Page 178 of Only With You

Jayden: Man was on a mission!

Malik: Can we talk about that smooth AF buzzer beater? Taylor said light work, no reaction.

Saint: I’m telling you all it’s The Julianna Effect.

“We’re all right here,”I speak up.

My teammates lift their heads from their phones to look up at me and grin like idiots, resuming their typing.

We’re in the lounge of the hotel we’re staying at in Portland, resting and hanging out until we all have to go to bed. That won’t be for another few hours, but there’s not much else we can do. We had our first game of the tournament earlier today and won. Afterwards, we met with fans, signing autographs and taking photos. Then, we had a team dinner and did a few other things, and now we’re here.

Coach Warren wouldn’t allow us to do anything else. We have another game tomorrow, and that’ll determine if we make it to the championship or not.

Most of the guys are playing pool, darts, and whatever other games the hotel has provided. Except for my idiotic roommates. They’ve gathered around me, texting in the group chat as if I’m not sitting right across from them. Except TJ, who’s not here, but in Canada.

Me: I’m just that good. I’m not sure why you’re all surprised.

I had a good game today, probably the best game I’ve had in my entire basketball career. I got a double-double because of the rebounds, steals, blocks, assists, and points I accumulated today. I also shot three back-to-back three pointers.

I wasn’t focused on how well I could do today, just making sure we win because if we make it to the championship, we might play Baylor if they win, and that means we’ll be playing against Ashton.

TJ: I mean you’re decent but you weren’t shooting back-to-back threes when I was there.

Saint: I’m telling you all it’s The MOTHERFUCKING Julianna Effect!!!!

Jayden: You know I see it.

Malik: I see it too.

“For fuck’s sake. There’s no effect,” I say out loud, but they ignore me.

I leave the chat, but Saint adds me back to it.

Me: Malik shut up.

Saint: Don’t get mad at Malik because Juls wore his number. She looked good in it.

Me: I’ll ask Daisy to wear my number next time around. She’ll look good in it.

Saint: Ordering a jersey with my number for Juls as we speak. Sure she’ll look better with my number on anyway.

I lift my gaze but he doesn’t look up from his phone, but an arrogant as fuck smile takes overs his face.

Instead of chucking the pillow, next to me, at his face. A better idea comes to mind. I swipe out of our group chat and message the one person who will wipe the smile off his face.

Me: You want a free jersey?

Daisy: I don’t watch basketball.

I only have her number because she once needed help with an assignment.

Me: You don’t need to watch basketball to wear it.

Daisy: Can you sign it? And can I sell it?

Daisy: And before you ask. I’m a struggling college student in debt so I don’t want to hear it.

I almost chuckle.

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