LOVING DAHLIA ( ᴘᴀɪɢᴇ ʙᴜᴇᴄᴋᴇʀs) (ON HOLD)

Chapter 11: Leona

The echo of sneakers squeaking across the gym floor filled the space as the UConn women’s basketball team practiced. Paige and her teammates were focused, working hard, when suddenly, the gym doors burst open with a loud bang. Everyone turned toward the sound, startled, as a woman with fiery red hair stumbled into the gym, breathing heavily. She bent over, hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

"Who the hell is that?" Nika whispered to Azzi.

The red-haired woman finally stood up straight and offered a sheepish smile, giving everyone a small wave. Just as the team started to process her sudden appearance, a booming voice cut through the air.

"Leona! You're late!" Coach Geno barked from across the gym, his eyes narrowed in on the newcomer.

"Sorry, Coach!" the woman—Leona—panted. "My IT professor held me back."

Coach Geno rolled his eyes but motioned for everyone to gather around, including Dahlia, who was there to capture some shots for the team's media.

"Everyone, this is Leona Flamings, our new team member. She’s a transfer from LSU and will be playing with us as a sophomore. Treat her like one of your own—a Husky," Geno announced.

Leona flashed another wide grin, her fiery red hair cascading down her back as she looked at the team. One by one, the girls introduced themselves. When it was Dahlia and Paige’s turn, Dahlia smiled warmly at Leona, the two of them hitting it off immediately. They exchanged a few friendly words, Leona’s easygoing personality making Dahlia laugh.

Then came Paige’s introduction. Paige extended her hand, and Leona eagerly shook it, but the handshake lasted a beat too long. Dahlia noticed right away. Paige was friendly, sure, but the way Leona kept laughing at something Paige said, and the way her fingers lingered on Paige’s toned arm, made Dahlia's stomach twist with a pang of jealousy.

Paige's smile—Dahlia’s favorite smile—was now being shared with someone else, someone who wasn’t her. Dahlia could feel her chest tightening as she watched from the sidelines, helpless. Paige could talk to anyone she wanted, of course, but seeing Paige give attention to Leona in that way was agonizing.

From across the court, Azzi observed everything. She saw the way Dahlia’s face fell, how she seemed to shrink into herself the longer Paige and Leona talked. Azzi wasn’t having it. Grinning mischievously, she picked up the basketball she was holding and launched it at the back of Paige’s head.

Thud!

The sound echoed throughout the gym, and Paige yelped, rubbing the back of her head in pain. The entire team turned, momentarily stunned, while Azzi feigned innocence.

"Oh no, Paige! Are you okay?" Azzi called out, her face a picture of mock concern, though her smile said otherwise.

Dahlia bit her lip, feeling torn. She wanted to run over and comfort Paige, but before she could take a step, Leona beat her to it. Leona placed a hand on Paige’s shoulder, leaning in close as she murmured something to her. That was it for Dahlia—she couldn’t watch anymore.

Azzi, seeing the two being very close for her liking , shouted, "Paige, get your head back in the game, or Coach is gonna make us run suicides!"

Paige gave Azzi a thumbs-up and walked over to the sidelines to grab some water. As she looked around, her eyes landed on Dahlia, who was busy behind her camera, but something was off. Paige flashed her usual grin, hoping to catch Dahlia’s eye, but Dahlia only gave her a brief glance before turning back to her work. Paige’s grin faltered.

This continued for the rest of practice—every time Paige tried to engage with Dahlia, Dahlia found an excuse to avoid her. By the end, Paige was frustrated and confused. After they wrapped up, she caught up with Azzi, venting her frustration.

“Why is Dahlia avoiding me?” Paige asked, running a hand through her hair. “Did I do something wrong?”

Azzi shrugged but then smirked knowingly. “Maybe talk to her about what’s bothering her. And, uh, maybe don’t get too touchy with Leona when Dahlia’s in the room… or anyone else, for that matter.”

Paige blinked, taken aback by Azzi’s words. “Wait, what? What does Leona have to do with this?”

Azzi rolled her eyes and patted Paige on the shoulder. “You’ll figure it out. Just talk to Dahlia, okay?”

With that cryptic advice, Paige decided she needed to confront Dahlia after practice. She couldn’t stand the idea of something being off between them. Dahlia meant too much to her—more than she’d even fully realized yet.

Guys Leona maybe a good person but I sure as hell am not ruining my little found families happiness, Sadie and Paige's little bond a everything, Dahlia and Paige are endgame. Leona go find someone else to flirt with and don't flirt with Nika she's also taken.

I love Azzi she was so real for throwing that basketball, she loves all her friends especially Dahlia, she'd do anything for Lia.

guys please interact in the comments I love reading your comments 🥹🫶

Xoxo V ❤️❤️❤️