“There’s a division league out east. We may check that out first,” Janie said, her nose turned up as she shot me what seemed like a dirty look.
I nodded as Aubrey still squeezed her arms around me.
“I think I know that league. Definitely a great place to play.”
“As you saw Aubrey’s talent, I think it’s good if she’s pushed a bit.”
I held in a cringe. My mother had pushed too, but for different reasons. She hadn’t been as callous about it, but I recalled with too much clarity that first taste of pressure. But I’d made friends and loved the game, and I wished the same for Aubrey.
“I don’t think I have your number,” Janie said, strolling up to Jesse and pulling out her phone. “For when the girls want to get together.”
I fought an eye roll as her voice dropped to a much more inviting and friendly octave.
“You can text Em. I know you have her number, and she’s with us most of the time. Aubrey is welcome over at our house anytime. You don’t mind if she reaches out to you, right, babe?”
“I don’t at all,” I said, fighting the smile that wanted to break out across my face. “Text me, and we can set something up.”
“Right. We should be going.” Janie grabbed Aubrey’s elbow and pulled her away from me. “Thanks again, Coach Emily.”
Aubrey waved as her mother dragged her out of the pizzeria.
“That should take care of it, right?” Jesse snickered as Janie and Aubrey made their way out.
“I guess so,babe. Unless you get slipped any casseroles on the way out.”
“Like I said, none so far. I guess after watching me drool over the coach every week, they got the hint.” He pecked my lips. “Shame. One of them made akillerbaked ziti.”
I jabbed his arm. “Imake a damn good baked ziti, but if you want to catch up with that one—” I pointed to the door “—she may still be in the parking lot.”
Maddie chatted with a couple of the girls lingering by the table as we packed everything up. When she came over to us, I still spied something in her face.
“Ready to go, kiddo?” Jesse looped an arm around Maddie’s shoulders. “Congratulations on your first completed soccer season.”
She peered up at him with a tiny smile. “Can I play again next season?”
“If you want, absolutely.” He tucked a loose hair falling out of her ponytail behind her ear.
“And Emily could be my coach?”
“I am sure Penny would let me keep you on my team,” I said, hooking my purse strap over my shoulder. “And we can practice together whenever you’d like. I made your uncle practice with me all the time.”
“But he can’t play soccer.”
“Thanks,” he said, tugging on her ponytail. “Let’s go home.” Jesse let out a yawn. “All that time watching you run back and forth has me ready for a nap.”
He took her hand and led her out the door into the parking lot. I noticed a frown pulling at her lips as she followed Jesse, her steps slow as she leaned into him.
The drive home was more of the same. Jesse and I would make a joke and try to get a laugh out of her, but all we’d managed to get was a weak smile.
“Feel like some ice cream, or are you still full on pizza?”
“I can have ice cream now?” Her brows shot up at Jesse’s question. “I don’t have to wait until tonight?”
Jesse’s gaze caught mine for a minute as he leaned into the back seat.
“It’s a special day.” He stepped out of the car and opened Maddie’s door. She seemed to perk up a little bit at the mention of ice cream, so maybe whatever was bothering her wasn’t that bad. I followed them into the house, watching as Maddie stayed close to Jesse, her eyes lingering on him while he unlocked the front door as if she was holding back something she wanted to say.
“Have a seat, ladies,” Jesse said, motioning to the kitchen table as we dropped all the soccer gear by the door. I sat next to Maddie at the table, my stomach knotting as she wrung her hands.
