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“Because you’re annoying and good at your job,” she said simply.

That made me laugh despite myself.

Then my phone buzzed.

Mason.

Mason:

You busy?

I slowed slightly.

Rowan:

Always.

Mason:

Coach is losing his mind today.

That felt… familiar.

Too familiar.

Rowan:

That sounds like his natural state.

Three dots.

Stopped.

Started again.

Mason:

He mentioned NYC again.

My stomach tightened slightly.

Right.

Basketball showcase.

Pressure rising.

Same city as my internship.

Different worlds.

Samedeadline feeling.

MASON

I sat alone in the empty gym after practice.

Everyone else had left.