“Half the people in Middlemarch heard you,” Maia said, her heart instantly lighter.“I’m sorry.I’m feeling down and not thinking straight.When I started playing rugby and learned I had talent, I wanted to push myself and play at the highest level.It’s disappointing I won’t manage it this year, but I can try again.The game has given me purpose.I’ve done well and have to remember that.”
“This decision doesn’t mean you must end your rugby involvement.You love the game, right?So go into coaching or start a local team.Coach the school team.The kids love you already.You know, you could always speak with Megan.She used to be a sports reporter and was up for a top job.Her management replaced her with a younger woman.Megan ended up in Middlemarch to emcee a local tournament.She met Jacey and stayed.”
“Truly?”
“Yes,” Henry said as he turned into the driveway.“Ask her tonight.She’ll tell you the story.”
“And she writes books, like me.”
“Another fortunate coincidence.All I’m trying to say is you have other options.Though not what you desire, these alternatives are solid.Plus, I’ll have you here at my side, and we can talk about our wedding.”
“And you still haven’t proposed,” Maia said, but the joke fell flat when it felt like she was fighting a losing battle, her rugby dream slipping from her grasp.
Chapter 35
HenrydroveMaiatothe appointment with Gavin’s friend for her psych evaluation.On arrival, Maia asked if Henry could observe.
“Henry, you can sit over there but can’t join our conversation.Can you do that?”The doctor grinned, but Henry could tell he meant it.
“Sure,” Henry said.He’d hear their discussion without difficulty, anyway.
The consultation began, and Henry listened to Maia’s calm, even responses with pride.No one in their right mind could accuse her of having problems.He and their friends knew this, and Henry thought Gavin’s ex would say the same by the end of the consultation.
At the end of an hour, the doctor told her he could confidently give her a favorable report.He would email a copy to the rugby board and cc her.
“What did I tell you?”Henry asked.
“I wonder if they ask Amanda to jump through the same hoops.”
Once they arrived home, Henry made a point of keeping Maia busy.She went to the local primary school and coached Levi’s team.While she was there, the netball coach asked if she’d help to get her players fitter because the boys and girls in the rugby team sang her praises.
Later that night, Maia’s phone rang while they were eating dinner.
“Answer it,” Jacey said when she hesitated.
Maia’s heart sank on recognizing the phone number.The selector.She steeled herself for bad news, closing her eyes seconds after she hit the button to accept the call.“Hello,” she said, praying she could hold her emotions together.
“Maia,” the man said, “I confirm you have a place at the upcoming training camp.Unfortunately, your team’s decision to stand you down means no game time.That’s problematic.”
“Oh,” Maia said, unsure where he was going with this.Luckily, she was healing well, and Gavin had expressed his satisfaction with her recovery.
“If you can find a local team to play for, we might give you a pass.Actually… Just a moment.”Maia heard him speaking with someone before he came back on the line.“Come to the camp, and we’ll talk more, but my friend coaches at Christchurch.They’ve had injury problems this season.Would you be interested in a short-term contract with them if we could set it up?”
Maia glanced at Henry, unsure how he’d take this, but he gave a definitive nod.“Yes, I’d be willing to do that.”
“Excellent.The camp is in Wellington, and I’ll email you the travel details.”
“What about my current club?Won’t they object?”she asked.
“Don’t worry.I’ll take care of that.Avoiding their training sessions and games is best for the foreseeable future.We don’t want them to accuse you of leaking team strategy.”
“Okay.Thank you.”She hung up with a grin.“I’m attending camp!”Her phone rang again, and she pulled a face on seeing the number.She considered not answering, but that wasn’t professional.“Hello, Maia speaking.”
“Ms.Jacobs, this is Barry Curtis on the rugby board.We received your psych evaluation this afternoon and already have feedback from the team doctor.I’m afraid, given the results, we are terminating your contract as of today.”
“P-pardon?”Maia said, shock giving her a one-two punch in the gut.There was nothing wrong with her mental state!
“You’re not a suitable team player.Please return your uniform plus sponsored supplies in the next seven days, and you will receive your final wages.I’m sorry it came to this, Ms.Jacobs, because you’re a talented player.Part of your obligation to the club is to show professionalism and be a role model for younger players coming through the ranks.We’re not seeing that from you.”
