Page 22

Paige

I barely sleep the night before Storm’s season opener with a nervous energy coursing through me as though I’m one of the guys about to run onto the field. When in reality, I’m nervous for my dad. The news of the GM’s departure hit the media yesterday with full force, and the accusations flying around are devastating with most aimed at my dad. Blaming him for the demise of the team. Calling him egotistical. Speculating that he’d cleared the position for himself so that he’d have a more hands-on role.

All the while, he stayed quiet. I’m sure he had lawyers telling him what to do, but it kills me to think that the fans hate him when they don’t know what’s really going on.

Hell, I’m his daughter and I didn’t really know what was going on until I spoke to Keeley. I obviously knew the business side of things. The GM and the previous owner had pretty much run the team into the ground when it came to the finances, but it turns out there was more.

Both the GM and the previous owner received a paycheck from the Storm TV show, but the team itself received little to nothing. He’d also come on to Keeley and other women who work for the team on multiple occasions, despite being married and regardless of their complaints.

Keeley claims he never touched her, but made her feel uncomfortable several times, even insinuating that he could help her rise to the top if she stopped refusing his advances.

Not that she told my dad that. In her mind, Tray was gone so there was no point in her dredging up her issues with him to help the case. It was done.

I’m not entirely sure why she told me , but I promised to keep it quiet. What’s another secret to add to the list?

After a quick shower, I throw on the unnumbered jersey that Dad gave me and head to the stadium. Dad said I could work on the fundraiser in his office, and I’d rather be there if he needs me than home worrying about him.

Oh how things have changed between us.

I never stopped caring about him. I never once stopped loving him. But when he left my mom, I stopped worrying about him with my focus solely on her. If he could leave her knowing how much it affected her, then he didn’t need me. At least, that’s what I thought at the time. Now I’m full of regrets. It’s amazing what a little maturity and perspective will teach you.

God, I was a brat.

Keeley’s in the hall outside my dad’s office when I arrive, and her warm smile brings on my own.

“You’re here early. Are you staying for the game?” she asks, her expression hopeful.

“I am. I have no idea where Dad’s got me sitting, but I’ll be there. I just have to get some of the charity event planning out of the way before it starts.”

“You are a godsend, you know that. I know how expensive event companies can be, so the team and the board are lucky to have you.”

“I don’t know about that. I’m no event organizer, but I’m trying. Also, my dad didn’t give me much choice.”

Keeley laughs. “Then we should be thanking him too. Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.”

“You’ve already done enough. Your contacts have been amazing.”

When Dad first reintroduced me to Keeley, in a professional capacity, he thought she’d be able to help me with the event, but didn’t mention the fact that I wasn’t the event planner he’d pitched me to be. He failed to mention that I’m only helping because the team is struggling financially but still needs to save face. I was the one that shared that news with Keeley, feeling like a fraud. I’ve helped out with events, come up with ideas, used my influence to get support, but I’ve never taken the lead. And I’m a little terrified, if I’m honest.

But Dad wanted to make sure the focus was on the team’s chance of back-to-back wins, not the fact that they had money issues. And since I’m the doting daughter that owes him for treating him badly, here I am.

“Well, I’m here if you need an extra pair of hands,” Keeley adds, waving said hands in the air. “ Or if you want a laugh, I could volunteer my brother. He’s never up for a good time, so it would be fun to watch him try to either get himself out of it, or to pretend he cared to impress his new boss.”

I laugh out loud, though I do agree—it would be fun to watch him squirm. “That’s okay. At the moment, I’m on top of things. But I’ll let you know when that changes. And I still have four weeks, right?”

“Yes. I can’t believe your dad asked for such a short turnaround. He clearly doesn’t know the work that goes into big events like that.”

“I think he just wanted it to be on a bye weekend, so the team had no excuses when they were asked to attend. And we’re up first when it comes to byes.”

“We?” Keeley smirks and I roll my eyes.

“That was a line I’m repeating directly from my dad. I will admit, I enjoyed watching practice. But I don’t think I’m a full-blown football fan yet.”

“But you could be swayed?” She grins excitedly, baring her teeth comically.

“Yeah, I think I could be,” I admit, with one player on my mind.

“Good to know.”

I lose track of time working, and before I know it, Dad’s texting me to tell me he’ll be by in ten minutes to show me to my seat.

I’ve just started packing up when Keeley pops in again.

“So… I’ve decided you’re coming with me.”

“What?” I laugh.

