Page 81 of Take Her On

She spun to face Jamie. “What is wrong with these people? What does that even mean?” A few days ago, Noodle had sent screenshots of the Harriers’ social media, full of these cryptic posts and trash talk. Then they’d received a delivery from a bakery with “Traitor Pie” scribbled over the top in biro. The woman at reception had taken it home.

Maya ripped more paper from the ceiling. “Who let them in?” Anger bubbled in her chest, threatening to spill over. “Do you think we should tell Coach about this?”

“That’s what they want.” Jamie joined her, tearing down the toilet paper.

“But they can’t do this—”

“No, Maya. We can’t.”

Jamie’s stern tone surprised her.

“Well, they’re not getting into my head.” She pointed a finger at Jamie. “Don’t let them into yours.”

“They’re not.” But her body language told a different story. It had been the same for weeks now, whenever the game was mentioned. There was no doubt the Harriers were their biggest rivals of the season, and in order to win the league, Millton had to beat them. Jamie being fit enough to play was pivotal in that. They needed their top scorer, and Maya had no shame in admitting it, but the reality of facing Jamie’s old teammates seemed to come with a price.

Jamie collected the sheets off the floor, scrunching them into a ball with a sigh. There was no hiding how important this game was. Scouts for local teams paid attention to big games like these, and Jamie could secure a contract. Even though playing professionally wasn’t Maya’s goal, winning the title with this group of friends she adored was her dream. Ending her competitive career by beating the Harriers was all she’d thought about for years, but she didn’t want to put pressure on Jamie. She just wanted her to be okay.

“Hey. Don’t let it get to you.” When Jamie didn’t look at her, she wrapped an arm around her waist. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. It’s fine. Let’s just get this cleaned up.”

They worked without really speaking until they’d tugged down the last piece of toilet roll and thrown it in the bin. All the earlier sexual tension too, had been lost. Maya didn’t know what to do to make things better. Then Jamie broke the silence.

“Shall I take you home?”

I guess that’s it then.

They didn’t speak on the drive home, either. Jamie didn’t even choose a playlist—she just let the radio play. When they pulled up, Maya turned to Jamie.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Maya sighed, feeling torn. She reached out and took Jamie’s hand in hers, but Jamie wouldn’t look at her, and even her hand felt lifeless. She’d been working so hard to get to match fitness. It pained Maya to see her like this.

“Jamie. What is it?” she asked softly.

Jamie didn’t reply. In the yellow light of the streetlight, she looked so…sad. A terrible feeling mustered in Maya’s stomach, weighting her in place. Then Jamie spoke.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“What? Why?”

Jamie’s response was sharp and final. “I just…can’t right now, Maya. Leave it.”

Maya swallowed, caught a little off guard. She hated pushing Jamie, but this unspoken tension was eating away at them.

That’s what worried her most.

After the way their relationship had grown, the last thing she wanted was the Harriers getting between them again. She knew rivalries could get out of hand more than anyone, but why did this situation feel like more than that?

Jamie’s secrecy had started to plant doubts in her mind. What could have happened that would’ve been so bad? An ex on the team, maybe? Did they hurt her? Did Jamie regret leaving?

Does she regret us?

But getting inside their heads was what the Harriers wanted, so Maya tried to push her thoughts aside.

She brushed her thumb over Jamie’s hand. “Are you going to see your parents for a little bit?”