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If I remembered correctly, Kendall was an only child. Her father wasn’t in the picture, hadn’t been for a long time. I hated to think of the stress she had been under since learning of her mom’s diagnosis.
“I can’t even fathom how difficult that’s been for both of you,” I said, knowing she’d always been close to her mom. “How are you doing?”
She lifted her chin toward the ceiling, her eyes watery. “You know—” She let out a shaky breath. “You’re the first person who’s asked me that. Everyone else tries to encourage me to live my own life. But how can I when she’s the only family I have?”
I placed my hand over hers, wanting to comfort her. Wishing I could do more. “Tell me how I can help.”
She shook her head, a sad smile crossing her lips. “You just did.”
“I’m serious, Kendall.”
“This job helps. And the fact that you offered means…” She let out a shaky breath. “Well, more than you could ever know.”
“Of course,” I said, though I was determined to do more.
We fell silent for a minute, and I was honored that she’d trusted me with her secret. That she’d let me in. Part of me wondered why she’d chosen to confide in me about this when she hadn’t even told Jude.
“Can I ask you something?” She finally broke the silence.
“Anything,” I said, and I meant it. Kendall had no idea how captivated I was by her, and I needed to keep it that way.
“What areyoudoing here?” she asked. “I mean, I know it’s your house, but it’s also the middle of the night.”
I chuckled, rubbing a hand over my face. “That’s a long story.”
She cocked her head to the side. “I’ve got time.”
I considered it a moment then poured us both another drink. “I just returned from the SuperDraft.”
“Holy…” Her eyes widened. “I didn’t even realize.” She shook her head. “That’s right. How’d it go?”
“Pretty well. We had a good time, and I got a few players I really wanted.”
“That’s awesome.”
“It was.” I nodded, taking a sip of my whiskey. “I mean, apart from a few tedious meetings about newly proposed rules for the league.”
The new rules ranged from nonfraternization to an expansion of the player buyout policy. But most people wouldn’t care about them. I doubted even someone as invested in the team as Kendall would, despite her interest in the sport.
“I always wondered…why soccer?” she asked. “Apart from the fact that you played in college. Because you could’ve bought any pro team, yet you purchased a failing component of a relatively unpopular franchise. I mean, compared to buying a football team like the Hollywood Heatwaves.”
“Because I saw an opportunity to build something. And I like a challenge.”
She smiled. “Why does that not surprise me?”
“It was more than that, though. The passion people have for soccer is like no other. And the fans… I spent a year in London, working at the Huxley Grand.” I lifted a shoulder. “When I went to the games, I fell in love.”
She smiled wistfully. “I get that. One of the few memories I have of my dad is him taking me to a soccer match. It was…exhilarating.”
“Exactly.”
“Did you ever get to see Beckham play while you were in England?” she asked.
“Yeah.” I chuckled. “Why? Did you have a crush on him?”
“Doesn’t everyone?” Before I could respond, she added, “He’s one of the greatest players of all time.”
“He is. He’s achieved a level most can only dream of.”
