Maya stood outside the locker room, cleats in hand, trying to steady her breathing. Three days since she'd officially been reinstated to the team. Three days of awkward hallway encounters and teammates looking away when she passed.
Now came the hard part. Actually playing with them.
You can do this. You've survived worse.
Agent Torres waited a few feet away, her constant shadow. Dean Thorne had been clear—Maya didn't go anywhere without security until further notice. Including practice.
"Ready?" Torres asked.
"No. But I'm going in anyway."
The locker room went quiet when she entered. Tank was tying his cleats. Marcus and Tyler stood by their lockers. Sam sat on the bench, staring at his phone. Everyone froze.
"Hey," Maya said.
A few mumbled greetings. Most said nothing.
Great start.
