“Everyone!I found her!”
I barely have time to react before she deposits me into a little cluster of women gathered around a tall cocktail table.
“You know Caro and Dani,” Finley says, pointing.
Caroline smiles warmly while Dani—who I know from the PR office—raises her glass in greeting.
“Hey, have you met Annabeth?She’s married to Luca.”
Annabeth beams at me.“Nice to finally meet you!I’ve heard about you.”
“Hopefully nothing bad,” I say with a laugh.
“Oh, please,” Dani says.“We’re just thrilled someone competent is keeping these maniacs from destroying themselves.”
“Speak for yourself,” Caro adds.“I kind of enjoy the chaos.”
We all laugh.
The conversation flows easily after that.
Drinks appear.
Snacks, too—thank fuck.
Stories get shared.
They tell me about the team, about Consequence, about the insane schedules and the road trips and the weird little traditions the Rovers have developed over the years.
It’s nice.
Really nice.
I hadn’t expected to feel so welcomed.
But slowly, one by one, their men drift over.
Tank wraps an arm around Dani and kisses her temple.
Luca murmurs something in Annabeth’s ear that makes her laugh.
Koa slides in beside Finley, his hand immediately finding hers.
And Coach Dane pulls Carolina off to somewhere more secluded.
Suddenly, I feel like the world’s most awkward extra.
A fifth wheel at a very happy couples’ party.
Which is ridiculous.
I’m a grown woman.
I like my independence.
But something inside me twists anyway.
I hate that feeling.
