9. Telegraph Ave

Foot on the gas, I'm just trying to pass

All the red lights and the stop signs

I'm ready to go

Jenna

"So i don't really see a problem here Jenna.." Caitlin's voice fills my ears, my phone is propped up on the treadmill as I stress walk.

"The problem Cait is that it's messy, I avoided this kinda stuff at Iowa it's not going to change just because i changed schools."

"what's wrong? don't wanna live the new school new you motto?"

"You know sometimes i question why your my best friend" I shake my head chuckling softly.

"I'm being kinda serious Jenn, your 21 years old, you have yet to live a little, your focused on basketball and your knee and the media.. which is fine but you can't let it consume you and make you cold hearted."

"You know you're not suppose to be supporting this.."

"Well i'm sure as hell not saying go out and open your legs for everyone you meet... I'm saying there's more out there for you, more then Paige.."

I throw my head back in frustration, "what's that suppose to mean.."

"I mean, get that friendship back that you two had— stop looking at the past when then present is right in front of you. Fuck it what do you have to lose?"

"I miss you so much.." I give her a tight lipped smile.

"and i miss you more, but i have to get to practice— i'll text you later?" Caitlin's words sounded calm while her eyes screamed worried.

"Please, i love you."

"Love you too Bug"

Taking my headphones off i wipe the sweat from my forehead.

5miles??

When did that even happen? i was on the phone for that long?

"I'm starting to think you're following me now.." A voice chuckles from behind me making me turn on the treadmill, almost falling, "woah there..." Blake laughs his hands finding my waist to stabilize me.

"Technically i've been all the places you have been first— so who's following who." I smile pushing his shoulder away from me before taking a swig of my water.

"See you got me there Midow," He smiles down at me, "Five miles huh? pretty impressive."

"I run or walk when i have a lot of stuff on my mind" I nod putting my hands on my waist subconsciously, "it's a habit.."

"So your crazy—"

"no! Blake" I laugh shaking my head, "it's like a form of therapy... Maybe if you weren't lazy and probably born with a six pack, you'd understand."

"a six pack huh?" He shakes his head laughing, "i'm gonna go take some shots up in the gym if you want to join.. maybe a little one on one?"

I check my watch shaking my head, "Umm i don't know—"

"Why you scared?"

I look up at him through my lashes and smirk, "i think the one who should be scared is you St. James."

"Game on Midow."

—

"That's totally NOT fair that was a travel!" Blake laughed pointing at his teammates who rallied up to watch us play.

"Nah bro she crossed yo ass and WON!" Tristen Newton, a graduate guard yelled cheering me on.

"You boys better not hurt my girl" Genos voice echoed throughout the gym making the player jump.

"Nah G— but can we switch, yall get Blake and we'll

get Jenna, you know how lethal we would be!" Tristen laughs patting Geno's back.

"Good try but we just got her" Geno laughs, "and we'd like to keep her.. in once peice too.."

"And that's my que" I smile high fiving Tristen and waving to Coach before picking my stuff up, "See yall around!"

"Hey JJ wait up!" Blake tells running after me, "Shit girl for short legs you walk fast as hell" He laughs out of breath.

"What's up?" I turn on my heels looking back and forth between the bus stop and Blake.

"Let me take you out—"

"Your asking me out after i just beat you?"

His smirk becomes apparent as he laughs thinking i was kidding him before his smile drops, "Your not joking..."

"Beat me in a one on one and maybe I'll change my mine" I smirk before running towards the bus stop as the bus arrives.

"Will i atleast see you tonight?"

"We'll see!" I yell not turning back to look at him and hoping on the bus.

Maybe Caitlin was right..

—

Paige

"Alright we got everything?" I nod towards Azzi as i hear a loud beep outside, "ight that's our Uber— let's get rolling" I smirk picking up the case of beers watching everyone walk out before me.

"I feel really wrong leaving without Jenna, P..." Nika sighs looking around our empty apartment.

I look over my shoulder to her empty room as she hasn't been home since we've seen her at the cafe, I swear i need to put a tracker on that girl.

I shrug debating if I stay or go as the uber beeps again, "woah man chill—" I shake my head rolling my eyes before looking at my teammates. "I'll shoot her a text and leave her money for an uber, then she'll meet us when she gets there?" I offer.

"Fine.." Nika shakes her head before getting in the car, i look at Azzi for some support.

"She's only been here for two days P.."

"and she's a grown adult - i can't baby her.. i'm not Caitlin and this ain't Iowa.. She'll come if she wants and if she don't she don't.." I put my hands up in the air in defense, "I'm no baby sitter.." I mumble before getting on the car.

@notsoJenNm posted a photo!

You got to be kidding me. Out of all people,

Why. Him.

I clench my jaw tightly as I close my phone.

Two can play this game.

—

@notsojenNm

tagged: @miastjames

tagged: @azzi35

tagged: @BlakeStJames

tagged: @caitlinclark22

@notsojenNm: Some flicks from the last couple days + the first day of school and new friends! ft. a pre beating the ass of a Husky men's bball player. Too ICY🥶🥶🥶 & ft cait and I sharing the same brain cell at 3am :)

comments

@caitlinclark22: we were on some crack shit i swear to you

@BlakeStJames: I demand a rematch — you cheated.

@notsojenNm: don't hate the playa hate the game dawg

@azzi35: this is WAR JENNA!!! VILE

@azzi35: bro is THAT were you were 😏😏😏😏 txt me NOW!

@notsojenNm: 🤳caught in 4K & PSH no....😄

@miastjames: i think we've never looked better then the first pic personally...

@notsojenNm: personality pic at its BEST

—

Jenna

"And then i crossed him and hit the three— it was *chefs KISSS*" I chuckle into the phone as Gabby and Caitlin sit on the other side of the line as I reach to open the door, "But fuck i got on two of the wrong busses so —" but the door was locked, "That's weird.."

"What's wrong?" Caitlin's voice peaked through the phone in worry.

"Paige never locks the door when she's home.." I sigh taking my key out and unlocking it opening it to a quiet, dark apartment, "Fuck i'm such an idiot.."

"What's going on?" Gabby questions.

"There was this begging of the year party tonight.. I- i totally forgot they must have just left.." I shake my head in distress.

"They left without you?" Gabby says in disgust, "such teammates.."

"Gabs"

"What kind of teammates leave their transfer home alone two days after she just got there!"

"Woah who says i'm staying home?" I laugh opening my door to my room only to head straight for the closet.

"You're going to the party."

I smirk putting the phone call on speaker before opening instagram and DMing Blake.

"Oh i'm not just going to the party... I am the party Clark."