Chapter 21
Preparations
CHARLOTTE
The next few weeks flew by quickly. We got the last piece of the ticket and officially had a spot in the tournament. I spent all of my free time doing homework, studying films from various teams, practicing with the guys, and seeing TJ and Tracy when I could.
I had never been this busy—but also, I’d never been this happy.
It was now only three weeks until spring break and the tournament. TJ convinced me to go on a date with him tonight. He stole Tracy’s phone and asked me out. I was really confused that Tracy was asking me out until he told me it was him. After laughing about it, I finally agreed.
I was a little nervous, but didn’t have time to focus on that since I had practice with the guys first.
“Okay, guys, my flight lands at ten on Saturday before the tournament.
What about you guys?”
“Mine lands at four in the morning, so I’m planning to order a ride to Plut’s and go back to sleep. I’ll see you when you get to his place,” Nep said.
“I don’t fly in until Sunday. I have a family thing Saturday, so you guys will have an extra day without me,” Jup said.
“I guess we’ll take Mars out Saturday night to pick up guys before you come, then we can go again after you land,” Nep said.
“No girls over at the house, Nep. My mom won’t allow it,” Plut said.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Nep said, laughing.
“Oh, guys, I forgot to mention, our manager has us lined up for an interview Tuesday morning. They’re interviewing all of the top contending teams to have filler content during the matches,” Jup told us.
“So, no late night on Monday?” Plut asked.
“How are we going to get Mars laid?” Nep asked.
“Yeah, I’m not really sure I want to go out and find guys or get laid,” I
admitted.
“Oh, why is that?” Jup asked.
“Um, I kinda like someone already.” It felt weird to admit that to Jup, since I wasn’t really sure of my feelings toward him.
“Really? Is he tagging along? We’re dying to meet him!” Jup blurted out.
“I need to see if he’s up to par for my best friend.”
“Well, we’re not exactly an item, so no, he won’t be joining us,” I clarified.
“And what about you, Jup? You’re quick to put me on the spot, but what about that girl you mentioned? Is she coming?”
“Uh, she’s tied up that week,” he responded hastily.
“So, does that mean Plut and I get dibs on all the girls, since you’re off the market, Jup?” Nep chimed in.
“Guess so. I’ll be your wingman, though,” Jup conceded.
After that, we shifted our attention back to strategizing for the tournament. I broke down the different strategies of the top teams, and we rehearsed some of the tactics I believed would be most effective against them.
Our synergy was at an all-time high, and I was confident that we would make a strong showing at the tournament. I knew we were up against some tough competition, so winning wasn’t guaranteed, but we would certainly give them a run for their money.
We continued our practice session for a few more hours until it was time for me to log off and prepare for my date that evening.
“All right, guys, I’ve got to head out. What should I wear for a date?” I asked.
“You’re abandoning us for a date?” Plut asked.
“Breathe, Jup. I know it’s hard being replaced, but we’ll help you
through it,” Nep added.
“Haha,” Jup replied.
“Guys, I’m serious. Help.”
“Go with black. Black always makes a guy look hotter,” Plut said.
“Oh, go for that just-out-of-bed, messy hair look. I know it drives all my dates wild,” Nep threw in.
“Okay, black and messy hair. What type of clothes, though?”
“Don’t overthink it. Generally just jeans and a nicer shirt are great. I’m sure you’ll look amazing,” Jup said.
“Good luck. Practice is tomorrow at nine—don’t forget, Mars.”
“See you then, lover,” I teased.
“Hey, you just admitted you’re into someone, so cut the lover talk!” Jup protested.
“Aw, are you jealous that I might have a new lover? Don’t fret, you’ll always be my number one,” I reassured him.
“Ugh, just leave already,” he grumbled. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter before signing off.
I then went to start getting ready for my date. I easily found a pair of jeans, but I didn’t own a ton of black. Digging around, I did find one black shirt my mom had bought me. It was a sequin crop top. This wasn’t my style at all, but it was all I had in black. I knew the guys wouldn’t do me wrong.
I put on the top and then started messing up my hair so it looked “slept in.” I really didn’t get this part. I looked like something out of a nightmare, but Nep said it drove people wild, so I’d roll with it.
I had just finished teasing my hair when the doorbell rang. I hurried downstairs to greet Tracy. She had promised to come over and help me get ready for my date. It felt a bit strange having her prep me for a date with her own brother, but she was my friend long before I even knew her brother, so I guessed it was all right.
As soon as I opened the door, she looked me up and down with an odd expression.
“Girl, you were supposed to be mainly ready—what the heck?”
“I am ready. My friends gave me suggestions. How do I look?” I asked, proud of myself.
“Um, sweetie, no offense, but don’t take their advice anymore. You look
like a cheap hooker.”
“What!”
“Did you not question that advice?”
“Well, I did think the outfit was a bit much, but it’s the only black thing I own, and they specifically said messy hair.”
“Well, black is really only good for formal wear, goths, or guys, and I’m not sure I can salvage your hair. How about you shower while I find you an
outfit?”
“Okay.”
Tracy dragged me back upstairs and instructed me to wash my hair in the shower. Meanwhile, she rummaged through my closet in search of the perfect outfit.
After I emerged from the shower, she had me sit on my bed and began curling my hair with a curling iron she had brought along. My hair was naturally curly, so I asked why she was curling it. She explained that it would help to soften the curls and make them more relaxed and flowy, as opposed to the usual tight curls I had naturally. I wasn’t entirely convinced, but I trusted her.
Once my hair was styled, she spun me around and started applying makeup. I wasn’t a big fan of makeup, and she was well aware of that, so she kept it minimal.
She gave me a smoky-eye look and a nude lipstick, handing me the tube to stash in my clutch for touch-ups later. Once my hair and makeup were done, she helped me slip into my outfit. She had chosen a teal flowy top adorned with tiny flowers and a dark jean skater skirt. White sandals completed the look.
As for accessories, I only wore a simple necklace, but she handed me the charm bracelet that matched hers and suggested I wear it too. I had already planned on doing so since I always wore it.
Once she was finished, I walked over to my mirror and was rendered speechless. I looked absolutely stunning. I couldn’t believe Tracy had managed to pull off such a transformation. I thanked her profusely, but she insisted she just wanted to help make tonight perfect—for both TJ and me. I was so grateful to have her in my life.
