Page 3 of Romancing My Grumpy Goalie

We get in our own cars and meet up at Josie’s Coffee Shop. “I’ve been craving this all day,” I tell her as I park on the curb in front of Josie’s. It’s the most popular spot in Maple Creek for a cup of Joe, and Josie went to high school with Aubrey and me. She’s a big part of the reason everyone loves it so much.

Aubrey pulls the door open, and we step into the cozy atmosphere. Wooden tables and chairs cover most of the floor, and Josie stands behind the counter with her red hair up into a messy bun. A chalkboard behind her lists the menu, and a glass case displays various baked goods like Josie’s famous muffins.

“Hey, ladies!” she calls to us. “What are my two favorite people up to today?”

“Hey, girl,” Aubrey says when we get closer. “We were talking about how Anabelle needs a man.”

Josie shoots her brows up at me. “Are you on the prowl?” She scans me up and down. “Youarelooking good today,” she says in a saucy voice.

“You’re definitely being too nice,” I say. “Have you seen these bags under my eyes? I’m exhausted. Which is why I’m here. Can you put a girl out of her misery and hook me up with your famous caramel iced latte?”

“You know I always got you.” Josie puts in my order and takes my money before getting Aubrey’s order.

“I’ll have the same,” Aubrey says.

As Josie bustles off, I lean over to Aubrey. “You can tell she loves what she’s doing.”

“I know. She’s put her entire heart into this place. Just like what you’ve done with your boutique.”

The door opens, and one of the moms from Nolan’s soccer team comes in. “Hey, Jenna,” I call to her.

“Did you hear the team is getting a substitute coach today?” Jenna asks. “Jace has the flu, so he’s sending his brother in his place.”

“I didn’t know Jace has a brother,” I say.

“Apparently, he’s just moved into town,” Jenna explains. “Not to mention, he’s a famous pro soccer player.”

“Oh, that’s so cool. Nolan will be so excited.”

“My son’s a little excited, too.” Jenna laughs.

“Is he single?” Aubrey asks, giving me a meaningful glance.

I elbow her. “That information is irrelevant,” I say in a chirpy voice. “All that matters is that he does a good job with the kids.”

Jenna furrows her brow. “I hope he does. To be honest, I’m a little concerned about him working with the kids. I heard he has an attitude problem.”

“He’d better not take out his issues on the team,” Aubrey says.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t do something like that,” I say to Jenna. But the truth is, I don’t know anything about this guy. For all I know, he could be a total jerk.

Nolan and I walk across the soccer field to where his team is already practicing. I told him on the way over about Jace being sick and the new coach. Although, I didn’t tell him the rumor about him being grumpy. I don’t know a thing about this guy, not even his name. I don’t know what team he played for or what his problem is. And I don’t care. My only concern is to make sure my son has fun at his soccer practice, which has been his everything lately.

“Are you Nolan?” the new coach asks as we approach.

“Yes, sir.”

The substitute coach has a hat pulled down low over his wavy, dark hair and is wearing a pair of sunglasses. He scowls at Nolan. “You’re late.”

Nolan’s shoulders slump, and I fight the urge to ball up my fist at him. I don’t like the tone he’s using with my son.

“Sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”

“Go run an extra lap around the field.”

My son starts running, and I go back to the car to get my chair and what’s left of my iced coffee. I wear my chair like a backpack—I have the soccer mom thing down to an art: my favorite baseball cap, my hair back in a ponytail draped over my shoulder, my sunglasses to block out the sunset trying to blind me, and of course, the nectar of the gods. I sip on the drink and moan at how good it is. Josie is an angel. It’s a warm day for March, and the grass is growing back.

Nolan is already busy doing drills, having finished his laps. I weave through the crowd and stumble over a small cooler right into a wall of muscle, my drink smashing into the substitute coaches chest and exploding all over both of us.

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