Hailey's pov
The gym had emptied, the echoes of cheers still lingering faintly in the air as cars began rolling off into the night. I lingered just long enough to gather the last of the pom-poms, my hands trembling slightly from adrenaline and exhaustion. My ribs were still sore, every breath a little sharp, but the relief of victory was intoxicating.
“Ready?” Roy’s voice cut through my thoughts. He was leaning against his car, helmet tucked under one arm, skates dangling from his fingers. Ryan was already sliding into the passenger seat, calm as ever, eyes scanning the quieting parking lot.
I nodded, brushing my hair back from my face as I stepped toward the car. The thought to sit, to breathe, to let the tension leave my shoulders, was tempting. I bent slightly to tighten the laces o
