The Silicon Valley Connection

40 | aidan: print ('land v.s. air')

2:53p.m.

Even though this is our third year at Nationals, the energy is still the same. Banners of the two competing teams hang on opposite sides of the convention center. Spectators--both students and the public alike occupy just about every seat in the first and second levels of the space. Scouts in VIP seats whisper to one another about possible Olympians.

"It's game day, bitches." Baylor slides another arm through his jersey and stretches, folding his arms behind his head. "We're playing against a fan favorite, the Pacific Coastal College Foxes, so you all better be on your A-game today."

I snorted. "Says the one who kept getting stuffed during practice."

"Do I need to remind you of that serve you nearly missed during the finals match? You're supposed to be a 'double trouble' server, man."

I groan. "Are you ever gonna let that go?"

He narrows his eyes. "When we win."

"By the way," Coach cuts in, appearing in the doorway to our locker room and ignoring us, "apparently the Foxes have a new setter. Their regular player sprained his knee in their last game."

Jaeson grimaces. "My worst fear. You know the name, Coach?"

"Unfortunately, I don't."

Baylor pulls his hair up, a hair tie in his teeth. "So basically, we're going in blind for this game. Great."

The sports analyzer's voice booms through our locker room speakers. "And now it's time to welcome this year's contenders. Hailing from right here in San Francisco, led by the captain, Baylor Hawthorne, and vice-captain, Aidan Brentwood, it's the Seaside University Owls, appearing in their third Nationals!"

Too late to overthink and worry about that now.

4:37 p.m. My seventh block of the game from one of the opposing team's attempted spikes scores the winning point and secures our Nationals win.

Owls: 15, Foxes: 10.

My teammates' overlapping cheers around me diminish as my eyes dart around the venue, trying to find her.

"Looking for me, Mr. MVP?" A tap on my shoulder makes me turn around, and I pick her up, laying a heated kiss on her lips. It's been two weeks since she came back from the West Bay Track Invitational finals, but now that our sports seasons are over, this small reunion makes it so much better.

"As always, Ms. Track Champion." Setting her down, Faith gives me a sly grin, and her partial dimple appears. "If this is the greeting I get every time I go away, then I'll have to start increasing the time apart," she jokes.

"You better not," I warn.

"No promises."

Weight bears on my chest. I know, I know... I'm aware of your goal that's listed as your phone's lock screen.