Page 58 of The Defender

“Thanks. The new nanny is in her seventies and happily married, so the lingerie situation shouldn’t be an issue,” Noah said dryly. “I just hope Evie isn’t giving her a hard time.”

I kept my mouth shut. Personally, I’d rather set myself on fire than watch anyone between the ages of ten and twelve. Preteens were terrifying.

While Noah texted his nanny, I checked my own phone. My heartbeat tripped when I saw a text from Brooklyn. It was as though she’d heard my thoughts earlier.

Brooklyn

Sorry about today’s match :( That last ref call was bullshit

Brooklyn

But at least you didn’t misjudge your interception the way you did during the Holchester match. Baby steps. You’re learning.

My lips curved. Trust Brooklyn to remember a small mistake from last month.

Thanks a lot. That makes me feel better

I wasn’t being sarcastic. Talking to her was like a weird form of therapy. She could insult me the entire time, and I’d still feel better after one of our conversations than I did after a session with the team’s psychologist.

Brooklyn

You’re welcome :)

Brooklyn

Seriously though. That ref was the worst. You should’ve at least gotten a draw.

It is what it is. We’ll smash it next time.

I wasn’t as nonchalant about the loss as I pretended to be, but I was the captain. I had to put up a strong front for everyone else.

What are you up to?

Brooklyn

Enjoying alone time in the flat without you. Finally.

Define “alone time”

Brooklyn

…

Brooklyn

Get your mind out of the gutter, you perv

You started it. Anyway, don’t lie. You miss me and you know it

Brooklyn

I miss you the way I miss root canals—the ones without anesthesia

Wow, buttercup

That’s not a nice joke and my feelings are hurt. You should apologize by making me pancakes when I get home

Brooklyn