Page 127 of Racing Heat
I don’t have time to refute her claim with a reminder that Danny eventually stopped reporting on the Blaze, because I hear more squeals coming from behind me. Amelia and Hendrix are running toward me.
“Look who’s fucking back!” Hendrix cheers as she wraps me in a big bear hug. I sink into her.
“Thank you,” I tell her lowly. “Thank you for talking to August and whatever else you did. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
“I would do anything for you, babe. You’ve got to know that.” She winks at me before adding, “Your man was a big help. Don’t forget to thank him later too.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I laugh along with her.
“Will do.”
I move to hug Amelia next. “Hey, girl, it’s so good to see you again.”
“I’m so happy that you’re back. I knew he couldn’t keep you from us. We need you.”
It feels so good to be back. As soon as I release Amelia, I see that other team members are coming over to say hi to me and welcome me back. I grab Kelly’s hand and pull her off to the side.
“Thank you for all you did for the Blaze when I wasn’t here. I won’t forget it. You were amazing.”
She smiles. “Thanks. It was fun to earn my first NWSL start, even if it was just for a moment. But I’m glad we have you back.”
I grin. “Me too.”
It’s then I hear the clapping of hands from behind me. I turn and see Coach Watts is getting ready to start practice. He’s flanked by Jase and Andie. I wink at Andie, and she grins back at me. When my eyes meet Jase’s, he winks at me too. I flush under his scrutiny and do my best to keep my eyes on Watts.
“If everyone could gather around, please. I have an announcement to make, but I’m sure some of you can kind of guess what that is.” He looks over at me and smiles brightly. “We’re happy to welcome Cassie Simmons back to the Blaze family. The Cromwell’s have rehired her, so she will be joining us again starting today.”
The cheers that ring out from my teammates make so happy to be back, but I know what’s coming next. He’s going to letpeople know that I’m dating Jase so that there’s no confusion or speculation.
“Please note that she’s in a relationship with our goalkeeper coach, Jase Ford. This is not something that will impact the team. As you know, the Blaze does not encourage this type of a relationship, but we understand that it happens. Jase isn’t directly Cassie’s coach, which is why this is allowed. However, if any of you have any questions about this, please come see me. This isn’t something that’s up for discussion between you all, got it? Let’s keep the gossip and comments to ourselves. We’re family and Cassie is coming back to join the family. Treat her accordingly.”
There are nods from the players, and a few of them are looking from me to Jase. I just stand there studying the ground, not really sure where I should be looking at this point.
“Anything you want to say?” Coach asks me.
I nod. “Sure. I just want to say that I’m glad to be back. Thanks for being so welcoming. I’m ready to get back to work and win this next one.”
The team cheers, and Coach tells us that it’s time for a property run. It’s followed by moans and groans from those who hate running. It’s always something Mac and I have enjoyed, so I go find her and we run side by side around the Blaze property.
We pass August leaving his office, and I shoot him a wave. He waves back and I suddenly feel so much lighter than I have in days. My focus as long as I’m on this property is going to be the team. I know what it’s like to have your dream ripped out from underneath you, and I won’t take a second that I’m on this team for granted again. All the runs, everything that we have to accomplish—I’ll do it all with a smile and as much effort as possible. Dating Jase or not, no one will question whether I’m a hard worker.
Practice goes well for the most part. I hear a few snide comments from some of the girls, but I let them roll off my back.
Dana makes a remark about me getting my spot back right away. I think she said something about Jase making sure I came out on top, but I lower my hand and try not to let her show that the impact her words have.
But Mac snaps. “Knock it the fuck off. We have a game coming up. That’s our focus, not everyone’s social life Come on, we’re a family. Act like it.”
“Everything okay over here, ladies?” Andie asks, coming over as soon as she hears the blowup.
“It’s fine,” I reply, not meeting her eyes.
“I’ve got it under control,” Mac tells her.
“Don’t be so harsh, Mac,” I tell her. “I can take it.”
“I’ve got your back out here,” she says. “Same way you had mine.”
“Thanks,” I tell her.
I feel someone watching me and look up to see Jase staring at me. I offer him a small wave. He just nods. I wonder if he’s getting any shit. I try not to let it damper my excitement over being back, but it’s not easy. I can’t get too mad about it, though; I’ve probably earned the licks I’ll take from the team. It’s a small price to pay for letting the heat race away from us.
