CHAPTER NINE
FRIENDSHIP PIVOT

On Friday, Nina headed to the gym for their game against the Cottondale Coyotes. The tightness in her chest eased when she saw Cody warming up. At least he hadn’t quit.

And thank goodness! From what Jack and Ruis had told her, they’d need to bring their A game if they were going to win.

Nina watched Cody and debated going over to talk to him. Then she remembered Ruis’s advice and decided to leave him alone.

Nina found a spot far away from Cody and started stretching. But he saw her and slowly walked over.

Nina braced herself for another round of harsh words.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

Nina blinked in surprise. This wasn’t what she had expected.

“Ruis, you—all of you were right about me being mean. It’s just—” Cody dropped his gaze. “Liam left, and then suddenly you were here. You took his spot, and everyone was so great to you… and it felt like no one was remembering him.”

Cody shuffled his feet and ran his fingers through his hair. Then he looked at her.

“And it felt like if I was your friend right away, somehow it meant that Liam and I weren’t best friends,” he said. “That probably doesn’t make any sense—”

“It totally makes sense,” Nina said. “I’m having a hard time too. I really miss my friends back home. Sometimes it feels like when I’m having fun here I’m not being loyal to my old team.”

“I’m really sorry,” Cody told her. “I should have treated you better.” He ducked his head. “I should have seen it from your point of view, being the new kid in school. I’d hate it if anyone was mean to Liam the way I’ve been to you.”

“I can’t take Liam’s place.” Nina put her hand on Cody’s shoulder. “And I shouldn’t. You were best friends. I can be another friend though.” She grinned and bumped his shoulder. “I can also ignore you if that would make you feel better.”

Cody laughed. “No, it wouldn’t. I want to be friends. And I promise, no more yelling at you to change your plays during the game.”

Nina put out her hand. “Deal!”

Cody shook it. “Now, let’s go get those Coyotes!” He ran to the huddle.

Nina looked for Simone and her dad in the stands. When she saw them, she gave them a thumbs-up. Then she ran to join her team.

Cody had it right. It was time to get those Coyotes!