Unknown Beginning

Part 56

The first two weeks of April found Riley and James spending more time together than ever before. The lack of games and practices meant they both had more free time to spend with the other. Despite this, they had opted against going public yet since the team had all just gathered to vote for captains and the results of that vote would be announced this Friday when the team went out for dinner with the coaches for internal awards and captain announcements.

When Friday night arrived everyone was dressed up for the awards as they gathered at the restaurant. The coaches had reserved a separate area for the team and had mini trophies lined up in front of a long table that would somehow seat the entire time. Riley had given up hope of being near James when she took a seat next to Kenny but was happily surprised when James slipped into the seat next to her while casually talking to Shannon across the table. Without ever breaking the conversation, James' hand found Riley's thigh under the table and gave it a squeeze before placing both hands on the table in front of her.

Riley looked around nervously, expecting someone must have seen this interaction and yet no one seemed to have noticed. Even Kristin and her two best friends showed no signs of suspicion. Letting out a shaky exhale, Riley turned to talk to Kenny while letting her arm brush against James'.

To no one's surprise, Riley was named MVP and top scorer of the season. She had hurriedly accepted her award, keeping her head down, as if this would somehow make her invisible and cause everyone to forget the awards she had won. A moment later however, when Kenny received the Sportsmanship Award, Riley clapped the loudest and even briefly stood up to cheer, causing other diners to stare and Kenny to beam a radiant smile. Riley hated the attention on herself but would gladly turn it on Kenny with any chance she could.

Once all the awards had been given it was time to name next year's captains. As expected, James would be a captain again, this time as an upcoming fourth-year, along with another soon-to-be-fourth-year, Abby, who was known as a likable teammate who tended to mother the team. Lastly the coaches named Riley as the upcoming third-year who would be the third captain. This announcement by itself made Riley blush but this was worsened when the coaches clarified that Riley had been selected by both the coaches as well as her teammates which was apparently a rare feat. Suddenly ready for the night to be over, she stared down at the table and attempted to take slow deep breaths, trying to drain the red from her cheeks. After she had managed only two breaths, she felt James' hand encircle her own under the table, providing a steady support hidden from watchful eyes.

Feeling more grounded, Riley felt the air fill her lungs and the flush leave her face. She took a few more calming breaths and then reoriented herself to the present and snuck a grateful smile to James. Knowing the spotlight wouldn't return to her again that night, Riley was able to enjoy the rest of the dinner and the after party thrown by the fourth years at their house.

Surrounded by the music and cheerful voices, Riley was completely unaware of what the next night would bring.