The next morning, Lena felt the weight of everything settling on her shoulders. The plan was in motion, and with the game later today, there were still so many unanswered questions. Would it work? Would Ryan finally get what he deserved? Would Jaxon and Ethan be able to focus on the game with everything hanging over them?
She didn't have long to dwell on it before her phone buzzed. Madison.
Madison: Talked to Miles. We're set.
Lena: Thank you. You really think this will work?
Madison: It has to. See you at practice.
---
Jaxon and Ethan were already in the gym when Lena and Madison arrived. The second they walked in, Jaxon shot them a look. "You two are getting way too comfortable around each other. It's freaking me out."
Madison smirked. "Relax, Walker. I don't like her that much. But Miles? He's a good guy. He'll come through."
Ethan, who had been stretching, gave them both a glance before standing up. "So, what's the latest?"
Madison crossed her arms. "We're in. My guyâMilesâis ready to go. He's already talked to his team, and let's just say they're more than happy to put Ryan through hell."
Jaxon's lips curled into a smirk. "Music to my ears."
Lena, however, still felt the tension in the air. "Are we sure about this? I mean, what if it backfires? What if Ryan twists things around again?"
Ethan sighed. "Then we'll deal with it. But we have to do something. And honestly? I'd rather go down fighting than just let him keep getting away with it."
Jaxon clapped his hands together. "Alright, then. Time to put on a show."
---
Practice started, and immediately, the tension was thicker than ever. Some of the team eyed Jaxon and Ethan like they were traitors, while others seemed relieved that they were back. Ryan, of course, was still acting like he ran the place, shooting smug glances their way.
Coach blew his whistle. "Alright, pair up. One-on-one drills."
Jaxon was barely done tying his shoes before Ryan stepped up beside him, bouncing a basketball. "Come on, Walker. Let's see if you're still worth all this drama."
Jaxon smirked. "Oh, trust me. You're gonna find out soon enough. But don't worry, I'll try to go easy on you. Wouldn't want to hurt your fragile ego before the big game."
Ryan rolled his eyes. "You talk a big game, Walker. Let's see if you can back it up."
Jaxon dribbled the ball lazily. "Back it up? Buddy, I don't need to. My track record speaks for itself. You, on the other hand... well, let's just say, I hope you've got an excuse ready for when the scouts wonder why you play like you're still in middle school."
Ryan's jaw tightened. "We'll see about that."
Jaxon feigned a thoughtful expression. "Oh, waitâI forgot. You were a benchwarmer back then, too. My bad."
They squared off, the energy in the gym shifting instantly as the rest of the team took notice. Ethan paired off with another teammate, but Lena could tell he was keeping an eye on Jaxon and Ryan.
Ryan moved first, attempting to drive past Jaxon, but Jaxon read him easily, blocking his path. Ryan gritted his teeth, trying again, only to be forced into a bad shot.
"You losing your edge, Porter?" Jaxon taunted as he grabbed the rebound. "Because that was embarrassing."
Ryan scowled. "I'm just warming up. Unlike you, I don't peak at practice, I peak at the game."
Jaxon grinned. "You're right, you peak in the first quarter and spend the rest of the game trying to recover. Classic Ryan move."
From the sidelines, Lena couldn't help but feel that the real game had already begun.