Page 83 of Made Better Together

“I thought you had a marketing position at Triumph lined up?”

She takes a couple bites. “Yeah, but Coach Brenner pulled me aside yesterday and said she thought I’d make a roster if that’s what I wanted.”

“Oh, that’s awesome.”

Bree hasn’t be invited to a national training camp since our younger days, but those spots are more limited than the opportunities in the sixteen-team National Women’s Soccer League. She’s an amazing center mid, so as her bestie, I’m excited if this is what she wants to do.

Selfishly, I’m back spiraling over my own choices.

Bree is oblivious, though. “Not to celebrate how spoiled I am, but the whole parents-owning-the-company thing means I can always jump in at Triumph.”

“Yeah.” I take another bite, and luckily, she changes topics.

“Do you know what you’re going to wear tomorrow? I’m down to help you pick your outfit if you want.”

Ah yes, I’ve got to figure out my date attire…

I’m grateful for the switch in subjects.

“Homework and workouts today, dress decision tomorrow.”

24

EDEN

The next day, after vetting five choices, Bree and I settle on a pale yellow sundress that feels “first date” appropriate.

“You’re too fucking pretty to be good at so many other things.”

I roll my eyes, knowing she’s in best friend hype mode. “Oh, stop it.”

Then the true Bree comes out. Her voice drops a level, and her brows wag. “So do you want to hook up with him tonight?”

She’s not one to pull punches, so I don’t protest the blunt question. It would be like asking water not to be wet.

“Well…our kiss was super hot. I’ll have to see how the night goes.”

“Get yours, girl. It’s been a while, right?”

“Too long.” Not indulging in one-night stands has its disadvantages when you aren’t dating anyone.

She huffs. “He’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

Taking stock, I’m satisfied. My hair is curled exactly how I like it, the waves hitting my shoulders. And my makeup is subtle, but my eyes and lips have just the right amount of pop.

On cue, my phone buzzes. It’s Connor, saying he’s outside.

“He’s here. Don’t wait up.”

“He’s not coming to the door to say hi?” she whines jokingly.

I roll my eyes. “He wouldn’t mind, but I thought it best to avoid all the busybodies out here.”

“Yeah, like they aren’t going to notice you walking out looking like a million bucks into the blond god’s car.”

I shrug, because I’m sure she’s right.

The stares aren’t too bad, though, and by the time I see Connor, I don’t care. He’s leaning against the car, arms folded, a smile on his face. The glasses, the blond hair with a hint of a wave, the tall, strong body—that’s all I focus on, not my Tolliver classmates being nosy.