Page 34 of Wicked Serve

September 24th

Sunshine

I saw a bit of your practice today

Omg

Nik!

I was nearly late but I made it, thank god

Stop distracting me in the mornings

You looked good, though

All sweaty

You have such a fetish

No comment

Suuuuuure

Coach would have killed me if you interrupted

I know, don’t worry. No interruptions

I haven’t watched much volleyball

But I could tell you were locked in

Why do I have the feeling this is going to go in a dirty direction

No puns, just an hour to kill before conditioning

Open invitation

Sounds like you’re about to have plenty of physical activity

Nowhere near as fun, though

Second floor classroom, like last time

... I’ll text you when I’m at the building

“Good,” I say, stopping the puck with my stick. “That’s a much better pass.”

Micah, standing on the blue line, smiles at me. “I think switching up the grip helped.”

“Try it again.”

While he sets up, I glance at the bench. Cooper’s in the middle of a conversation with one of the assistant coaches, but he gives me a cordial nod. We ran into each other a couple days ago and started chatting about the freshmen on the team, and I agreed to give Micah, the promising but gangly kid who wishes the Penguins stuck with my dad, some extra help during practices. Part of me bristled at Cooper’s obvious attempt at trying to contain my leadership tendencies while throwing me a bone, but all the same, I don’t mind helping out. Especially with Micah, who is more wide-eyed enthusiastic about playing at the college level than anyone I’ve ever met. I might not be able to do much for that poor freshman Grady, but at least I can help Micah improve.

Ten more minutes, though. Ten minutes, and then I get to catch up with Isabelle. I already saw her this morning, during yet another pool workout that led to a shared, steamy shower, but I’m itching for even more stress relief. If the match wrapping up now went well, we can celebrate, and if not, I’ll console her. Preferably while horizontal, for either.

“Nice.” I stop the next pass. “Feel the power in the rotation?”

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Once, twice, a third time. I’d bet my favorite skates that it’s Isabelle; she always has a lot to say.

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