One Last Shot

[45] Hometown Gyms

              Iris

"Hey Jess!" I answer my phone, Lilly, Thomas, Liam, Jasper, Lix, and Marcus on the couch with me. It's been about a week since Liam and I started dating, and we've been so busy dates have been few and far between. I've recovered from the car accident, however, and can move freely.

"Tell her I say hi!" Lilly exclaims. I raise my index finger as I listen to the other line.

"I know it's been a while, and I know you don't play anymore, but the town's hosting a charity tournament, and we're putting together a Class of 2019 team to play. So far we have Billy, me, Jeremy, and Lola. We thought it would be great to have you and Billy since you were both team captains and Jeremy and I were assistant captains."

"For charity? Considering it's not the big leagues, I'd love to participate."

"Awesome! Okay, I know it's short notice but it starts Saturday morning."

"It's Thursday," I deadpan.

"I'm sorry we pulled this team together last minute! You're the only out-of-state team member."

"I'll be there."

"Ah, thank you, we are so excited! Talk later!" Jess hangs up and I immediately start looking for flights.

"What was that about?" Lilly asks.

"The town is doing a charity basketball tournament, and Jess asked me if I wanted to join the Class of 2019 team."

"Are you?" Liam asks.

"Yeah, it starts Saturday so I'm trying to find a flight out tomorrow."

"You're finding all of us a flight out tomorrow," Marcus smiles.

"No, you guys are not coming with me."

"Yes we are! Thomas and I haven't been back in a little bit and now since the engagement we should definitely  go back and obviously Marcus has to see his second family! Plus, I'm sure Liam would love to see where you grew up," I see Liam's face turn a bit red, and despite his best efforts to hide it it is very much apparent.

"We'll invite the whole group!" Marcus exclaims. Despite my protesting, here I am, at the airport, surrounded by my college friends, mostly male basketball players. This sends a great message to my hometown. We drive to the hotel, and I see Mom out front.

"Why is Tiffany here?" Lilly asks.

"She's picking me up from here- I'm staying at home and I'll meet up with you guys tomorrow."

"Okay! For your big basketball reunion," Violet smiles. I say goodbye to everyone, Liam giving my hand a squeeze before I meet up with Mom.

"Hello my flower," she hugs me. "Nice posse. Lots of big guys."

I roll my eyes at her comment, before looking where her eyes are. Everyone taking their bags out of the rental car and Jasper is tormenting Liam by keeping his bag out of reach. They look like children, but I can't help but smile. I snap out of my trance and turn my attention back to my mother. "Home?"

"Off we go."

-

The next morning, I gear up and head to the school's gymnasium, where the tournament is being hosted. I see all my friends waiting outside. 

"There's our superstar!" Grayson cheers. Jasper does a little choreographed cheer that Archer tries to stop, and I hear a screech behind me. I feel a gust of wind fly by me, and Jacob has run into Lilly's arms, giggling like the little kid he is.

"Jacob!" She squeals, wrapping him in a hug. "How have you been, little man?"

"Better now that you're here."

"Alright, stop putting the moves on my lady," Thomas laughs, wrapping his hand around Lilly's waist.  Lilly's hand encloses on Thomas', showcasing the beautiful engagement ring she has done nothing with but show off. I pry Jacob off Lilly and don't have time to introduce anyone, before I see Jess run out. She looks very similar to how she did when I last saw her, her purple hair snaked in a french braid, her physique similar, the bodybuilder type. She kept playing basketball into college, so she's still very in shape. 

"Iris!" She runs over, giving me a hug. "You look so different." I chuckle nervously as I catch Liam staring at me while everyone else is focused on Jacob. "Come on, we have uniforms." She grabs my hand and pulls me into the gym, straight into the locker room. I put on the jersey and tug my hair into a ponytail. "So, what's the deal with all the guys?"

"They're my friends."

"Mhm," she raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

Something has been bugging me. In fact, it's staring me right in the face. No better time like the present I guess. "Can I apologize?"

"For?"

"The way I was in high school, when I was with Megan. I treated a lot of people like shit because of her. I didn't realize until after, of course, because that's how it always goes. But I've felt like shit since. Since I left and treated everyone so badly. I'm sorry."

"Hunny," she rubs my arm, "we all know. Nobody has any bad blood with you, we all understand what you were experiencing, and we're all just happy to have you back for a short period of time." I smile and stand up.

"In that case, let's go kick some ass."

"Hell yes!" She cheers.