Page 75 of Hotshot

“I’m purely focused on my recovery, nothing else. Ella and all the staff have been terrific. But getting back on the field is my only goal. Plus, friends go out for coffee, and Ella’s a good friend. If I was dating everyone I went for coffee with, I’d be in big trouble.”

* * *

Ella pickedup the third time Sloane called, this time from the fancy executive car her agent had insisted on. It had a tiny TV in the back of the passenger seat, chilled water, and mini packets of Haribo to snack on. She’d already eaten two and was ignoring the others currently staring at her.

“There she is. How’s your day been?”

“Long,” Ella replied. “You know they say men are simpler creatures than women? They lied. I’m drained.”

“Are you home? I’m just on my way back after the magazine interview and shoot.”

“I am,” Ella replied. “Did it go okay?”

Sloane wasn’t about to bring up what Naomi had asked about Ella. That was on a need-to-know basis.

“Went fine. I’ve still got a face full of makeup. I thought I could come and show it off to you. Are you busy? I’ve missed you.” Ella hadn’t been around the women’s team for the past two days, instead working with the men. Sloane was also keenly aware it was Ella’s last night before her big move to her new apartment. She’d avoided thinking about Ella leaving her building. She’d gotten used to her being around. Her absence was going to be painful. “I could help pack if you’ve still got stuff to do? I packed all my stuff when I moved cross-country in the US. I’m really good at wrapping glasses.”

“No end to your talents.” Ella paused. “I do need to finish packing. But I have an early morning tomorrow, so I’m kicking you out before bedtime.”

Sloane exhaled. “I promise, no touching, just packing. Plus, I’ll order food. Sushi sound good?”

“Sushi sounds superb, thank you.”

* * *

“Honestly,it’s a whole different ballgame talking to the men.” Ella leaned on her kitchen counter and studied the sushi selection. She circled a tuna nigiri in soy sauce and wasabi, then popped it into her mouth. She finished chewing before she continued. “Some of these boys haven’t lived at home since they were eight, and they’re all over the place. That’s one of the perks of the women’s game. No investment for years means nobody’s left home too early. Everyone’s far more grounded.”

“Huh, I never thought of it like that. I wouldn’t have minded leaving home, but that’s just me.”

Ella reached out and stroked Sloane’s fingers. “I’m so sorry your parents didn’t support you.”

Sloane tingled all over at her touch. “It’s okay. It’s mostly in the past.” She swirled a gyoza in the vinegar sauce and ate it. “This is delicious. You’re going to have to come back and eat it with me even after you move.”

“If you play your cards right.” Ella snagged a gyoza, then patted her flat stomach. “Although I might be done for today.” She was wearing an orange sweatshirt that brought out the colour of her eyes. Her hair was damp like she’d just stepped out of the shower. Which only made Sloane recall soaping Ella’s naked body in the shower the other day. She shut down that train of thought. She was here to help pack, and nothing else.

“You ordered too much, you know that, right?”

“Can you ever have too much sushi?” Sloane wrapped a highball glass in newspaper on the opposite kitchen counter, tucking the edges into the top. She recalled doing exactly the same when she left Jess to move to LA. Wrapping glasses always came at pivotal moments. But this time, she hoped the glass owner stuck around in her life.

Ella was really leaving. Sadness slipped through Sloane like sand. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you living below me.”

“You’ll have to borrow someone else’s vase next time Cathy brings you flowers.” Ella held it up, and handed it to Sloane to wrap.

Sloane licked her finger, selected two sheets of newspaper, and covered the glass. She added another two going the other way. She didn’t want to be responsible for breakages. “Exactly. I need to go shopping.”

“Or start shagging the new tenant.”

Sloane narrowed her eyes. “Salty.”

Ella leaned over and kissed her. “Do it and die.”

“Only if they’ve got a really nice vase collection.”

“Fair.” Ella laughed.

Sloane was going to miss that sound, but she was determined to be supportive. Even though she’d miss everyday intimate moments like this. Moments that warmed her through like sunset on the longest day. Sloane picked up a mug with ‘World’s Greatest Mum’ on it. As soon as she did, Ella whipped it from her hand.

“I’ll do that one. It needs bubble wrap. Precious cargo.” She stared at the mug, then back at Sloane. “I bought this for Mum when I was eight. She kept it all that time. I’m always amazed the lettering didn’t fade, but we never had a dishwasher to batter it. Just me and Mum.” Ella stared at the mug a little more.

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