Page 11 of Always on My Mind

“Here you go,” Salma said as she returned. “Need help with it?”

Zahra lifted her head. “Yes please.”

Jamie watched as Salma assisted Zahra and found herself smiling. “The whole team keeps pins on hand?”

“When your teammate is as accident-prone as Zahra, you learn to adjust,” Kiri said.

“I’m not that bad!” Zahra protested, and tried to turn her head before Salma grabbed her chin.

“Be still,” Salma warned. “I don’t want to stab you.”

“I’ll be adding some to my locker, then,” Niamh said.

“Me too,” Jamie added.

Zahra’s lips turned up, and she shot them a thumbs up from where she stood.

The door burst open and in walked three of the most stunning women Jamie had ever seen. They strode into the dressing room as if in slow motion. She also knew them from international competitions.

Sofia Saldaña from Spain, head-turningly beautiful with her long, dark hair in plaits down her back, a smile that could be in toothpaste commercials, and eyes like rich earth. Next to her was Mai Thu Phong, a Vietnamese national Jamie had met for the first time during the World Cup. Mai had the speed and accuracy of an arrow, with a disarmingly sweet grin.

And finally, from Germany, was Monika Deschant, a tall blonde striker, who Jamie had faced in Euros and World Cups. She was painfully familiar with the damage Monika’s left foot could do. The press constantly speculated why she wouldn’t sign with a WSL team before, or even move over to America and play for an NWSL team. But all Monika would say was that she loved Stanmore. Jamie had to respect that level of dedication.

The trio came to a stop in front of Jamie and Niamh. Sofia and Mai smiled, but Monika’s blue eyes raked over them, pausing on Jamie. Jamie could see the questions in Monika’s mind, but didn’t try to say anything before Monika spoke.

“Well,” she said. “You are here.”

Jamie lifted her chin. “I am.”

“Willkommen,” Monika replied and put her hand on Jamie’s shoulder. Jamie spied the captain’s armband on her sleeve. “You will be good for us, I think.”

“I hope so, thanks,” Jamie returned.

Monika patted her arm and then moved aside so Sofia and Mai could introduce themselves. They were decidedly warmer than the captain, but Jamie understood some skepticism. It was pretty much unheard of for an athlete to leave abruptly from a club they performed well with only to join a club everyone underestimated. She was sure the whole team had questions, even if they weren’t asking them outright.

“Alright, ladies, listen up!”

All eyes turned on their manager, Rebecca Nelson. Jamie read up on her when she signed with Stanmore. Rebecca was a legend of the US Women’s National Team and NWSL. Being coached by a woman, like she was when she played for England, excited Jamie. Especially after everything that happened with Manchester City.

“I want to start by welcoming our new signings, Jamie Hupp and Niamh O’Hartigan,” Rebecca said. “We’re happy to have you both.”

Jamie and Niamh nodded in acknowledgment.

Rebecca looked around at the group, locking eyes with each of them as she scanned their faces. “I also want to say, welcome to the WSL!”

Cheers and applause went through the room, but Jamie hesitated to participate. She’d always been in the WSL, and she certainly hadn’t helped this team get there. She let her arms fall to her sides.

“I want each of you to know, you deserve to be here,” Rebecca went on. “We worked damn hard to earn our spot. And I don’t give a shit what the pundits say, we belong here. Let’s plan to stay.”

“We’re staying up!” Paige shouted, and the team all cheered in agreement.

Jamie could get on board with that. Especially when Zahra slung an arm over her shoulder and squeezed. As if she was already a seasoned member of the squad.

“We’re not gonna let anyone intimidate us,” Rebecca continued. “We’re here!”

“We’re here!” the team echoed.

“We’re Stanmore!”

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