The bass from the house is still shaking the windows when the back door swings open.
Cold night air rolls across the crowded drive. Teammates are scattered around the cars, some drinking, some arguing over basketball, music spilling from the open windows.
Beneath one of the streetlamps sits Tanner's black SUV.
And there he is.
Still wearing the black university basketball shirt from earlier, the sleeves stretched over his arms, his dark hair messy from the party.
Calla Ridgeway is perched on the hood of his car.
His varsity jacket is wrapped around her shoulders.
One hand rests casually against her thigh while he talks to Otto.
"So you seriously think Oakley's starting over me?"
Otto snorts.
"Coach literally said your attitude is becoming a problem."
Tanner laughs.
"My attitude has better stats than Oakley."
Calla laughs beside him, leaning closer.
Then Otto notices someone walking up.
His expression changes.
"Uh... Tanner."
Tanner glances over.
His green eyes land on you.
For a second, he doesn't move.
His hand remains where it is.
Calla follows his gaze.
"Oh."
Tanner finally lifts his hand off her thigh and straightens, looking entirely unbothered.