Page 15 of Holding Her Heart

“Why?”

Blair laughed. “You’ve just told me that you want something to fulfil you. And I know what I’m about to suggest won’t necessarily make that happen, but it beats going home and doing housework. What would you do after it? Run a hot bath and put your matching pjs on?”

“Uh, I don’t wear pjs. You know that.”

“Seven. Tonight. Be ready.”

Eden’s brows drew together. “For what?”

“You, pretty lady, are coming to team night. It’s good fun, the girls are great, and if nothing else, it gets you out of the house for a few hours.”

“I don’t think I can drink again tonight.”

“So don’t.” Blair shrugged. “I only usually have one or two myself. Even Dom doesn’t bother getting drunk anymore. We have other priorities now.”

“Oh?”

“Being with the team is amusing enough. And besides, I never know if I’m going to be called into work suddenly, so I don’t have the luxury of being hungover on a Monday morning.”

“True.”

“Please? For me?” Blair stuck out her bottom lip.

Eden considered it for a moment. Having another night out wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. And who knew, maybe it’d be something Eden would consider doing again in the future. She knew all of the players on the team, what was the worst that could happen? “Okay.”

Blair leaned over, kissing Eden’s cheek. “Seven. Not a moment later. I’ll pick you up before we head for the bar.”

“Are you sure it’ll be okay for me to join you?”

Blair cupped Eden’s face. “You’re the sister I always wished I had. You and me together. You’re always welcome in my space, don’t ever forget that.”

Eden smiled. “I’ll see you tonight.”

6

“I’m so happy it all worked out for you.” Grace wrapped an arm around Aster’s shoulder, squeezing her tight. Aster hadn’t gotten the chance to meet with Grace and Mia before they came out earlier this evening, but it didn’t matter. She had planned to talk about her feelings towards Eden but instead chose to forgo that option and drink instead. “And Eden’s nice. You’ll get on with her.”

“You, like…know her?”

“Only from having drinks at Blair and Dom’s. They’re usually joined at the hip.”

“That’s nice.” Aster wondered if she would ever hang out with the team at Blair’s place. She had been invited in the past, but now knowing that Eden usually showed up, she was desperately praying for another invite in the not-too-distant future. “Hey, great game today.”

“Don’t change the subject. I’m trying to praise you.”

“I know, but you don’t need to do that. I have a steady job; it’s not that big of a deal.”

Grace cocked her head, smiling. “But someone has finally seen how amazing you are. I’ve been telling you this for, what? Ten years.”

“You have. I guess it was a matter of waiting for the right gig to come up. And anyway, if it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have been offered the chance to join Eden’s team. So, thanks. I owe you one.”

Grace waved off Aster’s appreciation. “Oh, it was nothing. I’ll have another pint, and then we’ll say no more about it.”

Aster barked a laugh. “You’re so easy to please.”

“Well, Bennett…that pint won’t pour itself!” Grace clapped, tilting her head towards the bar.

Aster held up her hands, scrambling to her feet. “Fine. I’m going. I’m going.”

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