Page 44 of Hotshot

“Exactly. My parents are arriving next week, too, so we’re not buying him many presents. He’s going to be inundated via his Norwegian family. Mum’s warned me she’s bringing an extra suitcase.”

A stab of pain hit Sloane. No matter how many times she thought she was over her parents’ lack of love and support, when she heard about Layla’s family, who were the complete opposite, it still stung. She loved Layla’s family, and she envied her. Layla had invited her for Christmas, but she’d declined. She didn’t want to get in the way of their family reunion.

She’d been hoping that maybe she and Ella might spend it together. But now, maybe Ella was about to spend it with her new girlfriend.

Even the thought winded her.

Layla sat on the bench beside Sloane. “How you feeling about Jess and Brit being so in your face?”

They weren’t as in her face now she lived here, which she was grateful for. “Life moves on. I have. It’s been over for a while. It’s only the fans who are shocked.”

“It’ll blow over.”

“I hope so.” The smell of Ella’s floral perfume floated through her brain. She smiled at Layla. “I’m ready for the rest of my life to start now.”

* * *

Sloane hobbledthrough to the player canteen, and chef Julian kindly brought lunch to her table. Not having two hands to hold stuff was a real bummer, and she’d be happy when she got that ability back. A tray landing on her table made her look up.

Ella.

“Mind if I join you? You look like you could use some cheering up. I’m guessing first day back in the gym means you’re questioning your progress all over again?”

It wasn’t only in the gym, but Sloane wasn’t going to admit that.

“Am I that obvious?”

Ella tapped the side of her nose. “Only to those in the know.” She paused while she took off her bag and stowed it on the seat next to her. “Although I don’t know why you are. Not only are you a hotshot – which everybody knows – you’re also in the top 20 of the Pink Power list as of this morning. Did you see that?”

“My agent sent me something, but I didn’t click the link. I’m not feeling very powerful right now, if that makes a difference.” Sloane was sure the crease at the top of her forehead got a workout. Her mum sat on her shoulder, telling her to smooth out her brow. Sloane flicked the tiny devil away.

“Not one iota. Although you need to get a whole lot more powerful to overtake the 16 people ahead of you.”

“Who are they and have I ever heard of them? I don’t think I’ve made the Pink Power list before. It’s a British thing, right?”

Ella nodded. “You’re being pipped by someone who came third inGreat British Bake Off, a reality TV singer turned Instagram star, and a YouTuber, to name but three. But you are the first American footballer to break the top 20, so stand proud.”

Sloane made herself sit up straight, then she flexed her arm. “How’s that for powerful?” She studied her biceps. “I’m sure they’re shrinking.”

Ella snorted. “Every time I see you you’ve just finished a workout, so I doubt that.” She paused, glancing at Sloane’s lunch. “I see you went for salad. Healthy choice. I, on the other hand, have gone for classic British comfort food: eggs and beans on toast. Would it fly in America?”

“One hundred per cent no.” Sloane laughed. It was the first time she’d done so today. Ella had that uncanny knack to make it happen. “How’s your morning?”

“Better than yours?” Ella shrugged. “Admin, paperwork, a meeting with the boss. The usual. Last day in this week and I’ve got the afternoon free after your session,” she checked her watch, “in half an hour.”

She was in a very chipper mood. Sloane didn’t want to know why.

But then again, she did.

“Thanks for the vase the other day. How did your date go?” She scolded herself internally for bringing it up so quickly, but it was out of her mouth before she could do anything about it. Sloane braced for more smiles and tales of dinner by candlelight. She had no hold over Ella. Her role as a friend was to be happy for her. She prepared her happy face.

However, it wasn’t needed. Instead, Ella wrinkled her face, sat back and blew a raspberry.

It was the best sound ever.

“Not going anywhere.” She stared at Sloane. “She wasn’t really what I was looking for. Plus, she didn’t like football.”

“Ouch.” Sloane wanted to punch the air.

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