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“Great game,” Mia says, holding me. “Congratulations, big star!”
“Nah, it was a team effort…” I say, averting my gaze and scratching the back of my head.
“Senna tried to pay attention to the game, but the trampoline seemed more attractive,” Amanda says, glancing at our son, who’s jumping like a popcorn kernel about to explode.
“Everyone is going to grab a bite outside the stadium. Wanna come?” I ask Mia.
She raises her eyebrows in surprise. “But I have to take care of things here. Oh man, what should we do with all the leftover food?” Mia mumbles.
“There will be nobody here,” I continue.
“Are they taking the kids?” Amanda asks.
“I don’t know…” I scratch my chin.
“If you want to go, I can stay and help your employees take care of them until you get back,” Amanda offers with a smile.
I tease Mia gently, “It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to take a break, you know.”
Mia opens her mouth to object, but then pauses, considering. She bites her lip, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“You really don’t mind?” Mia asks Amanda.
“Not at all.” Amanda waves dismissively. “I’ve chaperoned many slumber parties with these little ones, and I’ll be here with Senna anyway.”
“Okay!” Mia says, bubbling with excitement. “I’ll let everyone know and be right back. I’ll ask Simon to be in charge while I’m out. He’s been suggesting I take more time off too.”
She gives her instructions to her employees and comes with me. Once she’s done, we leave for the locker room and find the crowd already leaving.
The girls seem happy to see Mia tagging along. Sarah and Joan, Andrews’ girlfriend, take her by each arm and pull her away from me. I tuck my thumbs in my belt hoops and watch her mingle. It’s not her element, but she seems glad for the attention.
We walk to the restaurant, stopping occasionally to take pictures and give autographs to fans still hanging outside the arena.
We’re recognized as soon as we enter the restaurant, which smells delicious. My stomach growls in hunger.
The owner seats us himself in a private area in the back. Each of us sits with their significant other, except for Ruslav, Smith, and Jameson, who are single. Orders are made, drinks arrive, and once again Mia is having a Shirley Temple.
“Hey, Mia!” Anna, Riker’s fiancé, calls to her from across the table. “Are you and Matthews official or what?”
A buzz of voices arises. More questions come. Mia and I look at each other, both red and in a silent dispute over who will speak.
“We’re giving it time, Anna,” Mia is the one to reply.
“Yeah, no need to rush things,” I lie to go along with her.
Mia looks at me, confounded.
Come on, I was just going along with you.
Don’t make me feel guilty for it.
“What?” I ask, a defensive smile on my lips.
“You don’t want it to be serious?” she mews like a kitten.
Now I’m the one confused, my heart thumping a beat ahead of time.
“I do! I thought you didn’t want to.”
