Sofie
You deserve BETTER than a one-and-done.
Nalani
Or … maybe she deserves exactly that. For cardio and cobweb removal.
Claudia
Oh my God! Nalani.
Nalani
What? I’m supportive.
Then, because, apparently, it can always get worse …
Sofie
Also, Coach D thinks he had a family emergency.
Nalani
But can’t confirm or deny because his phone is off.
Sofie
You are in so much trouble for holding out on me. ME of all people!
Claudia
Worth it?
Nalani
Better be. At least tell me it tastes like champagne.
Sofie
STOP.
Claudia
Noelle, blink twice if you need rescue. Just … not yet. Get it, girl!
I bark out a laugh and glance at her. She’s groaning into her hands.
“I told them not to freak out,” she mutters.
“Yeah.” I nod, waving the phone at her. “I saw that. Real effective. Like pouring gasoline on a fire.”
Her head snaps up, cheeks hot. “They don’t listen.”
“No,” I say, handing the phone back. “But I do. And they’re wrong, Noelle.”
Her eyes soften, cautious. “About what?”
“That One Night Dash crap.” I shrug, casual but deliberate. “Not with you, anyway. I wanna lock this down. Give it the attention I should have then.”