Love for the Game- Paige Bueckers

C H A P T E R 19

You won the game 105-58, which wasn't a surprise since you were playing a division 2 team. You were very happy with your performance in the game and how much you played. You had 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 assists, and played for 24 minutes. In your opinion, an amazing start to your college career. Paige had similar minutes and stats to you, so she was obviously very happy as well.

Once the buzzer sounded that signaled the game was over Paige ran up to you, engulfing you in an excited embrace, holding you tightly momentarily before your whole team circled around you two, jumping up and down in a celebratory manner. 

You felt elated in this moment, everything was perfect. You were pursuing your dream, playing for one of the best teams in America. And how well today went only made you more excited for what was to come for your 4 years at UConn and even what you would do after you graduated. Not to mention whatever was going on between you and Paige, but whatever it was, you were living for it. 

After the game, everyone went back to their rooms to shower and get changed, then gathered in the lobby once again for a team dinner. The men's team joined you as well, just finishing up their opening game too.

Half of the women's team sat at one table, along with half of the men's team because of how badly the coaches wanted you all to get along. Everyone mainly did get along, except of course for Paige and Trey, but no one besides you knew that. Speaking of Trey, he happened to be sitting directly across from the two of you, which you couldn't help but think was purely intentional.

Paige shared a look with you as Trey sat down, staring directly at you. "Hey Jada," he said, surprisingly sounding nice, but you and Paige knew it was all an act.

"Hi," you replied, attempting to stay polite and Paige grabbed onto your hand under the table protectively.

Everyone at the table snickered and you realized that everyone thought that you two slept together, despite how badly you had tried to convince your teammates otherwise. And you had no idea what Trey had told his team.

"Are y'all dating yet?" A guy sitting next to Trey asked, nudging him teasingly.

"I don't know," Trey replied, smirking at you, "are we?"

You tried laughing it off, responding, "No.".

Nika, who was sitting next to you nudged you as well, "Ok, Jada." She laughed, obviously not believing you. Suddenly, Paige let go of your hand, and when you looked over at her, she was turned the other way.

Deciding not to think about whatever that was, you reached to the middle of the table, grabbing your drink and taking a sip of it. "Ooo look she's trying to hold his hand!" Another guy said this time and Trey chuckled. Narrowing your eyes, you chose to ignore him instead of feeding into his immature antics. "She didn't even deny it!" He exclaimed and the whole table laughed.

Anger bubbled up within you, and you couldn't help but snap at him, "Shut the fuck up."

He held up his arms in mock surrender, "Damn, why she getting so mad?" Trey laughed again and you had the sudden urge to punch him right in his ugly face. 

Thankfully, everyone eventually moved on, talking about even more stupid things that you were not interested in at all. Becoming increasingly bored with the conversation you were wrapped up in, you turned to Paige, hoping that she could cheer you up. 

"Paige," you whispered, placing your hand on her arm. Confusion and hurt rushed through you when she ignored you, beginning to talk to someone else. "Paige," you tried again, tugging on the sleeve of her hoodie, only to be completely disregarded once again.

Many questions raced through your mind. What did you do wrong? Was she mad? 

 You also noticed that when you weren't looking, you could feel Paige glaring at you and/or Trey, and that's when you decided that she was definitely mad at you. You didn't know why though, it's not like you did anything to hurt her. 

Once the dinner was over Paige instantly shot up, leaving quickly without a second thought from anyone but you. Quickly excusing yourself, you chased after her.