Page 145 of Balancing Act

Shannon appeared beside them with Wren in tow, her commanding presence a sharp contrast to Wren’s unsure movements.

“Yay! You ended up going with what I picked out for you, too, Wren.” Lily bounced on her toes, her energy buzzing like static in the air. “You. Look. Incredible.” Lily made a motion with her hand for Wren to spin so she could admire her handiwork.

Jamie smirked as she watched Wren rapidly shift through several emotions in quick succession: paralysis, horror,embarrassment, and acceptance as she eventually did as Lily asked. Jamie had to admit, Lily had also picked the perfect outfit for Wren—long trousers paired with a stylish pair of chunky loafers and a crisp white T-shirt. Young, stylish, comfortable... and unlikely to trip Wren.

“Uh, yeah, thanks. I needed your help. I’m not good at these things.” Wren smiled at Lily briefly before looking down at her shoes. Lily looped her arm through Wren’s and turned to Beth and Sarah, who had been watching the exchange with amused expressions, and Jamie watched Beth closely.

“Moms, this is Wren. Wren, these are my moms. Wren plays for the Puget Sound Pride, and she’s, like, totally amazing on the field.”

Wren’s posture snapped even straighter, her shoulders practically touching her ears. “Uh, well, I wouldn’t say amazing, exactly?—”

“She’s being humble,” Lily interrupted, nudging Wren lightly with her elbow. “Seriously, you should see her play. It’s unreal.”

Beth and Sarah exchanged a knowing glance, the kind Jamie had seen a handful times before—the quiet but unmistakable exchange of two parents clocking an important moment.

Beth, ever the warm and gracious one, extended her hand first. “It’s nice to meet you, Wren. I’m Beth, and this is Sarah.”

“Oh.” Wren blinked, then awkwardly shook Beth’s hand like she had never done anything like it before. “Sorry. I get a little nervous meeting new people.”

“That’s okay with us,” Sarah said softly, offering her hand as well. “It’s nice to meet you, Wren.”

Wren shook her hand just as stiffly, and Jamie barely suppressed a grin at the sight of Wren looking utterly flustered. Lily—either oblivious or enjoying herself too much to notice—kept talking, her hands moving animatedly. Wren, on the other hand, was ready to either bolt or combust.

Jamie leaned slightly toward Beth. “Think we should rescue her?”

Beth smirked. “Not a chance.”

Before Jamie could intervene, Shannon clapped a hand on her shoulder, drawing her attention away. “I need to borrow you to talk to some folks,” she said, already steering Jamie toward a small group across the room.

Jamie glanced back briefly to see Lily grinning up at Wren, who was now blushing. Beth and Sarah, meanwhile, were watching with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Jamie shook her head and let Shannon lead her away.

They spent the next twenty minutes weaving through the crowd, shaking hands and making connections. They met with investors, athletes intrigued by Empwr’s mission, and a few key figures from the athletic tech world. Shannon, always the smooth talker, handled most of the business conversations, while Jamie added in anecdotes and personal touches about her journey.

“Whatever you two are doing, keep at it,” one investor said, clapping Jamie on the back. “This kind of movement is long overdue.”

Eventually, they made their way back to Beth and Sarah, who were still standing with Lily and Wren—Lily still chatting away, Wren still looking utterly flustered.

Before Jamie could comment, they were interrupted.

A sharp voice cut through the hum of conversation.

“Shannon.”

They turned to see a woman approaching them with purpose, her presence commanding. She was tall, with sharp, striking features, and steel-gray eyes that looked like they could see everything.

“Nell!” Shannon exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine enthusiasm as she wrapped the woman in a hug. “Everyone, this is Cornelia Stanhope, owner of the Philadelphia Freedom.”

That’s why Jamie knew the name. Cornelia was one of the most powerful figures in women’s sports, known for her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering support for female athletes.

“I always knew you’d do big things, Shannon. You never disappoint.” Cornelia’s cool, assessing gaze shifted to Jamie. “And you must be the infamous Jamie Lyons. You two have done something special here,” she said. “Congratulations.”

Jamie nodded and accepted the handshake firmly. “Thanks, Cornelia. That means a lot.”

She gave a small nod, and Jamie noticed her eye briefly drifting to where Sarah stood, but then Cornelia was gone, already engaging in conversation elsewhere.

“Damn. Cornelia Stanhope in the flesh,” Amanda said, as she joined the group, looking briefly over her shoulder. “She’s hot, right? I don’t evenlikewomen, and I’d still listen to whatever she has to say.” Jamie concealed a laugh in a cough as Shannon rolled her eyes. “What?” Amanda shrugged. “Tell me I’m wrong.”