“Strategy number one,” Miranda says, clapping her hands together like a coach about to send her team into battle, “is don’t let them shoot. No matter what. We don’t really call fouls, so if you have to hit the ball out of their hands, hold their arm, or completely body-check them—it’s fine. Just don’t let them shoot.”
A few of the girls nod seriously, like this is the most important tactical briefing they’ve ever received.
“And strategy number two,” Miranda continues, holding up two fingers, “is get the ball to me.”
She grins, wide and unapologetic. “That’s it. That’s the whole strategy.”
I blink at her. “That’s the entire plan?”
“Yes,” Anna says solemnly, like we’re discussing matters of national security.
Miranda points at me, her expression turning serious. “Do you understand the assignment?”
I look around at all of them—Penny trying not to laugh, Iris nodding encouragingly, and Delaney stretching her hamstrings like she’s preparing for war.
“I think so,” I say slowly. “Violence is encouraged, and I pass you the ball.”
“Exactly,” Miranda declares, clearly pleased. She claps me on the shoulder. “You’re gonna do great.”
“Also,” Penny adds, leaning in conspiratorially, “if you’re ever confused about what to do, just stand in front of Logan. He’ll get flustered and mess up.”
“That’s not strategy,” I protest, even as my face heats.
“It’ll be effective,” Iris singsongs with a grin.
“Trust us,” Anna says. “We’ve been doing this for months. We know their weaknesses.”
Across the gym, Logan catches my eye again. He must see the panic on my face because he laughs and calls out, “You got this, Tessa!”
“Do I?” I call back.
“Absolutely not!” Jaden shouts cheerfully. “We’re gonna destroy you guys today!”
“In your dreams!” Ari yells back, her competitive side fully activated.
“All right, ladies,” Penny says, clapping her hands. “Let’s show them how it’s done. Again.”
The women huddle together, hands stacked in the middle like a real team.
“On three,” Miranda says. “One, two, three?—”
“Girls!” they all shout in unison, throwing their hands up.
I can’t help but laugh.
I look across the court to where Logan stands with the guys, already arguing about something basketball-related. He catches my eye and grins, giving me a thumbs-up.
Despite my nerves, I find myself smiling back.
Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
The game starts with Gunnar throwing the ball up for tip-off, and Jaden immediately swats it toward the guys’ side. But Miranda is faster—she darts in, steals it midair, and takes off down the court.
“Miranda’s got it!” Penny yells, and we all scramble to follow.
I’m already breathing hard, and we’ve only been playing for ten seconds.
Miranda doesn’t hesitate. She pulls up just past the three-point line and shoots. The ball arcs through the air in a perfect spiral and drops through the net with a clean swish.