“I know your dad said he has a seat for you, but would you rather ogle the hot guys while sitting with your dad and other official men? Or come and watch the game from a suite with some like-minded and amazing women…and a really cute baby?”

“Again, what? Who?”

Keeley laughs. “I was chatting with Luke’s wife about you, and we decided you need to be watching the game with her and some of the other wives and girlfriends.”

“But I’m not a wife or girlfriend.”

“I know that. But neither is Amelia’s bestie, Hayley, so you’re not the only one. Plus you’re still connected to the team. In fact, you’re like the team’s daughter, since your dad owns them. Oh my God. It just occurred to me that one day you could own the team. You might inherit it.”

“Oh no. That’s not for me.” But if it was, I definitely scrap the “no seeing the players” rule. In fact, I’d encourage it. “Also… are you killing off my father?”

“God, no. He’s still so young. I mean way way in the future.”

“It would still be a no. He better either live forever or find himself another heir. One that is not my brother. He couldn’t handle that kind of pressure. I guess I could sell the team and make billions. Does it work that way?”

Keeley laughs as though I’m joking and she’d be right. But lucky for me, Dad knows I am not cut out for the sports world. But if he wanted to leave me an art studio in his will or a modeling agency, I wouldn’t mind owning those.

“Regardless, can I take you up to my friends?”

“I don’t know.” I scrunch my nose as I think about disappointing my dad. “Dad’s about to be here and—”

“I’m here.”

“And here he is.”

“Hi Keeley.” Dad nods. “Sweetheart,”—he kisses my head—“are you ready?”

“I was just asking Paige if she wanted to watch from the suite with some of the wives and girlfriends,” Keeley cuts in before I can answer, a comfortable air between them, and there goes lying to keep Dad happy.

“I said no.” I shake my head. “Where are we sitting?”

“Actually, I think that’s a great idea,” Dad says, shocking me. “Maybe with new friends, I might be able to convince you to come to more games.”

Keeley smiles, while I study Dad’s expression. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He smiles wide and points to his mouth to make sure I saw it. “I’m sure.”

“But—”

“I’m old enough to look after myself, Paige. How about we meet up after the game for a drink?”

“Okay.” I hesitate. I wanted to be here to support him, but how can I do that if I’m not with him?

“Go.” Dad laughs as though reading my mind. “I’m good. See you after we win.” He presses another kiss to my head and smiles at Keeley. “Go, Storm.”

I shake my jersey to show my support and then Keeley drags me away. “You’re going to have so much fun.”

B y halftime, my cheeks hurt from smiling. Keeley was right. These women are awesome. Luke’s wife is a riot—the way she teases her husband when he celebrates a touchdown has me laughing out loud. It’s easy to see that she loves him, but it’s refreshing to note that they keep things light between them. The world is dark enough.

And their daughter. My God, is she adorable in her tiny little Bennett jersey and pink bow. I bet she melts hearts everywhere she goes.

Then there’s Hayley, who I recognized the second I saw her. She’s starring in a huge movie they’re making based on a book I love and I’m in awe of her. She’s not only stunning and exactly as I pictured the main character, but she’s also incredibly down-to-earth and fun, unlike the character she’ll be playing. On top of that, she’s Australian and I could listen to that accent all day. What’s even cooler is that she recognized me. Said she’s been following me on social media for years, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I pretty much fell in love with her at first sight.

Actually, it’s safe to say I fell in love with this entire group on sight.

Lainey, Thomas’s wife—I discovered they’re newly married—is also an amazing woman. And someone I could see myself hanging out with. It took no time at all to discover she’s great with advice which I’m told is what led her to become a dance therapist, mixing her passion for dance with her ability to know what to say in any given situation.

I almost asked her if she could help fix my life. Or at the very least, tell me what the hell I should be doing because I have no idea. But that’s a lot to load on someone I just met.

Along with having fun like Keeley promised, being here with these beautiful women made me really miss my female friends back home.

In New York, I was constantly surrounded by friends and then they just disappeared when I moved. Ghosted me as though I’d never existed.

I’ve never had trouble making friends, yet I’ve been here for months and haven’t even tried. Until now.

I bet Lainey would have something to say about that revelation. Am I holding back because somewhere deep in my mind this is all temporary? I’m here because I was running away. If Christian’s family is caught, like I’m hoping, am I going to go home? I always thought I would, but now I’m not so sure.

