“What do I do if I run into him?”
“Do you want us to come with you?” Sophia asks.
I arch a brow. “Because you want to support me, or because you want to check out his teammates?”
“Who said I can’t do both?” she asks with a laugh. “But no, this is purely for support.”
Quinn and Ally nod.
“You guys are the best, but you don’t have to come. You’re right, though. Tinsley would love to watch her brother play, and I shouldn’t let my fears stop her from doing that.”
“Thatta girl,” Quinn says. “And if you need us, all you’ve got to do is call.”
I stare down at my phone, still hesitating.
“You don’t have to do it today if you’re not ready,” Ally says. “I’m sure Blake will understand.”
“No, it’s—” I swallow down my nerves. “I can do this.”
Before I can change my mind, I tap out a text.
Juliet: We’ll be there. Good luck, striker.
He must have been waiting for my response. His reply comes through barely a minute later.
Striker: Bring Tinsley down to the change rooms after the game. Everett will want to know she came to watch him. See you later, pixie. Thank you.
My stomach flutters with nervous anticipation at seeing Blake again.
Tinsley runs over and climbs onto the seat next to Sophia. “Mama, can I have a playdate at Alisha’s today?”
I smile at her. “How’d you like to go watch your big brother play soccer instead?”
Her face lights up. “Can I sleep over at Rett’s too?”
“Not tonight, princess. But we can organise something for another night soon.”
“Okay.” She bounces in her seat. “Can we go now?”
“Soon,” I say with a laugh. “Finish your cookie first.”
As she picks at her choc chip cookie like a little bird, I convince myself that everything will be fine. We won’t run into Edward, and Tinsley will have a fun afternoon cheering on her brother.
Chapter 18
Blake
I’m jittery as we run onto the pitch before our game against Hightower University, my gaze darting around the stands trying to spot Juliet and Tinsley. Knowing they’re here somewhere, as well as Tori, has the nerves kicking in harder than they ever have. This is my chance to prove to my sister that I’ve changed.
I force myself to focus on warming up with my teammates and running through our drills with practised ease. It’s become muscle memory at this point. The forwards set up a combination play where we cut the ball in and finish on goal, while Galdeen and our back-up goalkeeper, Zephir, take turns defending our shots. Zac’s been working with Galdeen on his game, and he looks really impressive.
When the game starts, I lock in. Hightower’s centre-back is a mouthy bastard and keeps tugging on my shirt. He’s just trying to get in my head, and I’m determined not to let him. He’s all over me in thefifteenth minute as the ball plays through our midfield, and the ref either hasn’t noticed or is letting it play out.
Releasing a frustrated growl, I twist out of his grip and make my run for the box. Doyle crosses the ball to me, and I volley it; the power behind my kick ensures the keeper has no chance of stopping it.
My heart soars as my teammates swamp me. The goal was one of the best of my soccer career, and knowing Tori and Juliet are both here to see it only adds to the euphoria bubbling in my veins.
Hightower score an equaliser just before half time, but we go into the change rooms happy with our game. Coach Johnson leaves us to get the laughing and banter out of system before calling for us to settle down.
