Chapter 30 

“Game, set, match, Fairbanks,” the announcer stated, following a strong performance from the winner.

After a  few quick handshakes with her opponent and the judges, Dana walk over to her bench going straight for her water and taking a long drink. Hearing her name being shouted from the stands, the athlete looked over and immediately spotted her friends giving her a thumbs up and gave them an enthusiastic wave in return.

She was so excited to have them at her tournament. This was the first time all of them had been able to come to one of her matches. Alice was pretty much a mainstay at her “home” matches and Bette, Tina, and Shane had each come to a few throughout the last three years. But was something about having them all there that spurred her to play harder than ever, leading her to make quick work of all her opponents over throughout the day.

Forty-five minutes later, after a quick team meeting,  showering, changing clothes, and confirming with her coach that she would not be riding back on the team bus, Dana exited the locker room and was immediately pulled into a bear hug by an excited Alice.

“You totally kicked ass,” the blonde said enthusiastically, letting go of the brunette.

  “Thanks, Al,” Dana replied with a slight blush.

“Yeah Dana, you were awesome out there. I still don’t get everything, but damn you were just running circles around everyone,” Shane said.

“I have to say, you seem different when you are on the court,” Bette added. “More…”

“Fierce,” Tina supplied?

Dana smiled, it wasn’t the first nor probably the last time someone had commented on the difference of her demeanor on the court versus her demeanor off the court.  But before she could comment Conrad walked up to the group.

“There’s my star. You were SO on fire today. The reps from Nike LOVED it. Add on the fact that they fucking fell in love with you and Harrison last night at dinner, and I have no doubt that they are going to sponsor your tour schedule over the summer,” Conrad dove right in,  while adding things into his PDA.  Finally looking up he seemed to realize something, “You’re not heading back to LA with your team?”