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The laminated OUT OF ORDER sign is gone, and so is the treadmill it was stuck to.
As I’m cooling down on a treadmill that actually works, Valentina comes over to me, a towel around her neck.
“You okay?”
“This was a good day.”
“You’re a great captain.”
“Thanks. I couldn’t do it without you.”
She grins. “I know. But I’m here for you, always.”
I’m about to reply when Raul approaches us. “Lexa, can I talk to you for a minute?”
I nod, then follow him to a corner of the gym.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Since you’re the captain, I just wanted to give you an update on the start of the season,” he says. “Rebecca is hitting her full fitness targets. Rosario grew a couple of inches over the summer, which explains her knees. Daisy is a beast, and you reported that your knee feels perfect. I’ll believe that when I’ve watched you on soft ground. I think we have a shot at making the playoffs this year.”
“Really? That’s… amazing.”
“It’s possible,” he says. “But we have to work hard, stay focused. No distractions.”
I know what he’s talking about. He doesn’t want me to get involved in the Apex drama. I didn’t tell anyone about Esme’s investigation, not even Valentina. It’s better to keep it quiet until there’s more proof.
“I understand,” I say. “I’ll keep my head down, focus on the game.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“I won’t let you down, Coach.”
“I know you won’t,” he says. “Now go home, rest. We have another hard day tomorrow.”
I nod, then head back to Valentina, who’s waiting for me by the door. We walk out of the building, hand in hand.
“So, what did Raul want?” she asks.
“Just to tell me that we have a chance at the playoffs.”
She stops in her tracks, her eyes wide. “Are you serious?”
“He thinks we can do it.”
“Wow,” she says, shaking her head.
“I know. But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. It’s a long season and we have to take it one game at a time.”
“Of course. But still, it’s nice to have something to aim for.”
“It is,” I say, pulling her close. “And we’ll get there, together.”
She smiles, leaning in for a kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I murmur against her lips.
We walk to my car, our arms around each other. I have a feeling this season is going to be a good one.
