Page 71 of Ruthless Court

I move to the wing and hit another.

Then the corner.

My bandaged arm pulls, but the release holds.

Evan’s mouth falls open.

“Are you Caitlin Clark’s cousin?”

“No.”

“Can you teach me that?”

“Yes.”

That answer decides it.

The boys huddle without being told. Whispers turn into an argument, followed by a vote no adult organized.

Evan steps forward.

“We want Hannah.”

Doug looks toward the parents.

Melissa raises one eyebrow.

He exhales. “Looks like you’re hired.”

I lower the ball.

“I need everyone to understand that I’m a full-time student. My classes come first. I can handle evening practices and most weekend games, but exams may create conflicts.”

“We’ll work around them,” Melissa says.

“There’s one more issue.”

Doug’s face tightens. “What?”

“I don’t have a car.”

Melissa waves that away.

“I have a driver. He can pick you up on campus and bring you home afterward.”

I stare at her.

“You have a driver?”

“My husband works long hours and worries about transportation. Our son used to play for that elite team, I’m a high end house realtor who works all hours. A driver was required.”

The boys are already passing the ball behind her, arguing over who gets to demonstrate first at the next practice.

Doug extends his hand.

I take it.

“When can you start?”