April 3rd, Thursday. Iron Vault Arena. Nine o'clock sharp.
The Roarers' starting five was the same familiar lineup—Ryan, Darius, Malik, Kamara, Gibson. Omar, who'd stepped into the starting role for the Krakens game, was back on the bench, towel draped over his knees, sitting quiet. Whoever's spot it was, it was still his.
Front row, courtside, Palmer was there.
Iron City's wealthiest man, and the Roarers' most die-hard fan. Long before the buyout was even a whisper, he'd been the team's loudest supporter, that courtside seat all but his by default. Now, with the team about to be a Palmer team, he showed up more often than ever. Beside him, Chloe, in that No. 0 jersey, threw a small clenched fist out toward the floor. Ryan returned it—a little shake against his hip.
The ref tossed the ball into the air.
Malik rose high, fingertips nearly brushing the rafters, won the tip clean, and tapped it back to Ryan.
The game was on.
