Any strategic planning she did for the team’s play—she did twice as much for their mental and emotional health.
Circle of friends was something she’d come up with years ago.
Growing up, I’d been on a few teams with her, so I knew all about it.
Whenever a team member was sad, or something bad happened—like a breakup or horrible news, we’d all circle around that teammate, and say positive stuff to them.
Gigi said it was important to ‘fill our heads with good vibes to push the negative ones out.’
See?
Smart, right?
Gigi was awesome.
Gianna still stood directly in front of me, so she started.
“I don’t blame you, Hunter. Not one bit. If I’d caught Turner’s eye—and he asked me to traipse around Vegas with him?” Her voice rose higher. “Damn right I’d go. In a second. Anyone here who says differently is a dang liar. He’s funny and cool—I’ve had plenty of conversations with him since the beginning of the season.”
She leaned into me and spoke quietly, “If he hurts you, let me know. I have my ways of exacting revenge.”
She skated backward as she gave me a knowing glance.
One by one, each member of the team skated up to me and said really, really nice things.
My eyes were watery by the time it was Jillian’s turn.
I’d been on teams with her before.
We grew up near each other.
She was an influencer of sorts. Her blog was super popular.
Jillian tested beauty products and gave tutorials.
Stuff like that.
Oh, and she also had a killer line of swimwear—that she designed herself.
“If you give me a few training sessions on that wrist shot of yours, I’ll do a photo session for you and Trey. Hair, makeup—the works.”
I smiled and had to blink away my tears. “That sounds fantastic, Jillybean. Thank you.”
She nodded, and added, “Congratulations, you guys look really happy. And Trey’s a great guy in my books.”
I had to agree with her on that.
He’d been the perfect gentleman.
Hadn’t so much as attempted to touch me.
In what felt like forever.
I mean, yes, that was what we agreed to.
But, no, it wasn’t necessarily what I wanted.
I mean—I knew that was what I should want.