Page 14 of The Knockout

“They’re all going to be clamoring for you now, Grace.” My roommate, Lennon, drops her ballet bag on her bed and walks right to the fridge in our tiny little flat that might just be older than the state I grew up in. One of the things I learned quickly after moving to London was how steeped in history so much of this city is. It makes our country look like a newborn in comparison, and I was instantly smitten with the entire city.

Luckily for me, Lennon is somewhat of a local and was looking for a roommate when I joined the company. She’s a few years younger than me and a few inches shorter, but what shelacks in height, she makes up for in spunk. She’s also always strangely hyper. Like a little sprite.

“Here.” She tosses me a bottle of vitamin water from the fridge. “Drink up. We’re meeting at the Drunken Duck in thirty minutes. I call first dibs on the shower.”

I’m not sure she actually took a breath while she was speaking.

“Sounds good.” I barely get the words out before the bathroom door shuts behind her.

So much energy.

I sit down on my bed and check my phone. I promised I’d send everyone pics tonight. Mom and Dad are flying out to see the show next week, and Everly is trying to come soon, but with the Revolution making the playoffs, her schedule is tight.

A notification I’m not expecting waits for me on my lock screen.

Ares Wilder.

I’ve never slid my finger across a screen so quickly before.

Ares

You were beautiful tonight, tiny dancer.

What the hell?

Grace

How would you know, god of war?

Ares

I have my ways.

Grace

You can’t be in London. You have a game in Philly tomorrow.

Ares

Got my scheduled memorized?

Grace

No. I talked to my sister this morning. She mentioned it.

He doesn’t need to know I watch all his games whenever I can.

Ares

No. I’m not in London. But I’ll come see it as soon as the season’s over.

Grace

Then how do you know how the show was? Come on... fess up.

Ares

What’s the use of having pro hockey money if I can’t pay someone on the other side of the world to tape something for me?

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