“Noted.” I nod, my eyes briefly flashing to the other women who are currently ignoring my presence. “It’s lovely to meet you all.”
“Likewise.” The woman Hayley said was Amelia steps forward, bouncing a beautiful little girl on her left hip. “I’m Amelia, Luke Bennett’s wife, and this is our daughter, Juliet.” Juliet smiles, burying her face in her mother’s shoulder, and I can’t help but laugh.
Of the four women, Amelia’s the most casually dressed, wearing a Storm jersey and boyfriend jeans. She doesn’t stand out as much as the others, but there’s a spark in her eyes that makes me want to get to know her.
The next woman to step forward has to be a model. She’s tall with perfect features, her brown hair pulled sleekly off her face to highlight her sharp cheekbones and flawless complexion—and come to think of it, she looks familiar. “I’m Easton’s girlfriend, Paige,” she announces, her warm smile making her a little more approachable as she pulls me into a hug. Paige. Paige. Wait. Paige D’Angelo. I’ve seen her in magazines. I can’t believe I never made that connection when Zane was talking about the team’s owner.
“Fiancée,” Hayley says from behind me, interrupting my thoughts. “She’s Easton’sfiancée.”
Paige giggles, brushing her off. “It’s still fairly new.”
“It’s been months.”
“Okay.” Paige raises her hands in the air, winking at Hayley. It’s easy to see they have a close friendship. And with the way Amelia and Lainey laugh, I’d say they’re all pretty tight.
I wait for my stomach to knot, realizing I’ve walked into some kind of sisterhood of the football playing partners, but that’s not what happens. Instead of making me uncomfortable, it has the opposite effect, and a weight lifts. This is what I thought being a football wife would be like. This is what I was craving with both of Nathan’s teams. This friendship, comradery.
God, I hope they actually watch the game.
I get properly introduced to Lainey next, Thomas Kelly’s wife, and marvel at her stunning teal hair.
“I usually keep it pink or purple,” she tells me. “But Thomas has been begging me to match the team colors foryears,and since this is his last season, I finally obliged.”
I laugh as the girls fall into easy conversation, with me nodding along. But when cheers ring out in the stadium below us, my attention shifts.
My heart jolts as I contemplate breaking away from the group, but the panic doesn’t get a chance to set in when Hayley squeals, rushing over to the windows. “It’s go time. Here’s to another win.”
Without a discussion, they all spin around and beeline for the glass, their priorities changing the second the men hit the field, while the other three women continue to talk over near the drinks.
While it’s exactly what I wanted, it takes a second for it to all sink in, and my eyes water.Is this real?Please don’t let it betoo good to be true. Because right now, it feels like some kind of good karma, and I’m not sure I deserve it.
As promised, Lucy joins us at the start of play, and just like me, she and the rest of the girls are hooked on the game. We spend the entire time yelling at refs, cheering on the men, joking about the high levels of testosterone. Even Paige, who claims to have no clue about football, calls out when she thinks the Storm has been wronged.
I may have watched with my chest tightening to uncomfortable levels, but my heart was full, and I don’t think I’ve ever met a group of people more welcoming. It’s almost hard to believe.
The final whistle blows with the Storm winning by six points, and we celebrate in the suite until it’s time to head down to meet the guys.
Hayley links her arm through mine as we walk, her smile exuding comfort, and it feels like I’ve known her for years.
“How would you like us to play it down there?” she asks, turning to give me her full attention. “Did you and Zane talk about it?”
“We did. I’m actually heading back to his place now, instead of waiting for him. It’s easier that way.” Hayley pouts and I can’t help but laugh. “It’s okay. I’m used to it. We had to hide our relationship once before. When we were younger.”
“But you’re adults now.”
“I know, but I just broke up with my boyfriend and—”
“You don’t have to justify it to me. I get it. I’m just bummed I don’t get to hang out with you. Actually—” She pulls me to a stop,spinning abruptly. “What do you say we have a welcoming party for Blair this week?” she asks the others, and I panic.
“Oh. Uh…that would be lovely but I have to go back to LA.” And I’m not sure that Zane’s ready for that. He filled me in on the tension he caused with his teammates, and I’d say it’s still a work in progress.
“Damn. Next time then. When will you be back?”
Despite having an answer, the question stills me. I don’t think it’s quite hit me that I’m moving here, somewhere, to work at Heartwood U. “I’ll be back soon. I’m starting work with Lucy next month.”
“Amazing. Let Jenna know we’re throwing you a party when you’re here. It will be great to spend time with you both.”
“I will, thanks. She’ll love that.”
