Page 58 of Pucking the Team

She chuckled. “This.” In one swift movement, she undid the zipper on her thick jacket and exposed her swollen belly covered by a green sweater. “Little one is due in three months.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize, congratulations.”

“Thank you, we’re very excited.” She rubbed her hand over her stomach. “The head of marketing for the brand is not so excited, I’ve thrown his plans into a tailspin.”

“I can imagine.”

“So, I’ve been trying to get inventive. The range is for active women, business women, women who are bringing up families and succeeding in all aspects of life, and it’s about comfort and durability but still maintaining personality and that country theme.”

“Tell me more.” Her enthusiasm was infectious.

She refastened her jacket. “And so I’ve come up with a plan, a plan to get other women I admire to do the photo shoot for me, model the clothes for the website and promo. So far Carly, that’s Brick’s wife, has agreed, she’s an Olympic medalist, cycling, and Gina, who you’ve met, and I’m hoping Dana who is Rick, the captain’s wife, and CEO of her own business, will also jump on board but…but if you would also be willing to model a few outfits, that would really bring some traction to the brandandthe campaign for Welcome Home.”

I nodded slowly. This was the type of work I liked to get involved with. It wasn’t all for profit, these were real women with stories and passion and that would shine through.

“But you don’t have to.” Mae held up her palms. “It’s just an idea, I mean, how often do I find myself sitting next to a supermodel.”

“Well, I don’t know about supermodel.” I laughed; the expression always made me uncomfortable.

“You are, and you know it.” She nudged me. “What do you think?”

“Where would the shoot be?”

“Here, in Orlando, over the next week or so if that suits you, or perhaps if you are going back to London then I could arrange a—”

“No, no, I’m not going back to London. Here is good. And I have nothing in my diary. I was supposed to be on my honeymoon.” I rolled my eyes. “So I don’t see why not, I really like the sound of the project.”

“Really? You sure? Wow.”

I smiled.

“You have just made my day.” She clasped her gloved hands to her cheeks. “I can’t believe it.”

“Just get your people to ring my agent, Trevor. I’ll ping you his number. He’ll have me drawn and quartered if he doesn’t get a contract negotiated so he can dot all the i’s and whatnot.”

“Sure thing, honey.” She pulled out her phone. “Got to keep the agents happy.”

“But have you considered a maternity line?” I said. “That way you could still get your face on the website. I bet your fans would love it. And there’ll be a percentage of them who are pregnant for sure.”

Her mouth parted, and I could see the cogs of her mind working. “That’s brilliant. My stupid pregnancy brain hadn’t even thought of that. How hard can it be to design some sparkly maternity jumpsuits and a few rhinestone dresses and sweaters with extra room?” She laughed. “I’ll get the design team straight on it. Thanks, Pippa. I really appreciate it. I always knew you were more than just a pretty face.”

Chapter Fourteen

“I hope you are hungry,” Eduardo said as he drove pastCiao!

“Always.” I really was. Sitting in the cold had increased my appetite. “There’s a parking spot there…oh, you missed it.”

“No, my precious car needs a more special place.” He took a left. “The restaurant has a few spaces at the back, Benita lets me use it.”

“I get the feeling she really spoils you.”

“I am a good customer.”

“Why? Because you bring so many dates here?”

He pressed his hand to his chest. “How can you think that? I save this place for special ladies, like you.”

“Ah, I see.”