20. Amelia

Amelia (Paper Rings by Taylor Swift)

Ever since I informed my boyfriend that I’d changed my mind about leaving Gladdis, he’s been drilling me with training sessions back to back.

And when I say drilling, I mean drilling.

I barely finish one session before he’s already planning the next one.

Apparently, having a boyfriend who happens to be the captain of the men’s volleyball team comes with its own special kind of suffering.

But hey, I’m not complaining.

Okay... maybe a little.

By the way, everyone on campus has now officially confirmed we're together because apparently, Everett and I have forgotten what privacy is. We're always in each other's faces. Literally.

And yes, the girls still give me death stares. Some have suddenly decided they want to be my best friends, while a suspicious number of guys have also discovered my existence. I don't care.

Well... Mostly.

I’ve officially joined the women’s volleyball team, too.

Trust me, it hasn’t been easy. Those girls are insanely energetic, and sometimes I genuinely wonder where they get all that energy from. But they’ve been amazing, and having Everett around has made everything so much easier.

He’s been a huge support.

Always pushing me—correcting me. Always reminding me that I’m capable of more whenever I start doubting myself. And, of course, being annoyingly proud whenever I actually get something right.

I’m a libero, by the way.

Hehehe.

Which means I spend most of my time diving across the court, throwing my body at volleyballs, and praying my knees survive the season.

Fun. Absolutely freaking fun.

It’s game day tomorrow. My chest heaves. The mixed friendlies is tomorrow and the list of those who’ll be playing for Gladdis is out. We’ve all been training together this week—the men and women’s team, but not everyone is going to be playing tomorrow. Only three men and three women. That’s why I’m rushing to the court right now, that’s where our coaches are going to be dropping the list.

There’s no doubt Everett’s name will be at the very top of that list. Obviously.

Captain Griffin. Proud of my baby. Mhm.

I’m nervous. No—I'm terrified.

I'll be crushed if I don't make it. But if I do? I'll probably be terrified then too. Because what do you mean I might actually get to play alongside Everett Griffin? The ridiculously good captain.

I straighten immediately I arrive and shuffle over.

Coach Reynolds of the men’s team stands at the front of the court with a clipboard in hand, flanked by Coach Miller of the women’s team and the assistant coaches. Most of the men's and women's players have gathered around them, everyone waiting for the roster.

“We’ll keep this brief,” Coach Reynolds says. “Tomorrow’s mixed friendly will have six players on court at a time—three from the men’s team and three from the women’s team.”

My palms suddenly feel clammy and my breathing hitches.

He looks down at the paper.

“Men’s team first.”

“Everett Griffin. Outside hitter and captain.”

Obviously.

My lips twitch into a smile.

“Adrian Bennett. Middle blocker.”

The senior throws a fist into the air. “Let's go!”

A few people laugh.

“Spencer Miller. Opposite hitter.”

Spencer grins and bumps fists with Cole.

My stomach twists.

Three down.

Coach Reynolds moves to the women's roster.

“Susanna Lewis. Setter.”

The team erupts in a few cheers. Of course—that’s our captain. Very feisty woman.

Susanna smiles modestly and steps forward.

“Bridget Bennett. Setter.”

Bridget gasps beside me. “Yes!”

I swallow.

One spot left.

Just one.

Coach Reynolds glances down at the paper again.

My heart is beating so hard I can practically hear it.

“And finally...” He pauses.

“Amelia Hart. Libero.”

I stop breathing.

For a second, I just stare at him.

Wait. Me?

Then Everett's voice cuts through the noise.“That's my girl.”

I turn toward him.

He's grinning.

And somehow, that makes my stupid heart beat even faster.

“Ouuuuu!” The guys join in, encircling me.

“Go Lia!!!”

I rush into Everett’s arms, hugging him tightly. He gives me a quick kiss and mouths, Well done, Hart.

“Thank you,” I mouth back.

After the noise finally dies down, Coach Reynolds announces the remaining players who’ll be on the bench tomorrow.

I listen, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my name is actually on that list.

I made it.

I’m actually playing tomorrow.

With Everett.

Fabulous.

We don’t train afterwards, as usual, instead, our coaches send us away to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s game.

As Everett and I cuddle up in my bed later at night, I think he can feel how nervous I am.

“Relax, baby.”

I let out a small sigh. “I’m trying. It’s my first official game tomorrow. Even if it’s only a friendly.”

His fingers brush gently through my hair.

“I’ll be on the court with you.”

I look up at him.

“And no matter what happens tomorrow, I’ve got your back.”

My mouth twitches into a smile. “I know.”

I lean up and kiss him softly.

He kisses me back, slow and warm, before pulling away just enough to look at me.

“Feeling better?”

“A little.” I flash my teeth at him.

“Only a little?”

I giggle. “I need energy for tomorrow, though.”

His eyebrow lifts. “Oh?”

“Mhm.”

He goes quiet for a second.

Then I feel him shift, something really hard poking me from behind.

I lift my head. “What… is that”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “How exactly are you planning to get this energy?”

I stare at him. Then I burst out laughing.

“Everett!”

He laughs too, pulling me closer. “What? You said you needed energy.”

“Not that kind!” Does this man want to kill me?

“I didn't say anything.”

“Your dick did.”

He grins. “Come here, Heart.”

He flips me over and pulls me closer into him, and I bury my face against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Somehow, the nerves don't feel quite as scary anymore.

Tomorrow, I'll step onto that court for the first time.

And Everett will be right there beside me—in front of me.