Head Games by Nicole Leigh Shepherd

Author:Nicole Leigh Shepherd
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Published: 2011-01-19T05:00:00+00:00

twenty-nine

“Who wants brand new three-B tanks from American Apparel?” Eva charges into Richland’s locker room, holding up a large shopping bag.

I’m staring at my locker, attempting deep yoga breaths. This is it. Today is do or die. When the scout from the SoCal Suns picks me over Rodriguez for the center spot, the doors to California basketball heaven open up to me. And Dad can finally rest assured that giving up basketball was worth it.

“This is exactly what I needed to help me cope with the number of scouts here today.” Tamika pulls a tank out of the bag and shakes it out.

“Yeah, me too,” Kylie says, rolling her eyes.

“Be glad your entire future isn’t riding on this game,” Tamika says, whipping Kylie with her tank.

“Believe me, Captain T.” Kylie grabs a tank and whips her back. “My time will come this spring on the softball field.”

“Come on, Tamika, you’re going to do fab,” Missy says, pulling her straight platinum hair up into a high ponytail. Leave it to Missy to always look her best. Even if it’s on the basketball court.

I grab a tank for myself. “Love it. Can’t believe you got them to make these so quickly. Thanks, Eva.”

“I figured we could wear the tanks under our jerseys today,” Eva says, squishing the shopping bag down now that all the shirts have been taken. “You know to remind everyone that although today is all about the scouts, we’re also a team.”

“Good stuff, Eva,” Jessica says, pulling her tank over her sports bra. “Fits perfectly.”

“You’re right, Eva. This game means more than the scouts. This is a must win game if we want to three-peat.” Tamika is suddenly serious. “If we lose, we have to pray for a tie for the conference and a rematch. And the last thing I want to do is have to rely on maybes.”

“Yeah,” I say, letting out a deep breath. I rub the soft cotton fabric of the tank in between my fingers for extra good luck.

“Hey. Where are Zoe and Abby?” Kylie asks, looking around.

“They’re at the JV game,” Tamika answers.

“Too bad. I guess it’s just you, Taylor. Did we ever initiate Taylor properly to the team?” Kylie looks up at me.

“Do you really think ten minutes before beginning our warm-up for the Richland game is the best time?’ Tamika raises her left eyebrow.

“Total stress release.” Kylie smiles mischievously. “Shaving cream or the shower?”

I slink toward the door.

“She’ll be too wet to play if we toss her in the shower,” Missy adds.

“Then, shaving cream it is!” Kylie pulls four bottles of shaving cream out of her bag (somebody planned ahead) and Tamika grabs my waist.

Pretty soon, white blobs are flying all over the locker room. It doesn’t take long for me to lose count of how many times my face gets smashed with a towel pie. For a second, I allow myself to dream that this is the revenge that Kylie had planned all along. I mean, it’s a few minutes before

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