Page 145 of Wicked Serve

“Turn up the volume.”

“Ugh, fine.” I adjust my ponytail as I jog onto the court after her. “What are you doing?”

“I vote contact drill,” Victoria says, jumping in place on the other side of the net.

“You always want to do that.”

“Because it’s fun.” She turns to the high schoolers milling around; we’ve been getting a bigger crowd every session. “Want to play against us? See who can keep the rally going the longest?”

Joana waves, giving me a braces-filled smile. I wave back, trying to return her expression. I glance at the bench, where my phone rests on top of my bag. I don’t care if I’m trying to give Nik space. I don’t care if he’s mad that I called his mom. If he doesn’t get in touch by the end of the day, I’m marching to his room and banging on the door until he opens it.

Ellie turns on a playlist while Victoria sets up the game. Me, her, and Shona on one side, Joana and two of her friends on the other. I serve—a perfect floater that gives Joana plenty of time to react—and the rally gets underway. First, we get to ten touches. Then fifteen. At twenty, we’re all in stitches at the way Ellie and the rest of the club members are cheering us on. The girls rotate, and we start afresh. It takes most of my concentration, and finally I sink into the game.

Then my phone starts ringing.

The volleyball nearly hits me in the head again as I dash across the court.

I almost sink to my knees with relief when I see Nik’s name. Victoria catches my eye, giving me a reassuring nod, as I slip out of the gym. She told me about what we missed at Lark’s on Saturday night—including all of them nearly getting kicked out when Jean started dancing on a table—and I couldn’t help spilling the story to her. Nik should have been there, celebrating with his teammates, after all.

“Isabelle?”

I shut my eyes as I lean against a trophy case. It’s only been a day, but I missed the sound of his voice.

“Hey. How are you doing?”

“Better.” He sounds exhausted. “We need to talk.”

My heart speeds up. “Can I come over? Or I can meet you at the house.”

“I’m actually... on my way to the airport.”

I don’t say anything for a minute. I don’t even think anything would come out of my mouth if I tried. I let out a shaky breath, finally, tears pricking my eyes as I speak. “That better be because you’re getting on a plane to San Jose.”

“You were right, sunshine. About all of it.”

“I’m sorry I called Katherine, but I was so worried, and—”

“I don’t blame you.” He clears his throat. “Things can’t go on like this forever.”

“Yes,” I say with relief. I didn’t regret calling Katherine to tell her how he’s been struggling, but it was a risk. Thank God it led somewhere good. Just like when he talked to my brothers. I press my hand to my tattoo, hidden underneath my tank top. “We can work on it. I can’t come to San Jose today, but maybe this weekend? Do you know where you’re staying yet? What’s the game schedule?”

“I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“What do you mean?”

“I need to sort out my shit.”

“I know. We can figure out next steps this weekend. What did Katherine say?”

He’s quiet for a moment. “No, sweetheart. I mean that I need to. I don’t trust myself right now. I can’t be with you if I’m constantly worried I’m going to do something I’d regret.”

“Nik. No.” I blink, freeing a few tears. I wish he were here, if only so I could shake some sense into him. I’ll bet that’s why he called me from the car instead of saying goodbye in person.

Goodbye.

“If you try to break up with me because you’re scared, I’ll end you.”

For some reason, that makes him laugh. “There’s my girl.”

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