Tyler Practice started the same way it always did. Sneakers squeaking across the gym, balls bouncing from different angles, the guys talking and chuckling when they could, and coach’s whistle shrieking whenever he barked orders. But none of it calmed the storm raging inside me, or kept my mind focused. This time, the cheer squad weren’t even there on the sidelines, forgetting to gossip in low tones. But because my brain had decided to replay three steady things on a loop. Sydney’s smile at Dean, her cheeks flushing in class. And then Dean’s sick ass voice. “Girl’s too easy. Trusts easily, too.” Whistle shrieked across the court. “Warm up!” Coach yelled. The guys jogged to their spots, balls thumping across the court. They stretched, laughed, and ran on the spot. But for some rea

