Crush - Paige Bueckers

11 - Out

Geno sits behind his desk, his expression stern, and gestures for me to take a seat. I collapse into the chair, the leather creaking under my weight.

"What's going on, Paige?" Geno's voice is sharp, his eyes drilling into mine. "That was a mess out there. You're better than this."

I look down at my hands, fingers interlacing nervously. "I... I don't know. I just can't focus, Coach."

Geno leans forward, his hands clasped on the desk. "You think that's an excuse? You think your teammates are out there giving their all for you to fall apart? Whatever's going on in your head, you need to fix it. Now."

I feel the sting of his words, but I know he's right. I nod, swallowing hard. "I know. I'm sorry. I just... it won't happen again."

Geno's gaze doesn't soften. "Sorry isn't good enough, Paige. You're a leader on this team. You don't get to have off days. You don't get to lose your cool. You need to get your head in the game, or you're going to find yourself on the bench. Do you understand me?"

I nod again, the lump in my throat making it hard to speak. "Yes, Coach."

"Good. Now get back out there and show them who you are. Don't make me have this conversation with you again."

I stand up, my legs feeling shaky, but I force myself to walk out of the office with my head held high.

By the time it's over, I'm exhausted and more frustrated than ever. 

-----

Later That Night

"Paige!" Azzi yells from the kitchen. I'm laying in my bed, not wanting to get up, let alone move. Today has been terrible and I just want it to end already.

"Paigeee!" Azzi yells for a second time, this time entering my room. Her face is perky, a small smile on her lips. 

"What?" I say dryly, not wanting to interact with anyone with everything that's going through my mind. Her smile fades, and her face is now etched with concern.

"Hey, I don't know what's up with you, but me and Nika are going to the bar if you want to come. You know, to get your mind off things, have a little fun?" she says.

I think for a moment. Maybe this is what I need. A distraction from Violet, my thoughts, everything. Some drinks won't hurt.

"I guess," I say, looking at her as she smiles again.

"Yay! We're leaving in 10."

I get up and begin getting ready. The weather outside is freezing, as it's February in Connecticut, so I dress accordingly in black baggy cargos and a red sweatshirt.

The bar is loud and crowded, the music pulsing through the air, vibrating through my bones. I'm chugging a drink, trying to lose myself in the alcohol, when a girl approaches me. She's pretty, with dark hair cascading down her shoulders and bright blue eyes that seem to sparkle even in the dim light. She smiles, and I feel a flicker of something—interest, distraction, a desperate escape from the thoughts of Violet and Leo that have been tormenting me.

"Hey, I'm Hayley," she says, her voice cutting through the noise. Her smile is inviting, warm.

"Paige," I say, my mind still buzzing with thoughts, which are only amplified by the three shots I've already had. 

"I know," she says, her smile widening as she leans closer, her breath warm against my ear. "Everyone knows you."

I smirk, knowing she's flirting with me yet letting myself fall for it. She's hot, and this is the distraction I need.