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Sloane waved a hand. “I don’t take much notice of records. I’m just surprised people know who I am. I haven’t even played a match yet.”

“You made the back pages. You’re a star, Sloane.”

“I was hoping to fly a little more under the radar here.”

Lucy narrowed her eyes, then shrugged. “If it helps, you might be a star out there,” she pointed out of her office window, “but in here,” she circled with her finger, “in this training ground and on the pitch, you’re just a part of the team.”

“The way I like it, even if we call it a field. But field or pitch, I agree.” Sloane replied.

“Good. My plan this season? To mould the team around you. I know you dropped deep to get the ball more with your last team, and that’s a great facet to your game. But I want you to be the figurehead for us. We’ve got a great young striker in Nat Tyler. She’s very excited to learn from you. Take her under your wing. Share your experience. She’s already a fantastic talent and she’s a born goal scorer. But pairing her with you is the dream ticket.” Lucy snagged Sloane with her intense gaze. “Plus, we have a blistering midfield with Millie Welsh and team captain, Layla Hansen, who you know. But most of all, I want you to be happy here. I told you on the phone, I want to know my players on and off the pitch.”

Sloane remembered this conversation with her old coach in Cali. Back then,shewas the young, hot striker, being paired with the older, more mature teammate. Also on the team was Jess Calder, a promising midfielder. When they met, sparks flew, and their passion on and off the field had translated into goals galore. Sloane was well aware that your life off the field always infiltrated your life on it. However, she’d made a pact with herself coming over here. To be happy and content, and to focus on herself and her game. Nothing else. Especially not Jess.

As part of that game plan, Sloane cracked the best smile she could muster. “I’m here for a new experience, and part of that is playing to the best of my ability in a new country and a new league. I’m excited to be here, and I’m hoping my life off the field will be so dull, I have to make all my excitement on it. I’m 100 per cent committed.”

The manager tilted her head, then gave Sloane a firm nod. “I know you’re committed. I’ve seen you in action.” She paused, pinning Sloane in place once more with her gaze. “I also know that relocating brings its own challenges, even for a seasoned pro like you. My door is always open for matters on and off the pitch. Plus, we’ve employed a performance and lifestyle coach, so use her, too.”

Sloane bit down a smile. Ella. She pictured her laughing face in her mind, her mass of brown hair. She’d liked her immediately. Thought she could be a friend. Was she allowed to make friends with the performance coach? She might not have a choice. Having friends off the field was just as important as having friends on it. They’d met once in the opening few days of her time here, and then, nothing. When Sloane had asked, she’d been told that Ella had a scheduled work break to coach existing clients elsewhere. She was in demand. That was a good sign.

“I will. I’m just excited to get started.” Sloane was a winner. Lucy was a winner. This was set to be a fantastic partnership.

Lucy tapped her pencil once more. “One more thing. I’m introducing a personal stories session before every game. Where players and staff share something we don’t know about their journey. Obstacles you’ve overcome. Or something you’re still dealing with. I’m going to go first. Would you be happy to do the second share?”

Sloane nodded. “One hundred per cent.”

“Great. One last thing. How’s the ankle?”

Sloane ignited her brightest smile. “Feeling good. Great, even. Ready for the new season and everything it brings.”

CHAPTER4

“Come in, come in.” Ella rose from her seat and ushered Sloane into the front row of the cinema room. However, this wasn’t used to view the latest blockbusters. Rather, this was where the players came to view their performances and those of other teams. Where they analysed what they’d done, and what they could do better. Also, where they had one-on-one wellbeing sessions with Ella.

It was a far cry from Ella’s playing career, where the facilities had been non-existent, and the manager had screamed at them when they did things wrong. The world had changed since then, as had techniques for dealing with players. Nobody responded well to sharp criticism handed out like a slap in the face. Lucy demanded high standards, and she made sure the players were met with an arm around the shoulder, and a gentle shove in the right direction when needed.

Meanwhile, Ella’s job was to accentuate the positives, figure out ways to move forward, and wrap any shortcomings in a sandwich of can-do. Her task was to go deeper, and see where players could improve off the field, which then transferred to the pitch.

Even players like Sloane Patterson.

Who looked annoyingly stylish, even in a standard club tracksuit.

“Good to see you again. I’ve been looking out for you since our first day, but you’ve been elusive.” Sloane flashed her charming grin, tossed her banana skin into the bin to her left with a slam-dunk shot, then stretched out her long legs as she settled into her red-velvet seat. “Just finishing my lunch.” She took a swig of her coffee, winced, and set it down. “This stuff is lethal. Tastes like hot, melted tyres.”

Ella sat two seats along from Sloane. “I agree. It’s why I bring my own into work.” She tapped the side of her nose. “Top tip.”

“Noted.”

“Good to see you again, too,” Ella continued. “I had a couple of clients at the European aquatic championship and I’d already agreed to go with the team. Hence this is my second first day.”

Sloane raised an eyebrow and finished chewing before she spoke. “How did they do? I imagine, with your help, they swept the board.”

There was that charm again. But this time, Ella was prepared. The first time they’d met, she’d been starstruck, a fan. This time, she was in control, and she had the questions.

“They did well. But we’re not here to talk about them. We’re here to talk about you. You’ve been here three weeks now. How are you settling in?”

Sloane nodded. “Good. Great. I’m getting stronger and sharper physically, and the team is great.”

“Lucy tells me you’re training well. That’s not a surprise. You’re one of the world’s best football players.”