That small, nagging sense of being left out.
So I paste on a polite smile.
“Well, ladies, I’m going to grab another drink.”
They all nod and wave as I slip away.
I weave through the crowd, the music is louder here near the bar.Players and staff mingle with sponsors and fans, laughter filling the air.
I glance around casually.
Just in case.
But I haven’t seen Noah all night.
And honestly?
I’m an idiot for coming here thinking maybe his flirting had meant something.
Clearly, it didn’t.
He’s probably off celebrating somewhere with people far more interesting than me.Or a woman who matches him a lot better than I ever could.
I look down at my simple wrap dress and feel silly.It’s cute, has tiny little flowers on it.
But it’s not sophisticated.Not something a woman who attracts a man like Noah wears.
I exhale slowly.
“What are you doing here, Chiara?”I mutter to myself.
It’s okay.The dress is fine.None of this matters,I tell myself before the old panic sets in.
“Hi there.”
I turn.
A short, friendly-looking man with pale skin and sandy-colored hair smiles at me.
He’s holding a drink and swaying slightly.
“Hi,” I say cautiously.
“My name’s Thomas.I work with Rugby News.I’m a line editor.Just here cause I work with a team doing a story about the Rovers.”
The stranger explains, and I just nod becauseokay.
“Oh, um, nice to meet you.”
“So what’s your name and what do you do for the Rovers?”
“I’m Chiara Giardino.I’m the team’s physical therapist.”
His eyes light up.
“Oh wow!So you like… give themmassages?”
I blink.
