She comes out of her closet as she pulls a baggy t-shirt over her head. Emily is already asleep in her bed on the opposite side of the room still fully dressed.

Bri lies down on the bed next to me, and I make no move to leave. She lets her head fall to the side and looks me in the eye. “Thank you. I guess that’s all I wanted to hear. After graduation, I want to play professionally.”

“You do?” I ask, surprised I didn’t already know.

She nods. “It’s been my dream forever.”

I look up at her ceiling and think about my own dreams. Getting through the year and proving myself has become all I can see of the future.

“I’m sorry I ruined your dress.”

“My dress?” I glance down until I realize she means the pink one. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. That thing probably cost more than my entire closet. I’ve been sick about it ever since. I’ll pay you back someday.”

“Not necessary, just promise you’ll tone down the queen bee bitch routine?”

She snorts. “Yeah, okay.”

We fall silent again, and she nudges me with her elbow. “I’m sorry I’ve been a royal bitch to you but, Chloe?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m still gonna kick your ass in the sand.”

The next morning, I wake up in Bri’s bed. My phone is dead, but even without knowing the time I have a feeling I’ve overslept. When I sit up, nausea hits me. I’m hungover and hungry and my stomach is confused because it wants to eat but also acknowledges I may very well puke if I do.

Sydney is gone from our room, so I gingerly sit on my bed in the dark and plug in my phone and wait for it to get enough of a charge to turn on.

When the screen finally illuminates a series of texts pops up.

Nathan: Lying in bed. What are you doing? You know it’s 2:13, right?

Nathan: Everything okay?

And thirty minutes later.

Nathan: Be careful, princess.

I send him a text before I force myself to get up and get my shower stuff together. I need to wash off last night and nap before practice.

Me: I don’t think I’m going to make it to class today. Can you take notes for me? Pretty please with a blow job on top?

Nathan: Morning. Rough night? Sure. No need to bribe me with sex, princess.

Nathan: Ignore that. You can absolutely bribe me with sex.

Me: Hang tonight?

Nathan: Can’t. I promised Datson I’d help him with some footwork drills. Tomorrow?

Me: I don’t think I’ll be done ‘til late on Thursday. We have a tournament this weekend.

Nathan: Tournament where? Valley?

Me: Yes, it’s here.

Nathan: Sweet. Can you get me front row tickets?

I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling.