Page 57 of Just One Season
It was adorable, and hilarious, and I couldn’t stop smiling. I’m also happy to say that the Snowballs are now on a two-game winning streak—score being kept or not—thanks to Coach Lucy’s strategies. The main one being to remember which way to kick the ball.
Seeing Lucy coach Ava’s team did something to me. Is it possible I missed her? Maybe. But I definitely can’t stop thinking about her. The way she makes me laugh. The easy way she connects with Ava.
And that soft kiss that I’ve been reliving multiple times a day.
My phone buzzes.
Lucy
On my way, be there in ten
Me
Ok no problem
Lucy
I was busy celebrating over a few drinks with my winning soccer team
Me
1) The game was eight hours ago, 2) No you weren’t, unless it was with chocolate milk or Capri Sun, and 3) they’re a bunch of kindergarteners so I don’t think that’s appropriate
Lucy
Don’t be jealous because I didn’t invite you
I grin and slip my phone back in my pocket.
I’ve been looking forward to tonight, and it’s got nothing to do with s’mores or pumpkins.
“Hey.” Lucy appears in front of me dressed as a soccer player for Halloween. She’s wearing her DC FC jersey, short athletic shorts, high socks, and sneakers.
“Are you kidding me?” I fake scoff at her. I’m not in costume but instead wearing my Blizzard jersey working next to Harley, handing out s’mores kits to kids. “What did we talk about with the soccer gear?”
Every year, a bunch of guys on the team work different booths at the fall festival. Some years we’re away at a game and miss it, but we got back late last night after three days on the road.
We played two away games and won both. Atticus, Harley, and I managed to score against Chicago securing a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night. Nashville wasn’t as close—we walked away with a 4-1 victory.
Paul didn’t travel with us.
“What? I didn’t have much to work with.” Lucy looks down at her soccer outfit.
I shake my head. “Give me about two minutes to finish up.”
“Whatever you say, roo.”
I stop and look at her. “Roo?”
“You know, as in a shortened version of kangaroo?” My eyes widen, and she bites her lip. “No? Doesn’t work?” Lucy sighs. “I’m having a hard time coming up with pet names for you. I feel like after puppy and kitten, it’s kind of weird.”
I laugh and go back to stacking graham crackers and chunks of chocolate on plates. “It’s definitely weird. Luckily, there are endless options that involve food, my little cream puff.”
“Damn, that does sound better.”
“Here you go,” I say to a young girl, who adds an extra marshmallow to the plate I hand her. “Have fun!”
“Yay!” The girl takes her mother’s hand and walks away.
