“What a game,” Pippa said, speaking around the people queuing between them. She smiled at the man and woman and indicated they could jump ahead of her. “Imogen is having the best time to have a game like that.”
“Oh, why’s that?” Rosa asked, not having any clue about the timing.
“Did you not see who’s here?” Pippa laughed at their blank faces. “Okay, so, Nora Brady, Sammy-Jo Costa, and Gabby Dean are watching.”
Rosa still looked non-plussed.
“Gabby owns Bath Street Harriers. The women’s football team.”
“Oh, that’s…” Rosa was at a loss. “What does it mean, though?”
Billy chuckled. “It means, if they like what they see, they might invite Imogen, or the other players, to come along for a trial.”
Pippa shrugged. “Georgia knows Gabby from the Businesswoman lunches. She’s been trying to get them to come to a game for ages. Today seems to be the day.”
“I did wonder what all the excitement was about. Imogen will be over the moon. I’ve heard her talk about Nora… What was her name?”
“Brady,” Billy answered. “She was in the England squad.”
“So, you think Imogen has a chance?”
“Her performance today won’t do her any harm.” Pippa grinned, turning just in time to find herself at the front of the queue. “Two coffees, please, and two hot chocolates.”
Billy nudged Rosa. “I think we might have the next Lioness on our hands.”
Rosa frowned. “I have no idea what that means.”
Chapter fifty-three
At the final whistle, once Imogen had finished celebrating with her team, she dashed across the pitch to her parents.
“Mums!” she gasped, throwing an arm around each of them and pulling them both in until they were almost cheek to cheek. “Did you see my goal?”
“Of course we did.” Billy laughed as they were finally released from Imogen’s grip. Rosa was blushing, and Billy had to look away just in case she gave Imogen any clue.
“You were brilliant, darling,” Rosa offered. “And what a day to put in that kind of performance,” she added, sounding as though she knew what she was talking about.
Billy raised a brow at her and almost laughed.
“What?” Imogen said, just before her name was shouted across the pitch. They all turned and found her coach waving her over. Beside him stood three very well-dressed people.
“Oh my God, is that—”
Billy leaned in, confirming, “Yep, and it looks like they want to talk to you.”
“It’s Nora Brady,” Imogen said, dumbfounded.
“Come on, let’s see what they want.” Rosa took charge, leading them all across the field. “And then we’ll go out and celebrate with lunch,” she said, looking between Imogen and Billy, “as a family.”
Imogen grinned and put her arm through Rosa’s. “Thank you. It means everything to me.”
“We know,” Rosa said, pulling her closer.
Billy nodded at Rosa in silent agreement.
“This is Imogen,” Coach said as they came within earshot. He turned to Imogen, telling her, “Ms Dean would like a quick word with you.”
“If that’s okay,” Gabby said, stepping forward. The woman was all blonde hair and glamour, wrapped up in an award-winning smile. She shook everyone’s hand.
