Page 111 of The Tryout

I know I can trust Jamie to have his back – and yes, Ethan too. But I also know Finn can struggle to fit into the loud and boisterous locker room in Des Moines. I’d hate for his first callup to have been ruined by that.

He blushes.

“They were really nice, actually. And you were right about the Switch, by the way. Matty and Sutter came over a couple of times to play. It was nice to not lose, like, every race in Mario Kart.”

I laugh at that. Our Switch doesn’t get used too much, but every now and again we fire it up and go head to head. Finn doesn’t usually beat me, but he’s definitely gotten a lot better.

“Oh yeah? Who’d you play as?”

He’s been working his way through the different characters and cars, getting a taste for how they handle. Sure enough, a huge smile breaks across his face.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe I forgot to tell you. I’ve picked a character.”

I raise an eyebrow, happy to see him so excited.

“Who’s it gonna be?”

“Pink Gold Peach.”

I snort, unable to help myself. I’m more of a Bowser guy, but something about the shiny metal weight fits Finn. Pretty on the outside but absolutely lethal underneath.

“You’ll have to show what you can do when we get home.”

He meets my eyes, smiling wide.

“I can’t wait.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

FINN

Back in Iowa, the time passes quickly. We settle back into our rhythm – driving together to the arena, eating meals together, and, of course, ending every night on the couch or in Avery’s bed.

We have a quick trip to Milwaukee, where Avery and I debate whether hooking up on the road is a good idea. We never did before my trip to Iowa, always just a little worried about who might be in the room next door. But now, after our time apart, we’re both tempted. In the end, we don’t – but we do share a bed, waking up with his arm across my stomach and my leg between his.

We win one and lose one on the road. The loss is hard, leaving me feeling disappointed that I couldn’t figure out a way around Milwaukee’s defense. Avery reminds me that they’ve been leading the division all year, but it still burns. Unlike the Huskies, who would probably spend the night in a hotel before flying home in the morning, we all pile on the bus for a six hour drive home. The upside of this is that we’ll get Sunday off entirely, and only a light afternoon practice on Monday.

As Avery and I slide into our usual seats, I find myself wondering whether I can get away with sleeping on his shoulder during the ride. As we settle in, Novak catches my attention from the opposite side of the bus.

“Hey, you two have a date with a very impatient six-year-old.”

Avery smirks in Novak’s direction.

“Only one impatient six-year-old? Maybe we should hold out until they’re both bothering you.”

I laugh, jumping into the conversation.

“Heck, if we hold out long enough, Rosie might learn to talk.”

The last time I saw her, Rosie was just a little lump who occasionally screeched or smelled. Now, she really might be close to talking.

From his seat, Novak rolls his eyes.

“Whatever. You’re all scared of the wrong girls, anyway. I already told Elena you’d be there tomorrow.”

Avery looks at me and it’s clear he doesn’t plan on disappointing Mrs. Novak any more than I do.

“I guess you’ve got us there.”