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A few weeks ago, just before her injury, Sloane was snapped getting into a cab after training, and again having a coffee with Layla. It wasn’t a world that Ella lived in. This cafe was more Ella’s world. Perhaps she should give Minnie a chance. Coffee and cake were more her speed than scandal and paparazzi. Although having spent time with Sloane, she couldn’t only associate her with that. Sloane was kind, thoughtful and generous. Also smokin’ hot. She’d never clicked with someone so well. But it could go nowhere.

“Here we go. I got carrot and walnut cake, and your coffee.” Minnie put the plate on the table. “You’re not allergic to nuts, are you?”

Ella shook her head. “I’m not.” She put her phone away and focused on her date. It was the least she owed Minnie.

“Lovely to finally meet you. You’re my third date this week.”

Ella stiffened. She wasn’t sure about date etiquette, but she was pretty sure that wasn’t in the rules. “Not all in this cafe, I hope.”

Minnie shook her head. “I took number one bowling. Number two got a chippy tea. Number three gets cake and cinema.”

Reduced to a number within five minutes of meeting. Ella felt like she was on offer at the Asda delicatessen. Perhaps in the discount section.

“What is it you do? I know you said some sort of sports development role?”

Ella nodded, and explained her job.

Minnie nodded, looking vaguely impressed. “I love that you work with all sports, and not just football. I feel like football gets too much of the spotlight, you know? Take the England women’s cricket, hockey, or rugby teams. They all won gold or a major trophy long before the football team. Yet it’s the football team who gets all the plaudits.” She shook her head. “I’m not a huge fan.”

Ella’s stomach lurched. Minnie hated football? That could be a problem. “I still think what the women achieved this summer was fantastic and against the odds, don’t you? They won in spite of the obstacles in their way.”

Minnie shrugged. “I prefer rugby. Yes, I agree it was a great achievement, but it’s football. Me and football don’t gel. Take that woman who just signed for Rovers this summer. The American. Sloane somebody?”

Ella’s buttocks clenched. “Sloane Patterson.”

Minnie curled her lips in distaste. “Yes, her. I’m sure she’s good at what she does, but she got so much hype and press about her move. But she’s American. Why are we importing stars when we have great ones here already? It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”

Minnie did not mince her words.

“You don’t think it’s market forces? That it’s good for our players to mix with World Cup winners? Because I do. Plus, Sloane has done a lot of outreach work, too. Pushed for equal pay in the US. She’s not just a football star, she’s a women’s rights activist and campaigner.”

Minnie held Ella’s stare. “She’s probably a very nice person. But I don’t like what she stands for. Plus, she’s a bit too good looking for her own good.”

Finally, something they could agree on.

“What is it you do?”

“I’m an estate agent.”

Maybe Ella could get something from this meeting. “Sales or rental? Only, I’ll be looking for a rental in a few weeks.”

Minnie’s eyes lit up. “Maybe this was meant to be. We become a couple, and I find your dream home.”

At least one of those might come true. Ella’s mind wandered back to when she’d watched the game at Kilminster with Sloane. What she’d said about Jess never wanting to watch a men’s game. Ella loved the game in all its forms, just like Sloane. She was happiest watching a game she cared about. She cared about Sloane, which meant she’d cared about watching the club her family played for.

That thought sounded an alarm in her head. Whether Sloane was available or not, Ella didn’t want to be here with Minnie. But she couldn’t cut and run before she’d even finished the cake. When she looked up, Minnie held out her card. “We’re one of the best agents in the city. Take a look at our website and see if anything tickles your fancy.”

Ella already knew it wouldn’t be Minnie.

* * *

When Ella got home laterthat night, she already had a message from Minnie saying she’d had a great time and would love to see her again. Ella had gone to see the film in the end, but she hadn’t really taken any of it in. She’d skilfully avoided any physical contact with Minnie so she didn’t give her the wrong impression, departing with non-committal goodbyes and a kiss on both cheeks, as if they were in Venice and not Salchester on a chilly December evening. Attached to Minnie’s message were two rental flats for her to consider. Perhaps this app was Minnie’s way of drumming up business.

Ella glanced up to the top floor before she walked into her building. Sloane’s light was still on. She’d love to go and see her, find out about her cousin. But it was nearly 11pm, so it was a little late. Yes, they were friends, but they also had boundaries.

However, when she pulled out her phone, Sloane had sent a photo of her flowers in Ella’s vase, with two words attached.

Thank you x.