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Glad to see our media training is paying off.
I spot Darcy, the team’s assistant, lounging in the corner on the sofa. Prim and proper with perfectly curled hair and painted red nails, she’s unbothered by the chaos. She’s used to the routine of checking us in and out of hotels after four years in her role.
There was an away game last season when porn got charged to someone’s room. She had to use the team credit card to pay off the balance for three videos titled Diving in her Folds, and mortification rolled off of her as she signed the receipt.
I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.
“Hey, Coach,” she says, smiling up at me. “What’s up?”
“Can you do me a favor?”
“Is it the jerseys? I have them out with dry cleaning already.”
“No.” I shake my head and rub the back of my neck. “It’s a personal favor.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widen and she sits up straight. “What’s up?”
“Can you have some food delivered to Lacey’s office in D.C.? She hasn’t eaten yet, and I know she’s not going to get something on her own.”
Darcy’s face softens, and she pulls out her phone. Her thumbs fly across the screen, and I see an app open with a dozen culinary options. “Of course. What does she like?”
“Sushi, I think?”
“You don’t sound too sure.”
“Yeah.” I nod and remember the time we went to an all-you-can-eat restaurant. Lacey devoured ten plates of spicy tuna rolls like it was a walk in the park. She leaned back in the booth with a sleepy grin on her face after she tapped out. “Sushi for sure. Use my credit card.”
“You got it. I’ll get it ordered and sent to her within the half hour.”
“Thanks, Darcy. I appreciate you.”
“Don’t mention it. Hey.” She stops me from leaving with a touch to my wrist. “I wanted to say I’m happy for you. I know how hard you work, and I’m glad you found someone who helps you slow down. Lacey’s great, too. I was wondering when this would happen, and I’m so glad it did.”
“Wondering?” My eyebrows wrinkle, and I stare at her. “What do you mean?”
“She’s always there for you, and she doesn’t seem to care who you are. That’s not a bad thing,” she adds quickly, backpedaling like she’s going to get in trouble. “I just mean it’s clear she’s not with you because of your fame or money. She really likes you, and that’s refreshing.”
“Oh.” My skin is prickly, and I nod. “Right. Yeah. She’s—she’s great. We’re happy.”
“I can tell. I haven’t seen you smile this much in years.” Darcy stretches out her leg and taps my sneaker with hers. “Go get checked in. I made sure you were on a separate floor from the guys. I’ll send you a text when the food gets delivered.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”
Thirty minutes later, after I unpack my suitcase and open my computer to answer some emails, my phone pings on the desk. I open it and find a picture of a bag of takeout with a single red heart.
Lace Face
Thank you.
Don’t tell anyone else, but you’re my favorite.
Me
The feeling is mutual, Daniels.
We’ll keep it our little secret.
I dip my chin and grin from ear to ear.
