Page 102 of Hotshot

This was Ella’s turn to shine. Her chance to score in a big stadium. Her dream could finally be realised.

She took a deep breath, then took seven steps back. The crowd behind the goal started their low run-up roar. Ella’s previous career flashed before her eyes. It could have been so different, but weirdly, she wouldn’t change a thing. She was where she was, at the time that she was, for a reason. Next season, she was going to be training young stars on the pitch, sharing her knowledge, watching them realise their dreams. That was more than enough for her.

The roar got louder as she started her run-up. With every step, Ella sank more into the moment. When she reached the ball, she sent up a silent prayer to her mum, then she struck it low and true towards the bottom left-hand corner.

The ball arrowed away, and Ella held her breath.

Becca guessed the right way.

Ella winced as she waited for the keeper to reach it.

She did, but the power behind Ella’s shot was too strong. The ball hit the back of the net and the crowd behind the goal threw their hands in the air and roared their approval.

Ella stood, arms in the air, turned to Sloane, and flung her head back.

“Yes!” she cried, just as Sloane reached her, picked her up, and swung her around.

“You fucking did it!” Sloane shouted, still wheeling her around. “How does it feel to be the hotshot yourself?”

Ella grinned as her feet hit the ground. Mentally, she was still soaring.

“Not gonna lie, it feels fucking ace.”

* * *

The friendly finished6-3 to Salchester, which wasn’t a terrible score considering there were six leagues and hundreds of teams between the two sides. Nat scored a brace for the mixed professional team, showing her breakthrough year was no fluke. Sloane couldn’t wait for the upcoming season to start.

Sloane had played for Kilminster in honour of her great-gran, and even scored a goal. She got a photo of the moment, and stills with the whole squad that were set to be hung on the clubhouse wall at Kilminster’s ground in the near future. Sloane would always be welcome there; manager Matt had made that very clear when she’d phoned to tell him about her proposed sponsorship.

As they walked off the field, Nat caught up with Sloane and gave her a tight hug. Her undercut was freshly buzzed, and she glowed with pride at her performance.

“Well played, not-so-rookie,” Sloane told her.

“Cheers, Hotshot.”

Sloane’s title was being challenged, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. When she glanced up to the family section behind the goal, it wasn’t just her family there. Nat’s mum and sisters were three rows back, along with a dark-haired man. Sloane turned to Nat, and tilted her head.

“Is that who I think it is next to your mum?”

Nat’s grin nearly split her face as she nodded. “His first game, after my mum told him she’d divorce him if he didn’t come.”

“Well played, Mum.”

Nat waved to them, and her dad gave her a nervous smile and waved back.

Sloane nudged her. “Looks like he might need to loosen up. Go give him a hug.”

The pair vaulted the barriers to reach their loved ones. Sloane embraced Cathy, Rich, Hayley and Ryan, as well as Ursula, her husband Gary, Marina, her brother Brad, along with his wife Sarah and their three kids. More family than she’d ever had in her life.

“I loved the game, Sloane,” Ursula told her. With her enormous chestnut hair, she could only be Ella’s aunt. “I haven’t been to many since Ella used to play. I’ve missed it.” She turned to Ella. “You’ll have to get us tickets for this season.”

“You should come to Kilminster, too,” Cathy told her. “Then come for tea. I can cook you that chicken recipe I was just telling you about.”

“And the chocolate dessert. To die for,” Rich added, kissing the tips of his fingers.

Sloane smirked. “Did you watch the game?”

Cathy laughed. “All of it. Never missed a minute.” She winked. “You played so well, shame you didn’t win.” Cathy leaned forward and brushed something out of Sloane’s hair. Weirdly, Sloane didn’t mind. Her new family’s tactile nature was something she’d got used to pretty quickly. She kinda liked it. Beside Marina, Ella sat in her Salchester training gear, still glowing from scoring her penalty. Sloane didn’t think she’d loved her more than she did right at that moment.

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