Page 112 of Playing Dirty

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The arena felt louder today.

Not because anything changed.

Because I noticed more.

I stood near the entrance longer than I needed to, watching people come and go like I was deciding whether I belonged there.

That was new.

I didn’t like it.

Then I saw him.

Mason.

Court side.

Not playing yet.

Just standing with Jace and Niko, towel over his shoulder, listening to something Coach was saying.

Normal.

Except I stopped anyway.

Which was worse.

Because I didn’t mean to.

Caleb arrived beside me a few seconds later.

“You made it,” he said.

“Yeah.”

“You didn’t sound convinced when you said it earlier.”

“I was busy.”

He nodded like he didn’t fully believe that but didn’t push.

We walked in together.

And I felt it immediately.

Not eyes.

Not attention.

Something quieter.

Awareness.

Mason saw me almost instantly.

I didn’t look back right away.

I should’ve.

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