"It's not a guarantee," Wymack said, holding up a hand to calm them. "The ERC has to listen, but they don't have to accept. I just wanted you to know there's still a chance for us. That means we have to bring it today like the news is already good, get me? So change out and get down to the court. I want one lap for every time you've ever said the NCAA's never had your back."

"Oh, Jesus," Nicky said. "We'll be running all day."

"Better get started, then," Wymack said. "Move out, maggots."

Despite that breezy command, Wymack stopped them after they'd run three miles' worth. They stretched out as a group, changed into their gear, and hit the court for drills. Wymack pushed hard until noon, then gave control to Dan and went to take the ERC's call. Knowing he was upstairs arguing for their right to finish the season was more than a little distracting, but Dan kept them moving so they couldn't dwell on it.

Wymack was gone for almost an hour. He banged on the court door when he made it back, signaling a stop to practice. Instead of waiting for them to leave the court, he joined them on it. The Foxes stood frozen, afraid to move, almost afraid to breathe. Wymack's poker face did nothing to help them.

Wymack stopped by Dan and beckoned his team over. Neil joined the huddle around him, stomach in his shoes. He'd meant what he told Kevin yesterday. He didn't want the season to end prematurely, and he definitely didn't want to miss out on championships, but committing Andrew was the right thing to do.

"Be here at six o'clock tomorrow morning," Wymack said. "We've got a game to win Friday."

Dan screamed and jumped him, and the other Foxes were quick to pile on. Neil could barely make out Wymack's indignant sputtering. Neil looked over at Kevin, who was hanging back like he didn't quite believe it. It didn't take Kevin long to notice the attention, and he glanced Neil's way. He looked like he was about to say something, but Nicky pounced on Neil and broke their staredown. Neil gave up on Kevin—for now—and let his teammates sweep him up into their celebration.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

On Wednesday morning Aaron showed up at practice. He didn't say a word to anyone, not even Wymack or Nicky, but he was there. He was at the dorm on time for the ride to afternoon practice as well, so Nicky made Neil drive again. It didn't help anything, since he and Aaron didn't speak to one another in the backseat, but Nicky seemed to expect that cold shoulder. That afternoon was when the upperclassmen finally noticed who was driving Andrew's car, and Matt was quick to ask about it.

"Nicky needs more time with Aaron," Neil said.