen in time before my teammates embrace me, chanting things my ears can’t understand. The referee hands me our trophy, and I’m lifted up into the air by the guys.

After I land back down onto the ground, I take a seat on the bench until the arena is half of a ghost town.

I can’t believe we beat Pinecrest.

Noah and Xander walk over to me.

“Well, you beat Pinecrest’s ass,” Noah says.

“That was a close game though,” Xander adds.

“It was. I didn’t think we had it until Connor lost his focus. It gained me an opportunity that allowed us to win.”

Dani and Bella are chatting with Violet and this girl with ginger hair by the doors.

Noah blocks my view and stares into my eyes. “ I’m sure Coach Taylor is proud of you. And hey, you didn’t get distracted.”

I chuckle. “Surprisingly.”

“Are you going to the celebratory party?” Xander asks.

I narrow my eyes a little. “I kind of have to. I’m Team Captain, and it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t make an appearance of some kind.”

Xander gives Noah a worried look.

I huff. “If you have something else to say, just say it.”

“Are you going to be okay with all the drinking?” he asks, his chest slowly puffing in and out.