Practice the next day started better. The team still wasn't friendly, but they were passing to Maya when it made sense. Small progress, but progress.
Maybe we can actually make this work before the tournament.
Maya was running through a drill with Sam when she noticed the cheer squad setting up on the sidelines. They didn't usually practice this close to the soccer field. Separate spaces, separate schedules.
Madison stood front and center, platinum hair pulled into a perfect ponytail. Her squad fanned out behind her, stretching and warming up like they had every right to be there.
This can't be good.
Coach noticed too. "Can I help you ladies with something?"
"Just using the space, Coach Santos." Madison's smile was sugar-sweet. "We have a routine to practice and the gym is being cleaned. Dean Thorne said we could use the field."
Coach's jaw tightened. He clearly wanted to argue but couldn't if the dean had approved it. "Stay on your side. Don't interfere with our practice."
