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“No,” Beth said. “We’re both out of football right now.”

“What?” Jenna looked between them. “The toughest centre-back and the best coach I’ve ever played with, and you’ve both quit?” She lowered her voice. “Shit, don’t tell my manager I said that.”

Carly smiled. “Your secret’s safe. No need to flatter us.”

“It’s not flattery. It’s fact. I bet you’re missing playing.” Jenna’s eyes brightened. “We’ve got space in the squad, and it’s super friendly. Come and meet everyone!”

She moved to lead them away, but neither Carly nor Beth followed.

Carly had no intention of being recruited into whatever crisis Jenna wanted solved. She had enough rescues on the go already.

“You’re right,” Carly said. “I do miss playing.”

Her gaze caught on a framed team photo nearby, rows of women in royal blue smiling beneath the words League Winners. She loved winning. She did not love the politics.

“And I miss you,” she added, “but you’re the exception to the rule.”

“Not here,” Jenna said. “Everyone’s like me.”

“Can the world take that?” Beth asked.

“Probably not, but the world could use more of my positivity. And that’s what we’ve got at The Blues.” Jenna dropped her voice again. “If you ignore the results.”

Carly took a sip of her drink. “Still competitive, then. How bad is it?”

Jenna looked directly at her. “How bad would it have to be for you to train on Wednesday?”

“Catastrophic.”

“In that case, I don’t mind telling you we’re struggling since we went up a division. I bagged a great new keeper, but without her, God knows. Our defence is a mess. We need a strong centre-back to take charge. Know anyone?”

Behind them, the toilet door opened.

Carly didn’t need to turn fully. A flash of short blonde hair was enough. Lauren slipped past, heading towards the pool table, and Carly’s grip tightened around her glass.

So Lauren was the keeper. That confirmed it. Playing here was not an option.

“I know someone,” Carly said, “but she’s busy.”

“She wouldn’t have to commit every week.”

“You keep saying you never have a moment for yourself,” Beth said.

Carly shot her a glare. “What about you?”

“They’ve got a manager already.”

Jenna nudged Carly’s shoulder. “At least come and watch us next Sunday. If we’re beneath you, I’ll shut up forever.”

“That’s almost worth coming for on its own.”

“Hey.” Jenna shoved her, but her feigned indignation softened quickly. “Please. I’ve missed you, and I want us to catch up properly. I won’t push.”

Carly studied her.

She didn’t want to lose touch again either, not really. Jenna had a way of making friendship seem simple, as if people could disappear for years and come back with no paperwork required.

“Fine,” Carly said. “Once. But it’s a social call. I’m not joining.”