Coach Kenerson barked as Ava jogged onto the field. “Always ready, Coach!” she called back. “You don’t look ready.” He tilted his head, peering suspiciously at her face. “Fast feet and steady hands.” Ava ran in place and raised her free hand. In her other hand she grasped her helmet. Coach K paused as if about to say something, then merely grunted. “Join the others and give me thirty push-ups.” Ava couldn’t believe she’d gotten away with coming to practice with this much makeup on. The girl volleyball players were forced to scrub their faces in the locker room. For once, being the only girl worked in her favor. Coach K clearly had yet to formulate rules about eyeliner and mascara on his field. The day had gone surprisingly well, despite how ridiculous she felt. Whenever she saw Owen, she turned on the high-pitched giggles. Everything was oh so funny! Kylie had missed lunch to take a makeup quiz, and Ava and Alex had sat together at a small table near Owen. They loudly discussed the pros and cons of getting highlights and ranked their favorite stores at the mall.
