Page 85 of Pickled
“You betcha,” I said. After the upcoming weekend, my mornings were never going to be the same again. As Piper and Olive walked away, I started to understand what I’d been missing. It wasn’t just about being part of a team.
It was about being part of a family.
28
PIPER
Friday morning arrived,and I was already awake before the alarm. This was it: the final day of practice. The tournament was tomorrow, and I knew the “partners only” rule I’d set for Gideon and me had an expiration date I was dreading. After sending Olive to Judy, I pulled on my lucky sports bra and headed to the club.
Gideon was already there, but instead of stretching, he was pacing the court like a caged animal.
“You okay?” I dropped my bag and grabbed my paddle.
“Just ready to get this started.” He looked me up and down, and heat flashed in his eyes. “You look good. That color suits you.”
So much for keeping things professional. “Gideon—”
“I know, I know. Just partners.” But he stepped closer anyway. “One more day, right?”
“One more day.”
During our warm-up, our eyes kept meeting. I was always the first to look away.
“Your backhand is looking killer,” he said after I ripped a cross-court shot.
“Thanks. Your drop shots are getting way more accurate,” he said, that grin spreading.
“Must be all that practice with my coach, Olive.”
I laughed, and some of the nervous energy eased. “She’s going to be insufferable if she makes that team tonight.”
“When she makes that team,” he corrected. “That kid’s got more determination than half the pros I know.”
We played for another thirty minutes, and when Lisa came by to run some drills, we moved as though there was an invisible bungee cord tethering us together. We were reading each other’s minds like we’d been partners for years instead of days. When Lisa lobbed a ball up high, I smashed it hard, my competitive mode activated, and hit her square in the bicep.
“Ouch.” Lisa winced. She rubbed her arm. “And with that, you two are ready.”
“Sorry, Lisa. Are you okay?” I jogged to the other side of the net, but Lisa held up her hand, stopping me. “I’m good. I’m proud of you.” She spread her arms wide and hugged me. “Go get ’em tomorrow. And give that man a chance.” She whispered the second part and left.
“Holy shit,” Gideon said. He was bent over, his hands on his knees. “That was fucking awesome.”
“Language,” I teased. I bent over to try to make space in my overstuffed gym bag. Olive’s paddle and badminton racket were shoved in along with my change of clothes and rain gear.
“Sorry, but that was fricking amazeballs. Is that better?”
“Not really.” I managed to zip up the bag with Gideon’s help.
“We’re going to destroy everyone tomorrow.” He stood and brushed his hands together.
“You think so?” I slung the bag over my shoulder.
“I know so.” He touched my hand. Just for a second, his thumb brushed across my knuckles. “We’re unstoppable, Piper.”
His touch sent a shiver to my toes, and it was almost one hundred degrees outside. I should have pulled away. Instead, I laced our fingers together.
“I’m so nervous,” I whispered.
“Don’t be. I’ll be there with you.” He didn’t let go of my hand.