Then there’s the other possible reason for my hesitation. My friends broke me and I lost all trust in females. Or maybe I’m just lazy. Who knows.

Whatever the reason, I like this group of women, so maybe things are about to change.

“Okay, ladies,” Keeley calls out as she enters the suite when the second half of the game begins. “I’ve got fifteen minutes. Do you have any gossip for me?”

“I do.” Hayley raises her hand enthusiastically and rushes over to pull Keeley in close. “I need to thank you because Paige is my girl crush. Has been for so long and I can’t believe she’s standing in front of me.”

All eyes flit my way and I laugh out loud. “Says the woman who is set to become Hollywood’s IT girl.”

“Maybe so, but I will never be Paige D’Angelo. I will say I’m happy you ended things with Christian. I always thought he was a bit of a dick.”

“He was. Still is. But the sex was amazing. I’m only twenty-five; that’s all I needed from a relationship.”

“Yes,” Hayley and Keeley both cheer. “Get it, girl. What about now?”

“What?” Dammit , I walked right into that.

“What’s your status now?” Hayley asks again. “Met any San Fran men that you fancy? Having any hot sex?”

“Hayley,” Amelia cuts in, shaking her head with a smile. “You can’t ask her that on day one. At least let her settle in.”

“Why? She knows we’re about to become besties. All of us.”

I laugh while my mind drifts where it shouldn’t. To Keeley’s brother, their husband’s teammate, my dad’s player. And no matter how forbidden it is, I still want it.

Dammit.

I give a coy smile and shrug my shoulders, making the girls burst out laughing.

“Oh, you have a story to tell. I can feel it.” Hayley taps her fingers together like she’s some cartoon villain. “But don’t worry, I’m patient. I’ll wait until you’re ready to share.”

“Since when?” Amelia’s jaw drops and I laugh at the banter between them all.

“I’ve got to say, I’m with Amelia on this one, Hayley,” Lainey adds with her hands in the air for surrender. “When I mentioned I’d bought a special gift for my wedding night, you wouldn’t stop until I told you what it was. And I’d only really known you for a month.”

“Very true. But it’s day one for Paige. She gets twenty-four hours grace.”

“Run,” Keeley jokes. “Run before it’s too late and you find yourself telling these ladies everything .”

I once again laugh along with them until another reason for not having friends pops into my mind. I have secrets. Secrets I can’t tell anyone right now. And I’ve always been known as an oversharer. Am I walking into fire if I get to know these girls? Is it easier to keep to myself?

I think on that for a second as they all stare at me in anticipation, but it doesn’t take much for me to make my decision.

“I can handle that. But be prepared; I’ve lived a good life.”

“Yes.”

Cheers ring out from the crowd and my new friends all cringe before racing back to the glass. At least, Lainey and Amelia do. Hayley shrugs like she could take it or leave it, but when she glances down at the field, it’s easy to see she’s just as obsessed as they are.

Keeley takes that as her cue to leave again, and we watch the rest of the game without her.

The girls chat about the plays, cursing the referees or umpires or whatever they’re called, bouncing excitedly when one of the players does something impressive—I think—while I try hard not to spend all my time watching Easton.

Though that task is next to impossible.

He’s a goddamn machine. An incredibly sexy machine who even looks good with a helmet and gear on. Which is really freaking annoying. I have no idea what position he plays, or if he’s even a good player—though that should be assumed since he’s playing in the top team—but what I do know is that I wish I had number 11 painted on my back. I wish this was a Wilder jersey.

At some point during the second half, someone mentions Zane, and I have to fight to quell the rage inside me after reading about what he did to Easton. Yet another reason to dislike Isaac’s mom. No matter what the circumstances are, you don’t cheat. Period. Maybe I should introduce her to Christian—they’d get along well with their similar lack of values.

Ignoring the new protective vibe I have coursing through my veins, I watch the rest of the game with my heart racing and my body tense, praying for a good result. When the Storm takes the win, the relief I feel is surprising. I wanted them to win for Dad; I didn’t realize I’d want them to win for me too. Maybe Dad was right and football is in my blood. He said he always tried to get me interested at a young age and I’m finally there.

The crowd goes absolutely wild for the team’s success, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the celebrations. The energy buzzing around the room is like a drug, giving me a high I never expected. So while I still have no idea what happened—I never really took the time to learn the game—I know they won and I still had fun. I’m glad I listened to my dad and Keeley. Maybe this place is going to grow on me.

And I think I just might attend a few more games.