“Well, one of us finally deserved to, don’t you think?” Cole prodded, making Hailey think of that one night they all attempted to play spin the bottle. What an epic mess that was.
The three of them cracked up until Hailey and Avery took another look around in amazement.
“How’d you guys organize this?” Avery asked.
“I called yesterday to talk to Mick, the owner, and explained the situation and how his very good customers were experiencing true happiness. All I had to do was promise to clean up, but we’re absolutely doing drinks after this game. Even the other team wants in. I had them at beer and noisemakers. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to vacuum before our game starts.”
Cole wandered off around the corner before returning with a vacuum and getting right to work, while everyone else started to get ready for the game.
Abby and Elena walked over next to offer their congrats. Well, Elena walked, Abby flew, and suddenly Hailey had a face full of blonde curls as Abby ensnared her in a big bear hug.
“I’m so happy for you. You deserve someone who isgoing to treat you as well as you should be treated. This is like a fairy tale!” Abby took a step back from the hug but kept her hands on Hailey’s arms.
“Are you going to be okay leaving him for so long when we go to Italy? You’re finally together and I feel like we’re stealing you!”
“Oh my gosh, you’re not stealing me. I think we can handle twelve days apart,” Hailey said.
“Yeah, because I’ll be here waiting when she gets back. But, I would like dibs on the next vacation,” Avery said while grinning at Hailey.
“Don’t worry, we wouldn’t crash someone’s honeymoon,” Elena added helpfully,
Hailey’s face flushed at the idea. She knew Avery was thinking seriously about the future, but to think it could happen so fast left her a little too lightheaded for her comfort, especially since they were about to play soccer.
“Okay, okay. Let’s get ready to play!” Hailey said before plopping down on the ground to switch out her shoes and stretch a bit.
Avery settled next to her to do the same and leaned over so no one else could hear him.
“I am gonna miss you while you’re gone, you know?” he said, with what looked like an unsure look on his face.
She reached over to squeeze his hand before lacing up her indoor cleats.
“I know. I’m gonna miss you too. But, I’m going to get an international data plan and send you pictures of everything I see and one day we’ll go back there together.”
His face softened and he seemed to relax a bit. “I like the sound of that. You can find all the best places to eat ahead of time.” He offered with a wink.
Hailey was definitely the most excited for the Italian food. Sure, there was the beautiful architecture, art, music, nightlife. But, food trumped all of those things.
“I’m going to eat so much pizza and pasta. Hope you still like me when I come back ten pounds heavier.
She felt Avery’s hand reach her chin as he gently turned her to face him.
“You could gain one hundred pounds. I loveyou, not your body. Okay, so I do love your body a lot, too, obviously.” Hailey giggled. “But, that’s not why I’ve wanted to be with you forever. It’s your soul. You’re my soulmate and I’ll love you no matter what you look like.”
Hailey absolutely melted at Avery’s sweet words. That was certainly not how things had been with Gage, or even her mother. She felt like so much of her worth was based on her looks. But, with Avery, she wouldn’t have to worry about that.
Somehow, knowing Avery loved her for more than her looks made her feel more beautiful. Especially with the way he was looking at her. That was a man who knewwhat he wanted and what he wanted most was her. Suddenly, she was a lot more hopeful for the rest of her life.
———————————
The game was one of the most fun games Hailey had ever played. The pre-game festivities left both teams in a playful mood and they were constantly laughing with each other and cheering for each other. Thank goodness they were playing the blue team tonight, instead of that green team full of monsters. It would have been a way less relaxing game.
Hailey enjoyed it even more when Avery set her up for a goal off her head, and when the ball connected with the back of the net, he was the first one to reach her, lifting her off the ground and spinning her before laying a quick peck on her lips. Trotting off back to their side of the field, she heard him say, “That’s my new favorite way to celebrate. Hope you don’t mind.”
It wasn’t just the running around that had Hailey flushing. “I think I could handle that.”
By the time they reached the post-game celebration at their go-to bar, everyone was in a good mood. The game was tight, but laid back as each team traded goals all night. The Cherry Stems came out on top, but it didn’tsour the blue team from the idea of joining theirs for post-game drinks.
They pulled a bunch of tables together and there was a mix of red and blue jerseys. A cute guy with blond hair seemed to have an eye for Elena and Hailey noticed him pull his chair a little closer to her as he sat himself down. That’s when she heard a soft growl and turned to Cole just in time to see him shake a scowl off his face.
