Page 61 of Replay
Which is why the very last thing I want to do is rock the boat and tell my brother about us. He’ll just ruin our momentum, and we’re still sorting out what we are to each other.
I try to ignore the insecure sensation buzzing in my belly as I follow Mac and Freya into the suite packed with people. It’s a decent-sized room that opens up to the pitch and several rows of stadium seats on a large balcony. Inside, there’s a long buffet table of food and several high-top tables plus a small bar. The walls are papered with images of Bethnal Green players. I instantly spot Booker Harris in his bright neon green keeper gloves, and on the opposite wall is Mac’s mate, Roan DeWalt, in a mid-kick position.
“Hey, guys!” Allie says, coming over and giving Freya a big hug. “Oh my God, Freya, it’s so good to see you out and about!”
“It feels good to be out and about!” Freya cups her belly. “I’ve forgotten what it’s like to put on real clothes.” She tucks her hand to her mouth and whispers loudly, “However, I’ve become a real lover of the muumuus in my time at home.”
“Well, you look great.” Allie rubs Freya’s belly affectionately. “I’m so happy you’re able to get up and move a bit.”
“We should find you a chair,” Mac grumbles, looking around for a seat.
“Calm down, Mac. She’s not been standing even a full minute.” I pat his arm reassuringly and can’t help but laugh at the worry in his eyes.
“We have another scan next week, and Belle said if all goes well, my restrictions might be lifted completely,” Freya adds hopefully.
“But she’s still going to take it easy,” Mac harrumphs.
“And I’m not going anywhere regardless,” I add, trying to give my brother some semblance of support. “I’m here until the baby is out.”
“Thank goodness for that,” Mac huffs, still clearly anxious that Freya’s not yet in a chair.
Just then, Belle comes striding over with a warm smile. “How is my favourite patient doing?” she asks, pushing her dark hair back behind her shoulders. “Feel good to be up and moving?”
“Oh my goodness, yes,” Freya exclaims, her round cheeks pulling back into a smile. “I’m chuffed to bits. But could you do a quick exam on Mac here? I think he’s caught a case of overprotective-itis.”
“Oh, he’s been afflicted with that for years,” I interject, punching my brother lightly on the shoulder. “It’s like herpes, and I’m afraid it sticks with him.”
Everyone laughs, and Freya takes pity on Mac and allows him to usher her over to a seat by the windows overlooking the pitch where she can prop her feet up.
“Where’s Indie?” I ask Belle as we both glance out the window onto the pitch to watch the players warming up.
“She’s down there with Tanner somewhere. Let’s go out and have a look.” I follow her out to the edge of the balcony, and we both scan the area down below. Finally, she points out towards the sideline. “There she is in those awful tan trousers and the green polo. Do you see her?”
Her curly red hair sticks out instantly. “Ah yes, there she is. Talk about an incredible seat to watch her husband play. Was Indie one of the team doctors at Bethnal before Camden left to play for Arsenal?”
“No, he was gone before Indie got the job. But she worked on him in other meaningful ways, if you know what I mean.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Tell me that those players don’t struggle to keep their willies in check while she examines their injuries. She’s a total stunner.” Belle points at the pitch and adds, “Oh look, there’s Cam.”
We both go quiet as we watch Cam in his Arsenal gear jog across the pitch towards Indie. She stops what she’s doing and turns, placing her hands on her hips and shaking her head. He clearly is not discouraged as he reaches out and scoops her up into his arms, planting a very indecent kiss on her lips. She swats at him, and suddenly, Vaughn is beside them, pointing at the pitch and talking to his son with zero amusement on his face. Cam smiles playfully and rejoins his team for warmups.
“God, they are adorable. Two small kids at home and they still snog like teenagers in public. Though I can’t judge, I’m busy checking out Tanner myself.” She points towards the end of the pitch where Tanner is standing with Booker in his keeper kit. “He debated cutting his hair when he got the coaching position to look more professional, but I begged him not to. I have a thing for the man bun, caveman look.”
I laugh at that. “To each their own.”
“What’s your type?” Belle asks, nudging my arm playfully, her dark eyes glittering with mischief. “Anybody caught your eye in London since you came back?”
My cheeks flame instantly. “Oh…no, not really. I do enjoy a classic tall, dark, and handsome type, though.” I glance over my shoulder, wondering when Santino will get here. He texted me earlier this morning and told me to “get ready for his surprise”. Whatever that means.
Belle’s eyes widen. “Would you hate me if I introduced you to my brother, Ronald?”
“Your brother?” I repeat a bit distractedly.
“Yes! He’s a single father and a corporate lawyer. He used to be completely under the thumb of my pompous, social-climbing father, but since he lost his wife a couple of years ago, he’s so different. He’s been coming around a lot more, a bit desperate for a taste of what normal life is that doesn’t include staff, lavish parties, and constant arse kissing.” She eyes me up and down with a big smile on her face. “You look like you’d be a nice dose of fun for him. He’s the heir of a Lord if that’s your thing?”
“It’s not,” I reply instantly, running a nervous hand through my hair.
“No bother, it’s not something he brags about anymore, thank God.” She turns around to look back into the suite. “I wonder where he is. He said he was on his way a while ago.”
“I’m going to go get myself a drink,” I state quickly, trying to figure out an excuse not to meet this brother of Belle’s. “Need anything?”
