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“You play?” Matt’s voice went up an octave. “You’ve signed for Rovers and you’re a big deal.” He laughed. “What are you doing here?”

Ryan stepped in and explained, and Matt put his hands on his hips. “I never expected that. So, you’re after history? There’s loads. You need to speak to Barry over there,” Matt pointed. “He’s the official club historian. There’s nothing he’d like more than to fill you in.”

“Bore you to death,” Ryan interjected.

“Yes, but when he has a purpose, he’s less… prone to wandering. Okay, maybe not, but what Barry doesn’t know, you don’t need to know. Speak to Barry.” Matt glanced at Ryan. “Your mum’s not coming today?”

Sloane’s heart sped up. “Your mum would be my what? Some distant cousin?”

Ryan screwed up his face. “I don’t know, but she’d love to meet you. Especially if you’re a famous footballer. Are you famous?” He paused. “My girlfriend would love to meet you, too. Big fan of the women’s game.”

Matt nodded. “She just signed for Rovers in the largest transfer ever in women’s football. She’s playing at the official stadium in her first home match of the season.”

Ryan blinked up at her. “Blimey. Nice to meet you then, famous distant cousin.”

Matt produced his phone. “You mind if we snap a photo for social media? It might mean we get some new fans if they think you’re coming. You will be back when the new season starts?”

“When the schedule allows.” She leaned in so Matt could snap a selfie. He looked very pleased as he keyed in a caption.

“Sloane Patterson. Kilminster United fan. How about that.” He paused. “If Robert was your great-granddad, there’s a story about your grandparents you should hear. Especially given who you are.” He shook his head. “But it’s not for me to tell. I think Cathy would love to do the honours on that one.”

“Cathy?”

“My mum,” Ryan said.

“You need to be a bit more excited that you’re related to Sloane,” Matt told Ryan. “She’s won the World Cup.”

“My mum is going to freak. The first game she’s missed in ages and this happens.” Ryan rubbed his shoulder. “We’ll come and see you in your first game. Family solidarity.”

That warmed Sloane all the way through. She’d never had that before. Her brother had always been away. She could count on her hands the games her parents had attended in her lifetime. If she was married to a man, maybe things would be different. Or maybe she’d been looking in the wrong place for family all along.

“But what’s this I need to know?”

Ryan shook his head. “I only vaguely know. Speak to my mum. She’ll fill you in.” He paused. “Are you my distant cousin, too?” he asked Ella.

She’d stood back while Sloane chatted, but now Sloane ushered her back into the group. “This is Ella, a Salchester colleague. She kindly drove me here today.” They all shook hands.

“I’m not an American cousin. I’m Lancashire born and bred.” She gave the group a proud smile.

Matt flashed his phone, where the snap of them was already getting traction. “This is getting more attention than anything else I’ve ever posted before. The power of celebrity.”

“Can I get your number so my mum can get in touch?” Ryan asked.

Unease spread through Sloane. She didn’t give out her number easily, even to potential family. She’d been burned this way before.

“Is it okay if I take your number, or your mum’s? I don’t give out my number, I hope you understand.”

Matt slapped Ryan’s shoulder. “Have some respect. That’s like asking David Beckham for his number, you idiot.”

Ryan blushed, and gave Sloane his mum’s number. “I’ll tell her to expect your call.”

“Tell her to count on it. Particularly now I know there’s a secret I need to know.”

* * *

“That went better than I expected.”Sloane clicked her seatbelt into place as Ella reversed out of the club car park. Ryan stood at the door waving. She waved back. “You think he took offence I wouldn’t give him my number?”

Ella shook her head. “He’s waving at you from the door, so I think you’re good. If he did, he’ll realise soon enough why. You’re public property.”