Page 73 of Scores Of The Heart

He gives me a contemplative look, tilting his head on the side. Just when I think he’s going to say something, Angelique is there behind us with Max and she rushes toward Dad to give him a hug and a congratulations.

“Hi!” she says, turning to me and throwing her arms around me.

“Hi, Ange. Hey, Max.”

Max smiles up at me. “Hi, Cindy.” He’s a pretty cute, nerdy kid all in all and doesn’t give them any trouble. He gets along with my dad and sees his own father on alternating weekends.

“I’m gonna go back to the girls,” I say to them. “I’ll see you later.”

Dad smiles as he wraps his arms around Ange and Max and then walks them over to the players’ lounge, where he can get them a drink.

My heart soars at the sights around me. Players’ wives, kids, girlfriends, parents. Everyone lingers excitedly. I don’t think anyone can believe the cup is over and that they won. I’m sure the players are all going to be reliving it for some time to come.

Dad will be for sure.

Ty shoots me a text from the locker room.

Tyler

Cind, I’m just getting changed. Meet you in 5. Don’t go anywhere

I laugh when I look at it. Like I would.

I text him back.

Cindy

We’re all apparently heading to Club Salt later. Unless you have any better ideas?

I see the bubble flash up as he types back.

Tyler

Oh I have ideas, baby. I’ll tell you about them when I get out there

My heart hammers in my chest at the prospects of spending some time with him tonight, and I think it’s going to be a long night no matter what happens.

* * *

When the after-drinks at the stadium go for way longer than expected, we finally all filter out. The majority of players are continuing at Club Salt, including Em and Taylor, and I said I would go, even though I’m just about ready for bed. Susie opts out to head home, as she isn’t much of a partygoer. And I’m surprised that Ty has similar ideas to Susie.

He pulls me aside as some of the guys mingle and Taylor and Em walk ahead of us.

“Do you want to go out tonight?” He asks, brushing the hair off my face, rubbing over my cheek with his thumb.

“I want you to have a good time and celebrate if you want to,” I say.

I don’t want to be selfish and steal him away if he wants to go out with the guys.

He shrugs. “Some of the other guys headed home already.”

I giggle. “The ones with wives and kids.”

He laughs too. “I’d prefer to spend it with you, Cindy. If you want to.”

“I’d love that.” I’m not even much into clubs these days anyway, not that I’ve really ever been.

He tugs my hand. “I’ll let the guys know I’m heading home.”

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