Ashley’s expression softened and she linked her arm through Ali’s as they walked together toward the suite level. “I know. But this time? It’s different. This isn’t the past.”
Ali’s smile was tentative, but it grew.
She smoothed the skirt of her navy and teal dress—one Ashley had found online from a boutique that screamed “soft game day glam” in the product description. It cinched her waist and fluttered just enough to make her feel pretty. Confident, even.
And the shoes? A pair of barely-worn, six-inch sandals she’d borrowed—stolen—from Abigail.
She had confessed the whole “wall” moment to her, flushed and breathless in her office. Abigail had smiled and told her that keeping the heels was non-negotiable.
“Claim your wins,” she’d said, “even if they start with a pair of shoes.”
Now she was wearing those shoes in a stadium she never thought she’d walk into. Not as someone’s secret. Not as a half-healed wound. As his.
The suite was glass-walled and wide open, with plush seating and a panoramic view of the field. Everything gleamed—sleek and high-end, just like everything else in Dylan’s world now.
But the first thing Ali noticed wasn’t the view or the rows of catered food.
It was Dylan’s mom.
“Ali!” Carolina McKenzie stood up with a smile that reached her warm hazel eyes, arms already open.
Ali’s breath hitched as she stepped forward. It had been ten years since they’d last seen each other. But Carolina wrapped her in a hug like no time had passed at all.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” she whispered.
“Thank you,” Ali managed, hugging her back. Her voice caught, so she blinked hard to keep the tears at bay. “So do you.”
Dylan’s dad gave her a gentler, quieter smile and a firm but affectionate side hug. “Glad you’re here, Ali.”
She nodded. “Me too.”
Then she saw her.
Kallie.
The tall, striking brunette was standing by the windows, a drink in hand and sunglasses perched atop her head. And when she turned, her signature smirk curved—not smug, but knowing. Like she remembered everything from the fundraiser too. Including the moment Ali had bolted like Cinderella without the grace.
Ali flushed instantly, heat rushing to her cheeks.
But Kallie didn’t tease. Didn’t so much as raise a brow. She just walked forward like they were old friends.
“Ali,” she said smoothly, her voice warm and confident. “Glad you made it.” Then, with a playful grin, “We’ve upgraded a lot since that fundraiser.”
Ali laughed, tension breaking in her chest. “I guess so.”
Kallie leaned in and dropped her voice just enough to make Ali feel like she was in on something. “Don’t worry. No awkward mentions of wall-related departures. Ancient history.”
Ali snorted before she could stop herself. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Come meet the others—there are a few friends of the team in here today. Players’ families, a couple of board members.” She looped her arm through Ali’s like they were already on the same page. “Let’s make you look like you’ve been doing this your whole life.”
Behind them, Ashley mouthedOh my god I love her.
Ali grinned.
Maybe she was still a little nervous. But with Dylan on the field, his people in her corner, and her girls at her back—she didn’t feel small anymore. She felt ready.
Ali sank into one of the padded armchairs, crossing her legs and letting the cool blast of air conditioning wash over her. The stadium was buzzing below, a blur of teal and navy and flashing lights, but up here in the suite, everything felt surreal. Private. Luxurious.
