Marcus’s POV
The echo of Brent’s winning shot haunted me as I sat in the locker room my head in my hands. This was supposed to be my team my game. But Brent had swooped in taking the spotlight and the win. And now with Coach’s recent warnings I knew what was coming.
Just as I was about to leave Coach Reed stopped me in the hallway. He looked at me with a serious expression that held no room for argument.
“Marcus,you’re a great player, but this team needs unity right now. Brent’s been stepping up in ways I haven’t seen from you lately.”
I felt my stomach drop. “You’re… replacing me?”
“You’re still on the team, Marcus. But I need a captain who’s fully focused and right now that’s Brent.”
The words hit like a punch to the gut. I nodded stiffly refusing to let the disappointment show, but as I left the resentment burned. Brent had taken everything—from Betty’s attention to my place on the teamand I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was losing more than just a title.
***
Stacey’s POV
The game was over and Brent was on a high from the win. As we left the gym I felt a flutter of excitement.It had been ages since I’d let myself enjoy someone’s company like this. Brent walked beside me his energy contagious.
“That shot was incredible,.You’re practically famous now.”
He chuckled rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks, Stace. It felt… good. For the first time I feel like I belong here.”
We found ourselves by a park the evening sky casting a soft glow over everything. Brent’s face was thoughtful his gaze drifting toward me.
“Stacey,I want you to know… being with you lately it’s felt real. But there’s something between me and Betty I can’t ignore.”
I tried to keep my expression neutral swallowing the pang of disappointment. “I get it, Brent. I do. But… if things don’t work out just know I’m here.”
He reached for my hand squeezing it gently. “Thanks, Stace. That means more than you know.”
But even as we stood there I knew things would never be simple between us. Brent’s heart wasn’t mine not fully. And as much as I wanted him to be I couldn’t force what wasn’t there.