Mia Campbell
Do you girls feel like coming over for the game?
Abby Anderson
Sure!
Summer Kincaid
Yeah want me to bring anything?
The chat with Liam’s friends chimes as I’m driving to the studio for a work meeting. I’m surprised they’re including me in this, to be honest, and it makes me wonder if Liam’s even told them about the space we’re taking. Maybe they don’t realize I’m still in the chat. For the time being, I continue driving and ignore the messages.
My mind is bouncing between memories of the last ten years of my life doing this job—well, five here, but ten total.
The hurdles I had to jump over, people I had to prove wrong, and really just the sheer amount of absolute bullshit I’ve had to deal with to get where I am. To get to a place and a network where I feel respected and valued. It’s not always easy, but I’m proud of the work I’ve done, the work I do, and what I know I can continue to bring. Who I may or may not be in love with should have no goddamn bearing on that. But even though it shouldn’t, doesn’t mean it won’t.
Mia Campbell
Demi, you in?
Another text chimes as I’m pulling into the parking lot. Okay, so they definitely didn’t forget I’m here. And that kind of makes me smile. Maybe I could use a girls’ night.
Sure, can you give me your address? Can I bring anything? And what time?
“This is the part where you say ‘no, Summer, you don’t look horrible in that dress.’ Good lord, what kind of friends do I have?” Summer laughs into her margarita as she passes around her cell.
“You’re obviously a ten. It’s the dress, something is off about it.” Abby shrugs and Mia points to her with an agreeing nod.
“Yeah, it’s the dress.”
All their eyes shoot to me as I’m sitting on the couch crisscrossed as the pregame is showing.
“Oh,” I say, wiping the corner of my mouth. “The color isn’t right. It’sreallyteal. Maybe do a more subtle blue, like a light blue, or swing the opposite direction and go navy blue.”
“That’s how you help, ladies.” Summer raises her eyebrows to her best friends as they sit spread out on this extra-large sectional.
Nate and Mia’s home is beautiful. It’s cozy, secluded, and filled with so much love. You can feel it as soon as you walk through the door. The pictures of the kids on the walls, the toys, the blankets, the smells—it’s amazing.
When the game starts, they all sit back and watch, commentating on different plays and the calls from the refs. I’ve never done this—sat back and watched a game with girlfriends. I watch footage all the time, but it’s usually in a room with othermen, or by myself and I’m working; not exactly just watching for fun. And watching for fun is allowing me to focus on one player.
“Oh, come on!” Summer shoots to her feet.
“The baby is sleeping,” Mia says, peeking at the monitor.
She mentioned the older two are doing a sleepover at her sister’s, and I guess going from three to one for a night is kind of like a mini vacation for parents.
“He looks so peaceful,” Abby says as she looks over Mia’s shoulder at the monitor.
Her brown hair falling over her shoulder, almost hitting the cushion with how long it is. She stares at the screen, even after Mia sets it down to meet Summer in the kitchen as they refill drinks. There’s a look on her face of sadness. A longing in her eyes maybe, and she inhales a deep breath before she sighs and looks up, catching me staring at her.
“We’ve been trying for…a long time.” She settles herself back in her seat.
“Oh.” I swallow. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Not exactly something Ford shouts in interviews.”
“Right,” I say.
