“Oh, no. I stand with you. Women are treated like shit in sports and most often they’re better athletes, yet make way less. It’s unfair.”I could see her eyes twinkling through the phone.“Ijust love how supportive you are of your girlfriendddd.”Josie dragged out the word, making me groan.
“Josie.”
“Come on, let me have my moment to tease you about having one. I feel like a proud mom watching her baby grow up.”
“Having the woman that was supposed to be my wife compare me to a child doesn’t really feel great.” I fell back against the couch. Josie shook her head at my antics.
“I mean it, Mateo. It’s cute how upset and protective you are of her. I bet she appreciates having you by her side. It can’t be easy in her sport.”
“It’s definitely more cutthroat than I ever thought.” I let out a sigh. “Sorry for calling and ranting to you.”
“Don’t apologize, I'm happy to listen any time.”I returned the soft smile she sent me.“You leave soon to go to the arena?”
“Yeah, but now I’m contemplating if I should bring a sign or something. HaveEmmie Jamesisthe bestwritten on it.”
Josie laughed at that.“While that is a very sweet gesture, you just being there today will mean more to her. There is nothing that compares to someone showing up for what you love most.Thatis something she will remember, Mateo,”Josie advised.
I wasn’t sure Emmie would appreciate me waving a banner with her name all over it.
“You’re right.”
“But, you can still yell louder than anyone else when she comes out.”Josie grinned.
“Now that, I can do.”
She let out a light sigh, expression soft as she gazed at me through the phone.“I always knew you’d make a great boyfriend, Mateo.”
“Jo, babe, I think it’s a little late for us. I’m taken now,” I joked.
“In another life, we would’ve been unstoppable,”Josie teased on back. The two of us shared a look, years of history andinside jokes stretching between us. The sound of Jayden calling her name cut through the moment.
“I better let you go. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Sounds good. Call me anytime, I mean it.”
I nodded. “I will. Tell the kids I said hi.”
With one last smile, I ended the call and sat there for another minute before pushing to my feet. I unstrapped the ice pack from my shoulder as I made my way to the fridge.
Josie was right. Showing up was what mattered. And by god, I was going to show up for her.
I hadn’t anticipatedparking to be this crazy at Ackles Arena.It took me ten laps around the lot to finally snag a spot. All around me, fans were weighed down with blankets and jackets, headed for the front doors. I was suddenly grateful I snagged a thicker coat before I left my apartment.
I followed the sea of people, earning me a few inquiring looks. I could tell some were trying to place where they saw me while others were openly curious at the tall guy amongst so many women. Although, there were quite a bit of men as well.
With a small line forming at the security gates, I found myself curious who everyone was here for. I leaned forward toward a mom and daughter standing in front of me.
“Who are you guys here to root for?” I found myself asking. I was never the shy type, so going up to random strangers and making conversation didn’t bother me.
The daughter, who looked to be about eleven, turned around with an excited grin. “I’m here to see Emmie James!”The girl practically bounced on her toes as she spoke. “She’s like the greatest skater of all time.”
I grinned at the way she said it. Because hell yeah, that’smy girl.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to get tickets,” her mom explained as her daughter nodded along.
“That’s exciting!”
“What about you?” the daughter asked. From the way both of them looked at me, they clearly didn’t know who I was, which I was grateful for. I could act like a proud boyfriend.
