“I just had a phone call from a Black Ferns selector.He told me I’ve made the group of forty they’ll take to a training camp.From there, they’ll pick the team for this year.”
“That’s amazing!”London said.
“Congratulations,” Megan cried.“You’ve worked so hard.You deserve this.”
“Well done,” Jacey said.“When is the training camp?”
“I’m not sure.I haven’t checked the information yet.Gary said he’d email it to me.”
“Congratulations.”Gerard kissed her cheek.“We’re proud of you, but I’m not surprised by your selection.You’ve been playing well despite everything that’s happening around you.And you’re training, pushing yourself.You’ve made it so the selectors couldn’t ignore you.”
“I agree with everything Gerard said,” Henry added.“You deserve this chance.A toast.To Maia and her continued success.”
“Maia!”everyone chorused.
Maia smiled, her heart full of happiness and a sense of belonging she hadn’t experienced since her parents died.She’d unconsciously been searching for this completeness that came from having a safety net.People who encouraged yet wouldn’t hesitate to tell her home truths when she needed a kick in the backside.
A family.
Emotion kicked her, and happy tears flooded her eyes.
Henry moved closer, his frown only clearing when she smiled at him.
“I’m okay.Just happy.I haven’t had this support before.Not for a long time.”
“You have now,” he said gruffly, drawing her close until his larger body surrounded hers and drew comfort around her.“You have now.”
Chapter 30
Thenextmorning,Maiapulled on warm clothes suitable for running.
Henry opened his eyes, the flash of gold making her smile.His hair stuck up, and he had a cute boyish look, offset by his slight frown.“What are you doing?”
“I’m going for a light run to warm up my muscles.Besides, I’m so excited, I can’t keep still.I wonder if anyone else made the selectors’ squad?I guess I’ll find out this morning.”
“Wait, I’ll come with you.I worry about you.”
“I’m capable of using good sense and running in safe places.”She took a breath to control her irritation.Henry stressed if she was even a minute late or on her own.He meant well, but this overprotectiveness was wearying.“Stay in the warm.”
“Don’t forget you have someone harassing you.My job is to get you to your trials in one healthy piece.Besides, any time spent with you is worthwhile.”Henry slid out of bed and stretched, his arms high above his head.He must’ve caught something in her expression, and he sighed.“You think I’m overreacting.Perhaps I am, but I can’t stop until I know you’re safe.I told you about Jenny.Her ex murdered her, and I couldn’t stop him.I worry I might fail you in the same way, and I…I panic.”
Maia stared at him.“You didn’t fail Jenny.You were at a town event where everyone was having fun.The person who failed Jenny was the man who murdered her.Please remember that.I am taking care and doing everything right.Mostly I run with other people or in places that are well-frequented.”
“Please.I understand what you’re saying, but I like you.”
“Aw, you say the sweetest things,” Maia said, her gaze drawn to his splendid naked body.She fluttered her lashes.“Such a beautiful sight.”There wasnothingabout Henry that suggestedold.
“So you’ll let me run with you and help you make the team?Excellent to hear,” Henry said as he pulled on clothes.
“Okay.Okay.You’ve worn me down.”Maia laced her running shoes, fizzing inside and having difficulty keeping still.Henrylikedher.She was a lucky woman.“Even if I miss selection, I’ll be closer to my goal.It’s an opportunity to learn.”
“Given your playing form, I think you’re underestimating your chances.Stay healthy and uninjured, and you’ll be a Black Fern.I want you to grasp your dreams, so I’m crawling out of a warm bed to run with you.”
And to protect her, but she didn’t say that aloud.She’d cut him some slack because this situation must be bringing back horrendous memories for him.Maia skipped across the room and kissed Henry on the cheek.“Thank you.”
“You are welcome,” Henry said and held out his hand.“Let’s do this.”
This set the strategy for her week.She was never alone.Megan and London dropped her off at her Dunedin training and picked her up again after doing the weekly shop.She’d showered at home, gladly escaping the disquieting atmosphere of the changing room because the selectors had only picked her and Jan to attend the training camp.Some were openly envious, and team tensions resurfaced.
