Page 12 of Breadwinner

Sarah turned back to look at Nell, expecting some kind of standard parting remark. Instead, Nell tilted her head slightly.

“She’s quick,” Nell observed, her voice as measured as ever.

Sarah exhaled, a warmth curling in her chest. “She is.”

“She clearly gets that from you.” Nell studied Sarah for a long moment before finally shifting gears enough that Sarah could feel it. That playfulness again. That push-and-pull she had been testing at dinner was back full throttle.

“So,” Nell said, her voice silk-smooth, “have you figured out my puzzle yet?”

Sarah’s pulse kicked up, but she kept her expression even.

“Not yet,” she admitted, tilting her chin slightly. “I have some ideas I’m exploring.”

Nell smirked. Deliberate. Calculated. Just like always. “And here I thought it would have been easy for someone of your caliber to figure it out.”

“Are you in the mood to give me a hint?” Sarah asked, and her question caused Nell to smile—a complete, unrushed smile, not the polite one she offered to cameras or investors but something more knowing. More dangerous. One Sarah had seen threatening to slip out over their dinner.

“Oh, Sarah,” Nell said, gently. “I’m in the mood for a lot of things. Things you might be privy to if you solve the puzzle.” Sheflashed a devilish look. “But, luckily for you, I’m feeling generous today. Your hint: those who have seen the card before know exactly what it means.” She turned slightly, looking at a group of men standing on the side of the field, waiting. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some quick business to attend to before the match resumes. Enjoy the rest of the game with your daughter.”

And, just like that, Nell was gone.

Sarah let out a long breath as she watched Nell move effortlessly toward the group of men.

The game was about to start again, but Sarah was no longer thinking about soccer.

She had spent a lifetime perfecting the art of keeping her cards close to her chest, but she was starting to think Nell Stanhope could see straight through her. That thought should have unnerved her.

After the final whistle, the Puget Sound Pride had fought hard and Wren had scored the Pride’s only goal, but the Freedom had walked away with the win—not that Sarah had been particularly focused on the game’s outcome. No, thanks to their half-time conversation with Nell, Sarah’s mind had been spinning on that damn unmarked business card and what exactly it meant.

The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the stadium as Sarah and Lily made their way onto the field after the game to see Wren.

“You came!” Wren exclaimed, her eyes lighting up upon seeing the two of them.

“Of course we did! We wouldn’t miss it,” Lily said. “You played really well! I have notes for you, though... just a few things I noticed.” Lily wiggled her phone in front of Wren.

“Mrs. Gallagher! You came, too.”

“For the last time, Wren, Mrs. Gallagher is my mother. Please, it’s Sarah,” she said, as she pulled the teen, who wasalmost taller than herself, into a hug. “And of course we came. We’re the co-chairs of your cheering section,” she said softly, squeezing her before letting go. “I thought you looked outstanding out there. I hope you’re proud of yourself.”

Wren’s cheeks pinked at Sarah’s words, but Sarah caught the small smile.

“Sucks we still lost.” Wren shrugged, looking away as all the color drained from her face.

“What’s wrong?” Lily asked, puzzled, turning around to see what Wren was looking at. Sarah turned, only to see Nell once again approaching them.

“Oh—uh, nothing. She just makes me nervous,” Wren said quietly.

“But Nell is so nice!” Lily said.

“Yeah, to you. But she’s like one of the big bosses to me. And not like a normal one. Like the enemy one.” Lily rolled her eyes at that, and Sarah laughed to herself as Nell joined them. Wren and Lily were still going back and forth quietly before Wren elbowed Lily to get her to stop talking.

“Uh—hi, Ms. Stanhope,” Wren stammered. “Did you like the game? Your team won. I mean, obviously you know that because you watched it. I, uh—yeah.”

Nell, for her part, smiled patiently as Wren fumbled over her words, but she never once rushed her through what she was trying to say.

“I was coming over to congratulate you on your goal, Miss Parker. It was impressive. You’ve been in the league for a little over a year and have already been called up to the national team twice. I’d call that a great start to a hopefully lengthy career.”

If Wren had been blushing before, now she was downright scarlet.