Page 37 of The Comeback Pact

“She just told me today. It’s not a guarantee. The other team has to have an exhibition, too.”

“Kenna…”

She peers toward me. “Hmm?”

“Why are you not freaking out?”

“Oh, I’m freaking out,” she admits. “But I’m also not trying to freak out about something that might not happen. You know? I’ve had disappointment after disappointment, and I don’t want to get my hopes up. I shouldn’t have even said anything.”

I want to tell her she’s wrong. Thinking negatively isn’t what she needs right now, but I know if I say it, she might take it the wrong way.

“I wish I could be there,” I tell her, keeping a smile to myself.

We’re definitely going to need those Speedos.

“It probably won’t happen. Plus, it’s an away meet and a pain in the ass to get to and…” She drolls on, and every single obstacle she spouts makes my stomach clench harder.

Her coach better get her a damn exhibition spot. Sheneedsthis.

When I pull into the lot and park, she clears her throat. “Thanks for helping me train, by the way. I probably wouldn’t even be getting this spot if it weren’t for your help.”

I reach out and squeeze her biceps through her shirt. “Getting there.”

“Yeah, my micro muscles are coming through. So…,” she moves her sweatshirt out of the way and hands me a bright pink pom-pom. I lift my gaze to hers, and she laughs. “Sydney’s request. I have one for Aidan and me, too. To cheer her on.”

“You serious?”

“Unless you want to face Sydney’s wrath…”

I take it from her and give it a little shake. The glittery-pink plastic tassels fall over my hand.

“It totally suits you.”

“I prefer Bulldog-blue.”

“Me too, but this is Sydney’s color.”

I hold my other hand out. “Let me break the news to Aidan.”

She snickers, handing me the other pom-pom. “As you wish… And please tell me you know where that quote is from; otherwise, I’m not sure I can be seen with you in public.”

“The Princess Bride, obviously,” I snark. “Give me a hard one next time.”

She lifts a brow at me, clearly impressed. “Okay, okay. We’re good for today,” she says, opening her car door and sliding out.

One thing I know for sure is that I’ll keep trying to make sure we’re good. No matter what.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Kenna

The highlightof my year might be watching West and Aidan shake their hot-pink pom-poms to Sydney lip-syncing a Lady Gaga medley. She strutted out in a matching wig and an iridescent skirt that had the audience going wild.

If she isn’t chosen to headline homecoming, the damn thing is fixed.

There are plenty of jersey chasers, including the one who asked me about my scar, who are going out for it, too. Skimpy outfits and sexy dancing, but they’re not really polished. Not like Sydney.

When she comes out from behind the stage, I open my arms wide. “Girrrrl!”

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