Page 55 of Plaything

Aiden looked up at the sky, a deep, sarcastic chuckle rumbling from his chest. “See you at the game, Odette,” he said teasingly as I got into my car.

The university gymnasium was loud and crazy, words that I had never used to describe this school. The bleachers were packed with what seemed like hundreds of students and teachers. It was more of a turnout than I was expecting. I guess Tristan wasn’t the only one who desperately wanted to see the professor’s team lose. The energy here was impressive, and I hadn’t been so excited for a game in years.

Loud music blared from the speakers as the guests piled in. The teacher’s team was practicing in a different gym, I guess to make the start of the game more intense when they walked into the gym. Each team only had six players, exactly what was needed on the court.

I spiked the ball over the net, and it made a loud smack against the floor that echoed through the gym.

“Nice!” Tristan complimented as he set the teammate behind me.

Soon after, the lights dimmed, and a song with heavy bass started playing. “It’s time!” The middle hitter smirked at us. We stood on the serving line, waiting for the opposing team to walk in.

The crowd was going insane, as college students do on a Friday afternoon. I was sure most of them had pre-gamed for this. A spotlight shined on the door at the opposite end of the gym as the teacher’s team entered.

Niko came in first, with a slight jog and a massive smile. As usual, being in front of crowds came so naturally to him, and he was entirely in his element.

Aiden came in next, raising his hand and waving at the crowd. His eyes locked on me, and they lingered for half a second before he stood next to Niko on their serving line.

The two drama professors walked in after him, both of the women looking excited as they gave the crowd high-fives before standing on the line.

“Hit towards them. They just signed up to be in the spotlight. I doubt they’re good,” Tristan told the team.

Wyatt walked in next, a big smile across his face as he waved to the crowd and then waved to our team. He looks so unlike himself in shorts and a tank top. He looked more comfortable lounging around the house in his sweatpants or suits. He winked at Tristan, and I smiled, remembering that he overheard Tristan’s voicemail to me. Tristan definitely had a personal agenda against Wyatt for flunking him.

Finally, Dominic walked into the gym, only glancing up at the bleachers and giving a slight nod before he stood next to his team. As expected.

The student body President walked into the middle of the gym, standing on our side of the net. He raised the microphone to his lips and began speaking with an almost annoying amount of enthusiasm. “What an entrance!” He chuckled. “Ladies and gentlemen, you should feel the energy on this court right now,” he said, and everyone laughed. “We’ve got quite the teams today; it’ll be one hell of a game.” He turned towards the crowd, “Before we get started, I’d like to sincerely thank everyone for showing up and supporting local charities—I know you’re just here hoping the professors get crushed, but it supports an amazing cause!” He joked.

The crowd went crazy, and my team and I clapped, cheering along with them.

The lights slowly went back to normal. The President walked over to our team, “You’re gonna kick their asses, right?” he asked us off the microphone.

Tristan chuckled, “No doubt,” he gave him one of those man-half hugs.

He nodded before he raised the microphone to his lips again, “On the students team, we have some of the best players our school has ever had the privilege of seeing,” he started. “We’ve got my main man, Tristan-the killer-Anderson, setter!” He introduced as loud music started playing again. Tristan stepped forward and held his hand to his ear, making the crowd cheer louder.

What a doorknob.

The President stepped up in front of me. I got slightly nervous, not liking this many people staring at me. But I quickly shook it off, remembering that I was here for one reason only: a cute fat cat in pastels, hot water, vulnerable Dominic, and bragging rights.

“The stunning Odette-legs for days-Whitlock, outside hitter!” He introduced. I stepped forward and smiled, giving the crowd a small wave. I glanced across the way at my clapping professors, who showed good sportsmanship.

Where the hell did he come up with these names...

He introduced our whole team, giving each of us silly names that made the crowd laugh.

He moved over to the other side and began introducing the professors. “And on the professors team, we have all-star—terrifying—” he whispered into the microphone while turning away from Dominic, who looked unamused. “Professor Dominic—definitely on steroids—Owens, hitter!”

I chuckled, eyeing his bulging biceps. There was nothing fake about them. I would know; I’d given them a little squeeze or two.

“Everyone’s favorite English professor, Wyatt—bleaches his hair—Wright, setter!” Wyatt laughed, waving to the crowd. He was a much better sport than Dominic. I should have guessed the teachers would get some jabs thrown their way in the name of charity. I was surprised they were really giving the audience what they wanted.

“Aiden—flunked half the students here—Anderson, back!”

Aiden cracked the slightest grin before nodding at the crowd.

“The sickest nerd we know, Niko—probably brings math homework on a first date—Moreno, outside hitter!”

Niko laughed, grabbing the microphone, “It’s a chemistry set, actually,” he added to the joke, earning laughs from the crowd.

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