Crush - Paige Bueckers

9 - Courtside Beginnings

Violet

*2 months after meeting up with Paige*

I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement as I step into the packed arena. The energy is electric, and I'm ready to lose myself in the chaos of the basketball game. It's been a while since I've done something like this. Between school and everything else, I haven't had much time for fun. But tonight, I'm determined to enjoy myself.

Ellie managed to score courtside seats for us because she knows some of the players on the Yale men's basketball team. It's a pretty big deal, and I can't help but feel a little giddy as we make our way to our seats. Audrey is with us too, her usual cheerful self. The three of us are good friends, but Ellie and I are definitely the duo in the trio.

We find our seats and settle in just as the game is about to start. The players are warming up, and the crowd is buzzing with anticipation. I glance around, taking in the atmosphere. It feels good to be here.

The game starts, and it's intense from the very beginning. Yale is playing well, and the crowd is going wild with every basket. I find myself getting caught up in the excitement, cheering and clapping along with everyone else. It's a good distraction from everything that's been weighing on my mind lately. From the person that's been on my mind.

During a timeout, Ellie nudges me and points to one of the players. "That's Leo Plaza," she says, her voice filled with admiration. "He's the star player. And he's single."

I roll my eyes at her, but I can't help but be intrigued. Leo is impressive, there's no denying that. He's tall, athletic, and has a certain charisma that's hard to ignore. "He's cute," I admit, trying to sound casual.

Ellie grins. "I knew you'd think so. Maybe you should talk to him after the game."

I laugh, shaking my head. "I don't think so. He's probably got a line of girls waiting to talk to him."

Audrey leans in, a mischievous look in her eyes. "You never know, Violet. Maybe he'll notice you."

I don't take their teasing too seriously, but a part of me wonders what it would be like to meet someone new, someone who isn't tied to my past. Someone who isn't Paige.

The game resumes, and it's as intense as ever. Yale pulls ahead, and the crowd goes wild. I find myself getting more and more into it, cheering and yelling along with everyone else. It's exhilarating, and for the first time in a long time, I feel completely free.

When the game finally ends, Yale has won, and the crowd erupts in cheers. Ellie and Audrey are both grinning, and I can't help but join in their excitement. "That was amazing!" I exclaim, my voice hoarse from all the yelling.

Ellie nudges me again. "Come on, let's go find the players. I want to introduce you to Leo."

I follow her through the crowd, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. We make our way to where the players are, and I spot Leo almost immediately. He's surrounded by fans, but Ellie doesn't seem to care. She pushes her way through, dragging me along with her.

"Leo!" she calls out, waving to get his attention.

He turns and smiles when he sees her. "Ellie! Good to see you."

She grins and pulls me forward. "This is my friend Violet. She's a big fan."

I feel my face heat up, but I manage to smile. "Hi."

Leo's smile widens. "Nice to meet you, Violet. Did you like the game?"

"It was incredible," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "You played really well."