Can't Seem To Hide It

The Weight of jealousy

Chapter 45:

It had been a few days since Alex joined the team, and Azzi couldn't shake off the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. The practices were intense, and Alex was clearly good at their job, but every time Paige and Alex worked one-on-one, Azzi felt a creeping sense of jealousy. She wasn't proud of it, but it was hard to ignore the way Paige seemed so invested in the new assistant's advice, her smile bright and eyes focused when they spoke.

One afternoon, after a particularly exhausting practice, the team headed back to the locker room. Everyone was buzzing with excitement about the upcoming game against Paige's old team, a game that meant a lot to her. It would be the first time Paige faced her former teammates since transferring, and there was an unspoken pressure surrounding the event.

As Azzi packed up her gear, she noticed Paige standing by the gym entrance, laughing with Alex. The two were talking animatedly, and for a brief moment, it seemed like the rest of the world disappeared around them. Azzi's heart sank, a knot forming in her chest. She trusted Paige, but something about the closeness between her and Alex made her uneasy.

"Azzi, you good?" Kk asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Azzi blinked, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just tired," she replied, though the exhaustion wasn't the real issue.

Later that evening, back at the cabin, the team gathered around the TV for a movie night. Paige and Azzi sat on the couch together, but Azzi couldn't help but notice Paige glancing at her phone, probably expecting a text from Alex about practice. Azzi shifted uncomfortably, trying to focus on the movie, but her mind kept wandering back to Paige and Alex.

When the movie ended, Paige leaned over and whispered, "I'm gonna step outside for a second."

Azzi nodded, watching as Paige slipped on her hoodie and stepped outside into the cold night. A few minutes later, she heard the faint sound of Paige talking on the phone, her voice carrying through the open window. Azzi's heart clenched. She didn't want to assume the worst, but her mind was racing with thoughts.

"Hey, Azzi, you okay?" Aubrey asked, noticing her distant expression.

Azzi snapped out of it, trying to hide her feelings. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired."

Aubrey gave her a look but didn't press any further. As the team dispersed to their rooms, Azzi couldn't help but wonder if Paige was still outside, talking to Alex. She knew she was overthinking, but jealousy had a way of clouding her mind.

Later that night, as everyone settled into their rooms, Paige came back inside, her cheeks flushed from the cold. She pulled off her hoodie and tossed it onto the chair before climbing into bed next to Azzi.

"You okay, love?" Paige asked, sensing Azzi's unease.

Azzi bit her lip, debating whether to say something. "Yeah... just been a long day."

Paige frowned, clearly not convinced, but didn't push. Instead, she leaned over and pressed a kiss to Azzi's forehead. "Get some rest. We've got a big game coming up."

As Paige snuggled into bed, Azzi lay there wide awake, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't control. It wasn't until much later that she finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the team gathered for their final practice before the game. The energy was tense, with everyone feeling the weight of the upcoming match. Paige was focused, her usual playful demeanor replaced with determination. Azzi watched from across the court, admiring how locked in Paige was, but that same knot in her chest returned whenever she saw her talking with Alex.

As practice wrapped up, Paige was the last to leave the court, staying back for some extra shooting drills. Azzi lingered by the door, watching her from a distance. She knew she should trust Paige, but the constant interaction with Alex was starting to mess with her head.

That night, the team settled in again, everyone trying to relax before the big game. Paige was unusually quiet, her mind clearly elsewhere, and Azzi could sense it. After dinner, Azzi excused herself and went to their shared room, deciding to give Paige some space.

A little while later, Paige came in, her expression serious. She shut the door behind her and leaned against it, looking at Azzi with a softness that made Azzi's heart flutter.

"Azzi... we need to talk," Paige said, her voice gentle but firm.

Azzi sat up, feeling her pulse quicken. "About what?"

Paige walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to take Azzi's hand. "I can tell something's been bothering you. You've been distant, and I don't want anything between us, especially before this game. So, what's going on?"

Azzi hesitated for a moment before sighing. "It's Alex. I know they're just the assistant coach, but... I don't know, I guess I feel like you two have been spending a lot of time together, and I can't help but feel a little jealous."

Paige's eyes softened, and she scooted closer to Azzi, cupping her face gently. "Azzi, you have nothing to worry about. I promise. Alex is just helping with the game. You're the only one I care about, okay? Always."

Azzi swallowed hard, her emotions catching up with her. "I just... I don't want to lose you."

Paige leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Azzi's lips. "You're not going to lose me. I'm yours, Azzi. Always have been, always will be."

Azzi melted into the kiss, her worries fading away as she felt Paige's reassurance. The tension between them dissipated, and for the first time in days, Azzi felt at peace.

As they pulled away, Paige smirked playfully. "Now, how about I show you how much I'm yours?"

Azzi raised an eyebrow, her heart skipping a beat as Paige leaned in again, her lips trailing along Azzi's neck. The warmth of Paige's touch sent a shiver down Azzi's spine, and before she knew it, she was lost in the moment.