Page 44 of Her Game Plan

The clock winds down, and I’m pulled into the post-game madness of shaking hands and offering congratulations. Callan’s gaze meets mine, with at least twenty players standing between us. “Good game,” I mouth. He shoots me a wink before being pulled into a backslapping hug by Pitt.

I take a minute to talk to Coach Phillips and congratulate him on the game before I’m pulled aside by Angela Veru with Colorado Sports Network for a quick interview.

The camera starts rolling as I stand beside Angela, her high-necked tank top, fitted black pants, and sneakers screaming sporty professional in a way I’m fully on board with. In fact, I look down at my black dress and gold sneakers, a style I’ve already hopped on board with.

“What does this first win mean to you as the new owner?” Angela is practically yelling to be heard over the crowd.

I consider clarifying that I’m the acting owner at this point, but I decide the question isn’t really about me. “It’s a great win for the Stallions. What we’ve been doing in the offseason and preseason is working. It’s only one game, but it’s a good start.”

Angela pulls the microphone in front of her. “And what did you see out there today that excites you about this group?”

“I’m proud of them. The offense showed they can put quality drives together, and the defense showed they’re able to stop a very good offensive team with the Firebirds.” Speaking about the Stallions is different from hyping up the events I used to run. I want to gush about how amazing the players did, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. There’s no gushing in football.

Angela finally thanks me for my time, and I head into the tunnel, my eyes scanning for something—someone.

I make my way to the owners’ area, where I know the executive team, key staff, and a few VIPs will be waiting for me. I work the room, making sure to talk to Hugo, the team’s general manager, and the only person outside of my family with the ability to override my decisions. The man is extremely hard to impress, though he certainly knows how things are supposed to run and has clearly been told he has to make time for me. He might’ve resented it initially, but I think I’m growing on him. I do actually understand business, even if my brightly colored attire makes people question it.

Finally, I leave, making my way to briefly meet with Coach Phillips. Since we didn’t have any major injuries tonight, it’s limited to logistics and next steps.

As I’m walking toward the private exit, the excitement of the day fades enough for an ache in my chest to become apparent. The same one that has me scanning every room I’m in for Callan, even though we knew we wouldn’t be going home together tonight.

I’m sure it means nothing.

Chapter 18

Charlotte

“I can’t believe we were all finally able to get together!” I cheer from the back of the booth I’m squeezed into with Sage, Addie, and Finley. Addie and I arrived almost an hour ago and have been waiting for Sage and Finley to arrive, so I’m already a few drinks in. “Can we all pretend it’s a Tuesday and get tacos?”

“You’re allowed to eat tacos on Fridays, too,” Addie says quietly from her seat next to me.

I narrow my eyes. “For the sake of our friendship, I will pretend you didn’t just say that. I will also buy your margaritas because we are celebrating!”

Finley looks up from her phone. “What are we celebrating?”

“The Stallions’ victory last Sunday, duh! And I get to fly on the team jet tomorrow for our game this Sunday!”

“We’ve lost twice since that game,” Sage groans. “If I could get a pitcher, we could turn it around. I’d sell my left kidney for one.”

“Not the right, though?” Finley challenges.

“If he would stay more than a year, I’d figure out how to live without either kidney.”

Addie takes a sip of her drink, her eyes ping-ponging between my friends.

I point my finger at Sage, moving it in a little circle in front of her. “You’ve been losing for years. I won my first game! So we’re celebrating me, not mourning you.”

She whacks my finger away. “Fine. Fine. I’m not moping. Though it’s mean of you to point out that we’ve been losing for years.”

“How’s it going with Callan?” Finley interrupts, and the look in her ice-blue eyes makes it clear why some of her players call her Ice Queen. “You two seem to have gone from arguing to friendly very quickly.”

Sage grimaces. “Is arguing like foreplay to you two or something?”

“No!” My next drink arrives, and I take a gulp, hoping the food gets here soon. My head is starting to feel real floaty.

“Are you planning on fake dating Callan for the whole season?” Sage asks. “What does that even look like? Is he not seeing other people? Are you not? Are you having sex?”

I regret texting Sage the update about Callan and I before dinner tonight, but since Finley and Addie both know, it felt like I needed to clue her in. Too bad she’s the most nosey of all my friends.