Love Yourz ・Paige Bueckers

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 12

"LADIES WHY ARE you both late?" Geno yells as we hurry into practice, clearly disheveled, an hour later than we were supposed to be.

"Coach I'm so sorry, our alarms never went off and we got ready as fast as we coul-" Paige says, throwing her stuff on the benches.

"It's fine. Get your ass on the court," He interrupts. "Wait what do you mean we?"

"Don't worry about it coach," Paige laughs, winking.

"Bueckers you better watch yourself." Geno says walking back to practice.

I shake my head and walk towards the PT area, getting myself set up for the day. I grab my ipad and water bottle and get to work on what exercises we will be doing for the injured players today. Mailee then walks in, setting down her coffee and looking at me.

"Okay hun, so today we are gonna evaluate Paige to see if she is completely clear for the season, then Nika to see how her ankle is coming along, and that should be it!" She says, reading off her ipad. "Their first game is in a little under three weeks so we need to make sure every is completely healthy. And Kennedy I'm going to need you to step up starting then. You are going to be on the sidelines with them, making decisions with me. I trust you, so does Geno and the girls."

"I am so beyond excited. And I can't thank you enough for the opportunities you and Geno have created for me," I say, hugging her.

"Of course sweetie. You are so smart and we are lucky to have you. Let's get the training room ready for our girls," She says, letting go of my embrace.

Paiges POV

Fuck. My knee wont stop fucking aching. I know there's no way I am actually good to play by our first game, not that I'll show it to Geno or our PT staff.

"Good job ladies let's wrap it up," Geno yells, "Bueckers go to PT now, make sure everything's good for the Iowa game. We need you."

"Yes coach," I say, ignoring the stabbing pain coming from my knee.

I walk to the office Kennedy and Mailee are occupying, watching my girl finish setting up.

"Paige hi! You scared me," Kennedy laughs, moving closer. "Sit down. Today, it is imperative you are honest with us. This is gonna determine if your injury heals or not, and you need to remember that. It's not about if you are going to be able to play in two weeks, but that your injury could worsen and come back if it's not taken care of properly."

I look into her eyes as she speaks not only with concern, but with heart and honesty.

"Okay I will. I understand." I say, glancing between her and Mailee.

For the next fourty ish minutes, they take turns preforming different tests and exercises, and I make sure to keep a poker face, giving absolutely no indication that I'm in pain. I heard Kennedy, but right now it's not about me it's about my team. So I will get cleared whether it's good for me or not.

"Everything looks great Paige. You've made immense progress and I definitely think you are good for the game. We are so happy for you, let me go give Geno the news," Mailee says, leaving me and Kennedy alone.

"Paige." She says, in a tone I've never heard from her before . "Are you being honest? I need you to promise me that you are not hurting at all."

"Kennedy Price. I swear to you. Nothing is hurting." I say, looking into her eyes. Fuck.

"Okay. Thank you for being honest. Nowww HOW EXCITED ARE YOU!!!" She almost screams, jumping up and down while holding my hands.

"Hella excited," I say laughing, "And you get to see Caitlin, that'll be good."