It feels good to have another ally, especially since I doubt our scrimmage tomorrow will earn me many new friends. None who aren’t on my assigned team, at least.

But I’m not appreciating Alexis’s presence as Coach Weber starts the first video or listening to her point out strategy on the field.

I’m thinking about my conversation with Adler Beck.

Chapter Seven

“Kluvberg is going to be at the field today,” Ellie informs me as she sits opposite me at the kitchen table the next morning.

“What?” I look up from my phone, where I’m texting Cressida.

She nods. “Uncle Franz said they have some sort of charity exhibition match coming up. They’re changing up their practice schedule this week. Superstitious about playing on the field before the game or something.”

“Huh.”

Ellie rolls her eyes. “Of course you’d be this nonchalant about it. Adler fucking Beck is going to be on the same field as you, Saylor.”

I don’t tell her it won’t be the first time. Or the second. “He’s not the only player on Kluvberg, Ellie.”

“Uh, he sort of is. I got to meet him at an event with my uncle last year, and he lives up to the hype.”

I shovel another bite of yogurt and granola in my mouth to avoid having to respond.

“Ladies, let’s go!” One of the Scholenberg organizers appears in the doorway, and we all start hustling out of the house to the van idling at the curb. I drop my bowl off at the sink on the way.

An unexpected knot of trepidation tightens in my stomach as the van rolls to a stop in front of the massive stadium. I twist the hem of the sweat-wicking tank I’m wearing, trying to settle the nerves.

Ellie catches the slight movement from her seat beside me. “Your knee will be fine.” She pats my thigh comfortingly.

I smile in acknowledgment of her assurance, although I’m acutely aware my knee is not the reason I’m anxious about being here. I should be excited. I got a clean bill of health two days ago. This is my first time practicing with the team in the stadium—my chance to show off what I can do.

All I’m focused on is what Beck might do if I see him.

“Saylor?” Ellie says. I look up to see all the rows before us have cleared. I’m blocking her in and holding the rest of the bus up.

“Sorry,” I mutter, standing and shuffling out of the cramped seat to head down the aisle. I need to pull it together. Immediately. I’ve never let a guy distract me on the field. I have no intention of starting now.