Page 32 of Anatomy of Us

Comments pour in by the thousands, even from people who know nothing about women’s soccer.

“Iris Vance for president”

“That’s a real team”

“Protect mothers. She’s an example”

“Somebody give that blonde a medal. What’s her name? Iris Vance?”

Morning training gets canceled. We cram into Iris’s room, put on music, and the whole team takes turns holding Wesley. Zoe gets more hugs and encouragement than if she’d won the World Cup final.

**

By ten p.m., Wesley finally falls asleep. With all the chaos, there’s no way earlier. For him, today is a party. For his mom, not so much.

I sit with Zoe on her bed, both of us propped against the headboard, our shoulders touching.

It’s been a brutal day. The silence gives it away. The way neither of us has the energy to pretend any of this is normal.

“Not even a full week of preseason and this is already insane,” Zoe says, voice tired.

“We'll spend the rest of the days together,” I say before I think.

“What?”

“I mean it,” I tell her.

“We can’t, Tess. After the photo, if… if Nate finds out about us—”

“How would he find out?”

“Tessa, you’re in my room. At ten at night. In your underwear.”

“Half the team already thinks we’re sleeping together,” I say.

Zoe turns toward me fast. Opens her mouth. Closes it. Opens it again, but no words come out.

“What did you just say?”

“Iris told me this morning,” I admit, shrugging. “Apparently there’s a bet and everything.”

“A bet?”

“Lucía says we’ve been hooking up since Seattle. Jade says it was on the plane. Iris says nothing’s happened yet but it’s a matter of days.” I lift a brow. “This morning she thought she lost the bet.”

“Jesus,” Zoe breathes.

“The team keeps secrets, Zoe. They’ve spent a week taking turns with Wesley. Today they went to war for you online.” I squeeze her fingers. “They’re not going to sell you out over gossip.”

“But your job—”

“Sara handles your rehab. Officially, I don’t make any solo decisions about your case. Everything’s documented. Diana’s orders.”

Zoe studies me for a beat.

“Why are you so calm?” she asks. “This morning you were as scared as I was.”

“Because this morning I thought you were alone.” My voice drops. “And you aren’t. Not even close.” I take her hand fully and press it between mine.