Henry barked out a laugh.“I’m surprised you wanted to return to Middlemarch.”
“A little was revenge, but once I received my contract and needed to find somewhere to live, I thought of Middlemarch.It’s an okay commute, and the countryside appealed.When I looked at the properties for rent and sale, I saw my aunt’s house.I made an offer, and they accepted.It had been on the market for six months, and they were glad to be rid of the house.I got a fantastic deal.”
Silence fell between them, and Maia stared out the window at the passing scenery.The shopping center gave way to warehouses, then private residences.Soon, they were driving through the green countryside with hedges obscuring the view.
“When considering Middlemarch, I thought of you and your dogs.”She frowned, recalling the slight yearning that had twisted her heart.It hadn’t been like her to sign the contract without a viewing, but since it passed an inspection, she had.The house’s condition hadn’t been terrible.Sure, the kitchen needed remodeling, but it was liveable.
“I’m glad you came,” Henry said, breaking into her musing.
“The first time you spotted me, you ran away.”She studied him, fascinated when a faint tide of red swept up his neck.Maia thought he’d ignore her comment, but he slowed the car and pulled over on a wide shoulder.
“You’re much younger than me.You’re at an age where you should go to parties, interact with different people, and learn what you want from your life.I’m past that stage.”He closed his eyes as if steeling himself to continue.“I’m happy with where I’m at with my business and my life.”
“But you’re lonely.”
“Yes, but that’s not a good reason to force you into a mold of my design.”
Maia chortled.“Listen to yourself and credit me with intelligence.Middlemarch is full of smart women creating opportunities for themselves.Megan writes her books.London has her online admin and her committee work.Isabella is a powerhouse and does varied things from personal training to fitness classes and helping Caroline in her dress shop.Then there’s Emily with the cafe.Emily is one with her finger on the pulse.That husband of hers might be big and strong, but he’s putty in her hands.Those are a few of the local women I’ve met, and I wouldn’t call one of them dull or stuck in a mold.”
“I want children,” Henry said.
“So do I, but not right away.I intend to play rugby as long as I can and my dream is to play for the Black Ferns.My plan is for about five years of rugby before any children.You’ll still be young enough to run around with your sons and daughters.Jacey is a fantastic father, and there’s a huge age gap between you and your stepbrother.”
Henry released a chuckle and shook his head.“Levi was a surprise for Dad and Megan.Not planned.”
“But everyone in the house loves that little boy.He’s blooming.Our kids would do the same.”
“I’d like to think so.”Henry restarted his vehicle.
Maia stared.There was something he wasn’t telling her.She considered pushing, but something pulled her back.Now wasn’t the time.Their relationship was new, and she learned things about Henry every day.No, she’d bide her time and let events fall as they may, even though her curiosity would turn rampant.She liked puzzles, and solving them was her specialty.
Chapter 19
Thefirsttrainingsessionwith her team was strange.The girls acted standoffish.Maia shrugged it off and continued the drills, listening to the coaches’ advice and learning their different plays and set pieces.The team captain played the same position as Maia, but Maia was flexible, not minding where the coaches put her.
After a two-hour session, which Maia was pleased she’d come through easily, the two coaches called them together.
Cameron took the lead, reading from his clipboard while Rose jogged toward her car.“Our next game is on Sunday afternoon in Wellington.I’ll read off the team and the three reserve players.”
Several girls, including their captain, let out celebratory cries when Cameron called their names.
As Maia expected, she was on the bench.The doctor wouldn’t clear her for an entire game for a while.
“If I read out your name, drop by the coaching office before you leave, and we’ll issue your travel documents and schedule.Superb session, everyone.You’re working together.That’s what we need on Sunday.If you see an unmarked player in the clear, pass.None of this ball hogging.”Cameron’s mouth firmed as he scanned faces.“This is a team game.There is noIin team.”
Once the coaches left, some grumbled about his comments.
Maia ignored this while wishing the girls were more accepting of the new kid.Her Auckland team hadn’t been this cliquey and had socialized off the field.Maybe she would invite everyone to her place for a barbecue and drinks.If she asked, perhaps they could try the obstacle course London had told her they had used for a zombie run.Yeah, she had plenty of room, and the girls could stay the night if they wanted.
She’d ask Henry for his opinion and speak with Isabella and London.She could invite her Middlemarch friends.Use the party as a housewarming exercise.
Maia trailed the team into the dressing rooms.Steam, floral shampoo, and feminine chatter filled the air.Maia decided to shower later and changed into warm track pants, a dry T-shirt, and an old university sweatshirt before packing her dirty clothes.
“See you on Sunday,” she called, smiling brightly.
A few girls shouted farewell, but the majority continued talking amongst themselves.Maia maintained her pleasant expression and left, making her way to the coaches’ office.
“Maia, wait up!”someone called.
