“Yes,” Amanda said.
After a moment of silence, the players cheered, everyone joining the celebration.
“Excellent job,” Rose said, breaking into their circle.“We still have elements to work on, but you listened at training, which makes me happy.You’re working together.Well done.”
Rose hurried off to meet with a group of men and women waiting to speak with them.
“We’ve got four hours before our flight,” one woman said.“I intend to go shopping.”
“I’m celebrating with drinks.A couple of fruity cocktails,” another said.
Maia scooped up her gear bag and jogged toward the changing rooms, hoping to grab a shower.Luck was finally on her side.After showering and dressing warmly, she pulled out her phone and called Bryce.
“Maia!I watched the second half of the game.You were awesome.”
She grinned.“Where are you?I have four hours before I have to catch my flight.
“I’m hovering outside the changing rooms and trying not to look like a perv.”
“Five minutes,” Maia promised, eager to see her friend.She packed her gear and double-checked to ensure she had missed nothing.
She found Bryce loitering outside, but he wasn’t alone.He had a redhead with him.Maia managed a smile before Bryce grabbed her in a tight embrace.
“Maia, it’s so good to see you,” he murmured against her ear.“I’ve missed you like crazy.Phone and online calls don’t cut it.”
“Missed you too,” Maia said, meaning it.Bryce was her sounding board, and they discussed everything and anything.She pulled back and smiled at the woman again.“Is there something you haven’t told me?”
“Yep.”Bryce’s grin was broad.“This is Sam.Samantha.We ran into each other in the university hall.Literally.I asked Sam out as an apology, and we’ve been dating ever since.”
“Sam, I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Bryce talks about you a lot.”
“I was going to drag Bryce off shopping,” Maia said.“But I won’t subject you to that.”
Bryce and Sam shared a look, and the intimacy between the pair surprised Maia.Bryce had always flitted from one woman to the next.He had a knack for remaining friends, but none remained in his bed for long.
“As long as you feed me, I’ll tag along.Why don’t we go to Sylvia Park?That’s nearer the airport, but it’s a great shopping center, and you should find everything you need.We can eat at the food court.”
“If you’re sure, that works for me,” Maia said.“Bryce?”
“My two favorite women together.What’s not to like?”
Bryce and Samantha dropped her at the airport, and Bryce gave her another tight hug.
“I like Sam,” Maia whispered.“You should keep her.”
“I intend to,” Bryce said.
Maia hugged Sam, too, before heading off to join her team.She’d purchased a suitcase and filled it with clothes, so she checked in by herself.
The flight home seemed endless.Maia ached from several hard tackles.It was a minor issue, but she craved a hot shower and Henry, in that order.
She pulled out her e-reader and immersed herself in a book.Once the plane landed, she took longer because she had to wait for her bag.She spotted Henry immediately, and he bore a scowl.
“Sorry for the delay,” she said.“Bryce and Sam took me shopping, and I bought a suitcase to pack my purchases inside.”
“Who’s Sam?”Henry said, his voice close to a growl.
