Mr. Fabrizi and Grant stood like coaches with the higher-ups of Nylon Skins off to the far right. Robert, of all people, was the setter, with Cherry and Ms. Fallon flanking him, while Liam was positioned on the outskirts with the rest of the sales team. That left me—despite his plan—stuck on the outer edge.
By the way—I was the only one positioned this far out. Why? No idea. But did he really think that would stop me from scoring a point and carrying this team to victory? Absolutely not. I ran up to Robert's side just as he spiked the volleyball, only to spot it flying back over to our side. I could practically hear the clicks of the photographers' cameras as I dove to save the ball. Liam lunged in after me, managing to bump it back over the net.
"Good save."
I turned my head, sweat sliding down the sides of my face, and looked through the net at the guy who had given me the pink shoes.
"Hey, thanks!"
He was about to return to his position—on the outskirts, just like me—when he crossed the line a little and jogged to my side.
"What's your name? I didn't get it earlier."
"Oh, it's Marcie."
"Anthony."
We were literally about to walk back when I heard—
"Stop talking to the opponent!"
I whipped my head in annoyance toward Mr. Fabrizi. Arms crossed, he looked the other way, as if he hadn't just barked that across the court.
Robert set the volleyball again. Cherry dove for it but apparently twisted her ankle. From here, it looked like she face-planted.
"My ankle! Oh my gosh! Oh my fucking gosh, I think I broke it!"
Liam and Jacob rushed over first. I jogged quickly to join them.
"Is she okay?" I asked, staring at her ankle, which was swelling pink.
"Looks like she really twisted it," Liam said, his hands carefully supporting her leg.
"Guess it's game over for her."
I was about to deliver the news to the photographers and the heads of both companies when Robert raised his voice.
"Cherry needs to sit out. Should we all take a break or start the next round? The only problem is we're short one player."
In my head, I was already considering asking one of the photographers to sub in. Maybe they could snap a few good pictures while joining the action.
"Hey, can we take a few of you for some single shots?"
I looked up at the sudden approach of a photographer with an afro, assuming he meant me too.
"I actually need you, you, and you."
He pointed to Robert, Jacob, and Ms. Fallon. They followed him for their shots, while Liam carried Cherry toward a far-off bench. Mr. Fabrizi drifted away with the higher-ups, leaving me with the rest of the sales team to wonder what the heck we were supposed to do now.
Then a light tap landed on my left shoulder.
"Hey, that photographer with the goatee wants us to head over there for some shots," Anthony said, already half turned to go.