Rainbow Connection, AFTG ✔️

1.10

PORTER
CHAPTER TEN

On Wednesday morning Aaron showed up at practice. He didn't say a word to anyone, not even Wymack or Nicky, but he was there. He was at the dorm on time for the ride to afternoon practice as well, so Nicky made Neil drive again. It didn't help anything, since he and Aaron didn't speak to one another in the backseat, but Nicky seemed to expect that cold shoulder. Porter didn't like sitting between them.

Thursday was almost an exact repeat of Wednesday, except when they went to the dining hall for dinner Katelyn joined them. Maybe Aaron warned Nicky ahead of time because Nicky didn't so much as blink when she showed up with a tray. Kevin's reaction was a little more obvious, but he looked more calculating than disapproving. Katelyn seemed nervous at first, but she warmed up quickly and chatted almost nonstop through dinner. She was so enthusiastic about apparently everything in the world it was a little exhausting listening to her, but Aaron looked so alive in her presence that it was infectious. She reminded Porter a lot of Hayden -- red-headed, overly-enthusiastic, and talked non-stop.

Friday was the game. It should have been an easy win, but Andrew's absence and Neil's new racquet tilted the odds a little in JD's favor. The Foxes still won by a six-point margin, bumping their season record to eleven-two, and Katelyn was waiting for Aaron when he stepped off the court. Porter was overly excited that night, hugging Nicky, Dan, Matt, Renee, and Allison (who tensed up awkwardly before hugging back) once they were off the court.

Maybe Katelyn and Aaron's embrace was what inspired Dan, because as soon as the Foxes were in the foyer she said, "We should celebrate."

Nicky didn't even hesitate. "Only if there're drinks involved."

The silence that followed was telling: Dan had said it, but she hadn't honestly expected the cousins to take her up on it. Fortunately for everyone, Renee was quick to rally. "We've got a couple of bottles in our room. I think most of them are half-empty, but there should be enough to go around."

Aaron looked at Renee like she'd grown three heads. "We don't socialize with you."

"You do tonight," Matt said. "Tell Katelyn to come."

"She's probably going out with her friends tonight," Aaron said. "We're not—"

"The Vixens can come too," Dan said. When Allison shot her an incredulous look, Dan only shrugged. "What? I've been here for four years and I probably only know five of them by name. That's kind of sad, considering they've stuck by us this whole time. I don't know if we can fit the entire squad in our room, but..."

"The basement study rooms are big enough," Renee suggested when Dan trailed off. "I doubt anyone will be down there on a Friday night, so we can make as much noise as we like. You'll invite them, won't you, Aaron?"

"No," Aaron said like he couldn't believe they were still talking about it.

"Okay, seriously," Matt said. "What do you have against us? Andrew, I sort of understand. You, I can't figure out. What have we ever done to you?"

"Besides pay your bail," Nicky supplied helpfully. "Aaron, we're going."

Aaron opened his mouth, closed it again, and fixed Nicky with an annoyed look. "You're explaining this to Andrew when he gets back."

"Oh, hell no," Nicky said and jerked a thumb at Neil. "I'mma leave that one to him. Thanks for taking one for the team, Neil. You're a real friend." Nicky grinned over at Neil, but his amusement didn't last. He seemed confused by whatever he saw on Neil's face and backpedaled with, "Don't worry, we'll send Renee along with you for backup. Last I checked Andrew only wins half their fights, so you might actually survive. Uh. Neil?"