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CHAPTER12

They were seven weeks into the season, and the team was unbeaten, with five wins and two draws. They couldn’t have asked for more. The new signings had settled in, Sloane especially was scoring for fun.

Ella waited for Sloane in her office—she was going to drive them home for the second time this week. The first time, she’d been slow, steady, and super-nervous, not how Ella had imagined. Today, Ella was going to get her to relax, take things easier.

Since the pre-season in Germany, Sloane had kept it mainly professional with Ella, focusing solely on her training and performance. They’d chatted a few times when Ella was in, but something shifted on their trip, and Sloane had kept her distance. There had been no coffees or knocks on her front door. Just the promise of a driving lesson, which was happening today.

Sloane wouldn’t be drawn on her love life in their performance sessions. From the look of Jess’s socials, she’d already moved on, but Sloane didn’t want to talk about it. However, she had opened up about her mindset, and about her injury fears, which Ella knew were well founded. She’d had her own to deal with, and that hadn’t ended well. She wouldn’t wish her outcome on anyone, let alone the best striker in the world.

Her phone lit with a message from Sloane, saying she was waiting outside. Ella shut down her laptop, and waved at Lucy through their clear office wall. She beckoned her in. Ella packed her bag, then stuck her head through Lucy’s office door. While Ella shared her space with three others, Lucy had hers all to herself.

“How did the sessions go today? You’re not in the next two days, right?”

Ella shook her head. “Nope. Everything is good. I’ve been helping Nat with her decision-making confidence, Amy said my shepherd’s pie recipe was a winner, and they’re all ready for this weekend. Big game against the league leaders. Everyone’s in the right head space. They just need your words of wisdom to guide them now.”

Lucy nodded. “I was wondering if you’d like to share during the pre-match talk next weekend? This week’s is big, but next week is against our arch rivals.”

Ella blinked. “Me? The biggest match of the season so far?” She pointed to her chest then glanced over her shoulder, just to check Lucy hadn’t been talking to anyone else.

There was only her.

“Yes. You’ve been there, done it. I’ve already told my story.” Lucy led from the front, and she expected her team to follow. “You told me your story—now tell it to these kids. Tell them what it means to have it taken away. Tell them to go out and seize the day. Be vulnerable. Take a chance.” She paused. “Or say whatever you want to say. You up for it?”

Was she? Ella had addressed conferences before, been on a stage in front of hundreds of delegates and done it with ease. But smaller groups were always more pressure. People listened more. You could see the whites of their eyes. But she’d got into this job to make a difference. If this was what it took, then so be it.

“Count me in,” Ella replied.

* * *

Ella still couldn’t believethe club’s fantastic facilities, nor that they were shared with the men. Everyone she’d met so far was friendly and open, which was terrific. She loved the atmosphere both teams fostered together, and wished more clubs took this on-board. When the men and the women worked together, sharing facilities and stories, it was better for everyone. Maybe she could suggest to Lucy both first teams had a regular social sharing session. Food for thought.

As Ella walked towards her car, she spotted Sloane leaning against one of the carefully planted trees in the car park. She was dressed in a club tracksuit and trainers with a woolly hat – “this is not California!” as she constantly told Ella – but she wore it better than anyone. Sloane was one of those people who could wear a bin bag and look great, whereas Ella had to work at it more. Maybe she could ask Marina for help when she came around to see her new flat. Her cousin was far better at style than her.

“Is that the world-famous striker Sloane Patterson leaning against a tree like she’s doing a shoot for her own ‘In The Style’ range?” Ella blinked. Her playful tone was new.

Sloane gave her a slow smile as she straightened up, stuffing a wrapper into her pocket.

“Why haven’t they asked me yet? I should be upset, right?” She walked around to the passenger side of the car. “They should get me doing a collection. I’d make it queer as hell, and ladies all over the world would love it.”

“I agree,” Ella replied. “I was just thinking I need to freshen up my wardrobe. You could inspire me.” She came to stand beside Sloane. “I think you’re on the wrong side, by the way.” This had happened the first time Sloane drove, too.

She shut her eyes and shook her head. “It’s not my fault if you insist on putting the driver’s seat on the wrong side, is it?” She snatched the key fob from Ella’s hand and opened the door. Once settled inside, Sloane adjusted the seat and mirrors, then stroked the steering wheel.

Ella tried not to pay too much attention.

“Have I told you I love your car, by the way? Small, but perfectly formed. Also, the colour is lit.”

Ella beamed. “My car says thanks. I assume you drove something bigger in LA?”

“I did. A Subaru gifted to me. Bigger than a Mini.”

“But not as cute.”

Sloane gave her a look Ella couldn’t quite decipher, then tapped the digital display on the dashboard. “I was going to apologise for being late, but you can work until whenever I guess. Whereas once my 50 penalties are in, I’m done.”

“There are always performances to make better: you on the pitch, me inside minds and bodies. How many did you score today?” Ella snapped her seatbelt into place.

“Forty-two. Not bad, but not great either.”