Page 40 of Rumor Has It

Wren Eames (9:37 PM): You’re welcome, Rebecca.

Wren felt like she should say more. But she also knew that that would open a can of worms that she didn’t think either of them were ready for.

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

BECKY

Becky Rothschild (3:15 PM): Well…

Wren Eames (3:17 PM): ? This is weird, even for you.

Becky Rothschild (3:17 PM): Dang. Guess you made it.

Wren Eames (3:17 PM): LOL. You that worried about having to play against me tomorrow?

Becky Rothschild (3:18 PM): HA. Not a chance.

Wren Eames (3:18 PM): Idk… I didn’t hope for your demise all morning…

Becky Rothschild (3:19 PM): I’m just looking out for you. I’d hate to have to embarrass the other half of “Wrecky” on prime time tv.

Wren Eames (3:21 PM): This half of “Wrecky” came ready to win.

Becky Rothschild (3:21 PM): Well, Wrenielle, I hope you also came ready to be disappointed then…

Wren Eames (3:21 PM): I guess we’ll find out, Rebecca.

Becky felt a smile lift at the corners of her lips. She knew she’d find Wren here, standing just inside the pitch lines, barefoot. Wren had been superstitious all the way back when they were teenagers, too. It was hard to not find the habit a little adorable, even now.

She couldn’t shake the memories of their first college match squared off against each other, just over four years ago. She’d seen Wren, just like this, walking slowly and deliberately up the side of the Grizzlies field. The same nervous energy boiled through her, threatening to spill over. Only, this time, Becky was anxious in a different way. Then she’d been hurt, mad, confused, and out for blood. Now, she felt a little timid.

They’d texted all week. There had even been a serious point where Wren’s ex had been driving her particularly crazy that Becky had very seriously considered inviting her out early. She’d chickened out though, more than aware that this current buzzing between them was a live wire that had already zapped them before.

Really, what it had come down to was that Becky didn’t know how she was supposed to play against Wren now. Now that she knew how well they connected when they played together. She’d spent a lot of extra time in the film room this week, trying to get a better understanding of how Wren meshed with her teammates on Riptide. What she had noticed were a lot of stunning runs that had resulted in no one slotting her a ball.

Wren was faster than Becky. A point Becky had always hated, and something that had contributed to how rough she’d had to play against her in college. But knowing that most of Wren’s runs would be in vain would absolutely work in Becky’s favor. And Becky needed the advantage. Most of her family would be in attendance tonight. Her eldest brother’s new law firm had bought a box, and her parents had casually invited themselves along. Becky hadn’t seen them since she’d been outed by that magazine, and they had barely exchanged texts—even in their family chat—ever since. Knowing they were going to be there made her nauseous, her need to win all the more pressing.

Before Becky could anguish over her family anymore, Wren looked up. Her green eyes caught in the sun, even from across the field. They took Becky’s breath away. God, she was a goner. Katie had spent the better part of the week teasing her every time Becky had smiled at her phone. And every time Becky had really thought about it, her national team contract flashed into her mind. She rolled her eyes at herself for the millionth time that week. Just because she might be the teensiest, most inconveniently attracted to Wren, didn’t mean Wren felt the same way. She was smack dab in the middle of a very messy, public breakup. And not to mention, Becky had only ever hurt her. That didn’t make Wren any less hot, though.

As if she could hear Becky’s thoughts, Wren waved, grinning far too enthusiastically, given that they were playing on opposite teams today. Wren quickly slipped into slides and jogged over.

“Hey, Rebecca,” she called out when she was close enough to not have to shout. She pulled Becky into an easy hug, just like she had the last time she’d seen her.

“Hello, Wrenstipher,” Becky said, smiling at her own joke. She’d spent the week calling Wren various versions of her name, and it hadn’t ceased to amuse either of them.

Wren laughed. “That’s a good one. I’m surprised you haven’t used that one before.”

Becky couldn’t think of anything to say. She felt sixteen all over again, confused and nervous, and like her ridiculous crush was forbidden and unrequited. Only, it hadn’t been unrequited then, nor had it been forbidden. It was most certainly both of those things now.

“Well,” Wren asked, dragging the word out. “How was the rest of your week?”

Becky huffed out a laugh. “It was fine. We won on Tuesday and practiced a lot. How was your week?” Becky didn’t want to pry, but Wren looked visibly tired.

Wren shrugged. “Not bad, all things considered. I’m going to not have a roommate when I get back tomorrow night, and I’m pretty stoked about that.”

“Hey, that is good news. Has it been bad with Andy?”