“This is my roommate, Marissa,” Janice said in a robotic tone.
Giselle smiled and exchanged a greeting with Marissa, who then dove back into her popcorn.Remorse rushed over Giselle as the girls appeared to be a couple.Does the shower incident mean anything?Not to me, as I’d rather forget about it.But I hope it doesn’t cause trouble for them.Or maybe they’re not together?Open relationship?Eh, not my business.
“Thanks for the seat,” she said to Janice.“I just got here, unfortunately.Looks like it’s been a good match so far.”
“Yeah, I’m impressed by some of the play from both sides,” Janice responded, her eyes focused on the field.“Really, any one of these teams could have been in the finals.”She glanced at Giselle.“Even the Rapids.”
Giselle smirked.“Who do you think we have a better chance at defeating?”
Janice scanned the field again, her brow furrowed in thought.“Number eight and eleven on Infinity would give you trouble.Their team’s passing is crisp and effective, but too slow on attack.Blue Crush has great movement on their offense, but their midfielders are lacking on support.Their goalkeeper is a damn wall.”She paused for a moment.“I think the Rapids would do better against Infinity.”
“Then that’s who I’ll cheer for,” Giselle remarked.“Thanks for the eval, sideline reporter.”The barest hint of a smile appeared on Janice’s face.“What about the Bolts?Are you prepared to face the Lancers for the championship?”
The girl shrugged.“Ready as we’ll ever be.My knee has been acting up, so I hope it’ll be fine for the final next week.For now, I’m enjoying this match and supporting the league.Great crowd tonight.”
Giselle looked away toward the field.Janice’s statement mirrored her own thoughts about desiring to do better as a player and league representative.However, Janice already understood her role.Having punched a ticket to the county championship, the Bolt now provided her free time and attention to support the losers bracket—including the Rapids—and the fans.
Giselle abruptly having an epiphany about her own part to play made her “late to the game”, so to speak.She experienced another twinge of shame, and she admired the hardened Janice for contributing and stepping up in support of the league.
The two fell silent as the game absorbed them.Apart from the great action, Giselle also watched Tony as the linesman flew up and down the field.He waved the flag when appropriate and backed up the head ref in a busy match.For the most part—as she still felt robbed on the offsides call—she judged Tony’s signals as fair and accurate.
When the final whistle blew, the Blue Crush had prevailed after a late score.Giselle dreaded taking on the tough Crush, but excitement also burned in her gut.She loved this sport, and her continued passion fueled desire to set foot on the pitch.
She bid farewell to Janice and Marissa, then hurried to the parking area.Feeling like a giddy child up to no good, Giselle hid behind a tree in the strip of grass next to the lot.She waited several minutes before spotting Tony heading for his car.
He approached his vehicle and stopped cold when noticing the muddy ball on the hood.Giselle slapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh.Tony pulled out the note first.After reading it, his shoulders rose and fell in a sigh.He lifted the windshield wiper and picked up the ball, then darted glances around the area.
Observing his comical scowl, Giselle pressed her body against the trunk as his head swiveled in her direction.She covered her mouth again, not daring to breathe.
After a minute, she heard the engine roar to life.The gritty sound of tires on asphalt followed as he pulled out of the space.She peeked around the tree and saw him driving away a little faster than he should be.Visualizing his irritated face, she finally released the restrained laugh stirring in her chest.
Chapter Four
The Silent War
Two days later, Giselle rolled into the auto dealership having plenty of time to spare.She had made it a point to leave her apartment ten minutes earlier so she could purchase a coffee in the drive-thru, chitchat with Ralph before starting the work day, and arrive at her desk devoid of boss drama.
Sipping her hot white chocolate mocha, she strolled into the showroom building and greeted the other employees ready to start their shift.She spoke to Ralph, and they discussed her upcoming game against the Blue Crush.
“Sounds exciting,” he said.“You’ll score four goals, easy.”
Giselle laughed.“As a striker, I’ll be lucky to get one.I heard their goalie is a beast.”
Nigel’s voice boomed as he approached the pair.“That doesn’t sound like a car sales topic.”His suit appeared too small for his frame, his pasty face poking from the gray jacket.“Get to work, both of you.”
We still have five minutes before the shop opens, Ding Dong head.Giselle bit her tongue, not wanting to provoke the jerk any more than necessary.She smiled at Ralph before heading to her office.“We’ll catch up later.”
Nigel seemed satisfied.He glowered at his employees, then turned and left the area.
Giselle barely stepped into her office when Ralph returned, his voice low as if Nigel might rush back to reprimand them.“Oh!I almost forgot.A friend of yours dropped by right before you arrived.He delivered a box of cupcakes from Brandy’s Bakery and insisted on setting them up on your desk as a surprise.I let him into your office, I hope that’s okay.”
“A delivery by a friend?”she asked, puzzled.“I sure as heck wasn’t expecting anything.”
Ralph laughed.“That’s what a surprise is, silly goose.”
Giselle grinned.“I guess you’re right.I’ll give you one of the cupcakes for your trouble.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about!”Ralph exclaimed, then smiled and left her alone.
