She turned to spot two teammates.
“Congrats on making the team,” one said, her brown eyes full of sincerity.She ran a hand through her short black curls.“I played like crap last week, so I’m not surprised I’m staying home.My frustration with the team erupted.”
“I watched the game,” Maia said cautiously.“We didn’t look like a team.”
“It was a shitstorm,” the second woman said.She had long red hair in a tight braid.She played in the winger position, her speed impressing Maia.“The coaches will knock us into shape.Especially since they’ve shown they intend to pick the team on form.”
“I’ll be glad if I get playing time.The team doctor wants me easing into games,” Maia said.
They reached the office, and the first woman waited while Maia and the redhead collected their travel details.
“Jan, you played well on Saturday and deserve a place on the team,” Rose said as she handed over an envelope.“Maia, you’ve obviously followed the doctor’s instructions.”
“Thank you,” Maia said, accepting her envelope.“I’m looking forward to moving past the concussion restrictions.”
“No headaches?”the coach asked.
“Not for the last week.”
“See you at the airport,” the coach said.
“I’ll be there,” Maia said.
“We’re going for coffee,” Redhead said.“Do you want to come?”
“Thanks, I’d like that.”These girls were extending friendship, and she needed to reciprocate.They walked to a cafe near their training ground.The girl behind the counter greeted them with familiarity, and Maia figured they were regulars.
“We’ll take our usual,” Redhead said.
The girl turned to Maia.“What would you like?”
“I’ll have an Americano and one of those date scones.”She paid for her order before joining the two women at a table near the window.“I should confess I’ve forgotten your names,” she said.
The two women laughed.
“I’m Jan,” the redhead said.
“Rebecca,” the dark-haired woman said.
“Someone said you live at Middlemarch,” Rebecca said, interest in her voice.“How come there instead of moving to the city?You came from Auckland, right?”
“I have family ties in Middlemarch, and my boyfriend lives there.”It gave her a thrill to claim Henry as her boyfriend.
Jan nodded.“That makes sense.How long is your commute?”
“Around an hour, depending on traffic.Travel times in Auckland are much worse, so an hour doesn’t seem bad.”
“Middlemarch is small, right?”Rebecca asked.
“Yep, a country town.Lots of single farmers looking for lovely wives,” Maia added with a wink.“I was thinking I might invite everyone for a barbecue.What do you think?”
“That’s a marvelous idea, especially since some team members act like mean girls.You have done nothing wrong.Don’t let them get to you,” Jan said.
“All I want is to play rugby,” Maia said.“I love the game.The girls are stupid if they think they can win games by playing individually.”
“Preaching to the choir,” Rebecca said.“I’m looking forward to seeing if we improve after training today.It felt better.What do you think?”
Maia shrugged.“Training differs from game time where the opposition is unpredictable.”
