Tasha sat on my left side and Josie to my right. Lydia was now beside her instead of Wyatt. Mila and Evelyn stayedwhere they were above but close enough to still be part of any conversation.
“That’s better. Now we can talk without the guys in the way.” Tasha crossed her long tan legs, turning in her seat to face me.
I shifted, feeling a bit intimidated surrounded by these women. They were all gorgeous and insanely successful, but they were also Mateo’s favorites, which further added to the intimidation factor.
“Tell us about you.”
“Um, what would you like to know?”
“Whatever you feel comfortable sharing,” Josie said beside me.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. It was like I was about to stand in front of a classroom and tell everyone three fun facts about myself.
“Emmie.” A hand touched my shoulder, and a soft laugh came next. “You don’t need to be nervous. I promise we won't bite,” Mila said from behind.
“We don’t mean to come off so strong. It’s just not often another woman shows up for us to talk to,” Tasha added on.
I smiled nervously. “That makes me feel a little like I’ve wandered into a lion's den.”
“Not a den. More like a very nosy support group,” Tasha laughed. “Think of this as an interview.”
“Interview?” I echoed.
Tasha nodded seriously. “Basic questions. Favorite color, snack, and if you’re extremely competitive.”
“You’re seated next to the most competitive family you’ll ever meet so you probably need to prepare yourself,” Josie cut in.
“Things seem calm now, but by the second quarter, someone will be yelling at the refs. By halftime, someone willbe arguing about stats, and by the fourth, we’re all emotionally invested,” Tasha explained.
“Is this just the guys or?” I questioned with an eyebrow raised.
“Josie is the loudest of the bunch,” Tasha said.
“Hey!”
“Want me to revisit why we banned hockey in the apartment all those years ago?” Josie mumbled something in response as Tasha continued. “Then probably the guys. Mila is up there when it's a hockey game, though.”
“I feel no shame about it,” Mila remarked.
“And you?” I asked. The more they talked, the more at ease I felt. There was a certain air about them that just made you comfortable, like you were already part of the group.
“Me? Oh, I sit around and judge everyone while eating snacks.” Tasha shrugged. I laughed at that.
“So, where are you on the scale?” Josie probed.
“I’m a little competitive.” The understatement of the year. “Having a football coach as a dad will do that.”
Tasha gave a nod of approval. “You’re gonna fit right in.”
A smile tugged at my lips. It was like I just passed a test.
“Are you still in school?” Mila asked a moment later.
“No, I'm a figure skater,” I answered.
“Oh, so you wear those gorgeous outfits on the ice!” The excited gleam on Mila’s face made me chuckle.
“I do.”
