Page 21 of Racing Heat

“We’ll have to do that sometime,” I agree, but not with as much excitement as she had. I glance over at Hendrix one more time, wondering what kind of game she’s playing.

But I don’t have to wonder for long. A bunch of whooping and hollering is coming from the back of the bar, where most of the team has migrated to.

“Come dance with me!” Mac calls to us.

“Yes, let’s do it,” Hendrix yells.

Grabbing Cassie by the hand, she leads her to the back of the bar. I’m not stupid enough to believe that she meant me, so I goback and sit down beside August. He’s nursing a beer. I’m not sure if it’s the same one or not.

“Wanna talk about that threesome now that it’s just us?”

I can tell from his tone that he’s not even joking.

“I’m not drunk enough for that,” I reply.

The night wears on, and we sit there together while the team celebrates behind us. It reminds me that that’s the way it should be. I’m a coach—nothercoach, but nonetheless, I shouldn’t be flirting with a player. It would spell disaster for everyone.

Chapter Eight

~CASSIE~

It’s nice to be back in the home stadium. Probably because away games aren’t my favorite. But somehow I managed to quiet the noise and score a goal. My first in the NWSL. My parents sent me flowers to mark the occasion.

“These are so beautiful,” Mac says, running her fingers along a petal. There’s a sad look in her eyes as they linger on the flower.

We’re so proud of you. Love you to pieces. Mom and Dad.

It’s more than her parents have done for her. Had mine not had to work, they would have come to San Diego for the game. But they missed it. I was okay with that because I knew they were watching. Mac doesn’t have that luxury; she isn’t even sure that her parents watch.

I’m lucky in that way. My parents have never missed a soccer game or a school function. They were crazy proud of me when I was drafted into the NWSL, going as far as to hold a draft party as they watched it online. Because of course the NWSL draft isn’t available to watch on ESPN; you have to stream it on a website. But they still invited all my family and friends over to watch their little girl make her dreams come true.

And I sure did.

I got flowers from them that next day too. They were sent to my hotel, and I had to deal with taking them on a plane back home. I held on to those flowers tightly the whole way home. I wanted to make sure I could dry them and save them like I’ve been doing with all the flowers they’ve sent me so many times before.

“You okay?” I ask Mac.

Her eyes are still fixated on the flowers, like she wishes they would suddenly be from her parents instead. Danny has sent her flowers to make up for their lack. I’m sure it helps, but it’s not from them and it’s not their approval, which I know is what she’s hoping for.

“I saw Danny sent you flowers last week,” I tell her. “That had to feel good.”

She nods and shrugs. “Yeah, he likes to send flowers and all that. It’s nice.”

“But?”

She bites her lip. “I just wish…” Her voice trails off and she refuses to meet my eyes. The tears aren’t far behind.

Mac is the sister I never had. I’d do anything to take this pain away from her, but I can’t. It doesn’t work like that.

“I know you do, honey. I’m sorry.” I walk over and hug her tightly. I don’t stop until she squeezes me back, and I hope she’s okay for now. “We should get going. Team bonding time!” I remind her.

“Yeah. I’m sorry I’m making you get there so early. I just want to make sure that everything is perfect before the team gets there.”

“No worries. I’m happy to come help you. Plus, it’s go-karts. I need to get there early enough to pick out my car,” I tease her.

She shakes her head. “I hope everyone has fun. They seemed to be pretty excited when I told them about it the other day.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” I assure her.