Page 31 of Power Play

“I can’t wait.” It was the truth. I wanted to experience their full force, at least once. Since I wasn’t actually one of the wives or girlfriends, I didn't really belong in their circle, but it would be exciting to experience a glimpse of it.

The flight was uneventful and Colby’s car was parked at the airport, so we were heading downtown before I had a chance to let it all sink in. I was really here. In Utah. With the exception of a trip to Disneyland as a child, this was the farthest west I’d ever been. It was hot. And dry. I finally understood the difference between wet and dry heat. I would take this over the humidity of Raleigh any day.

The mountains in front of us were imposing and beautiful. They weren’t lush and green like I’d seen in pictures when I looked up the area, but I could see the potential.

They pointed out different sights: the arena, their favorite pizza place, a Mexican restaurant owned by a previous Fury player, and the general directions of where they lived. Colby was dropping me and Sydney off at her house.

“It’s actually Brandon’s house,” Sydney admitted as we pulled up.

House was a very modest description of the mansion. It was imposing, but tasteful. It looked like a home, with flowers lining the driveway and a bright wreath hanging from the front door. Two small bikes leaned against the garage door.

Before we could get out, the front door opened and two young boys came running out.

“Sydney!” they screamed and wrapped their arms around her legs as soon as she was standing.

“Hi, Milo! Hi, Finn! I missed you guys so much! Were you good for Aunt Addi?”

“Yes!” They cheered in unison.

She bent down and kissed the tops of their heads before meeting my eyes. “Remember my friend I told you about? This is Taylor, and she’s going to stay with us for a little while.”

The boys faced me, and one smiled while the other watched me from behind her.

“Hi, guys. It’s nice to meet you.” I fumbled with my hands, unsure of what to do. High five, handshake, or keep my distance? I decided to let them come to me, if or when they wanted.

They turned and ran back to the house without speaking. It was like they had the twin communication thing going on.

“You’ll get used to that.” Sydney chuckled. “It’s the best when they say the same thing at the same time.”

We waved to Colby and Lucy, and Sydney showed me through the house and outside to the large backyard. A pool with rock formations surrounding it was the centerpiece. The towels, toys, and floaties scattered around the area proved it was well used.

“This is it.” Sydney opened the door to the pool house, which matched the architecture of the main house. Inside was a much larger living space than I expected.

“The bedroom is through that hall and the bathroom is the next door down. It opens to the outside so the boys can use it while they’re swimming, so just make sure to lock both doors when you’re using it.”

I nodded and looked around. There was also a small kitchen nook with all the essentials, a fridge, range, and microwave. “This is really nice. I don’t know how to thank you.”

She waved me off, fluffing the pillows on the couch. “Don’t worry about it. I stayed here for a while when I first started nannying, but it just became easier to stay in the main house.”

That was a relief. At least I wasn’t putting anyone out by being here.

“I’ll let you get settled. The wifi password and a key are on the counter. If you need anything let me know.”

“Thank you so much, Sydney.”

At the doorway she paused. “If you’re feeling up to it, tonight you can meet the rest of us.”

She was gone before I could respond. Once again, I doubted I had much of a choice, and how could I refuse after all these women had done for me?

12

Jason

The past few days had been a blur. Half the time I didn’t know what side of the country I was on. All I did was show up where and when I was told. I was too exhausted, too sore, too discouraged to do anything more.

The last game in Raleigh broke me. Most of the team probably felt the same but wouldn’t admit it aloud. There was only so much we could take and push through. Romney forfeited his normal rant after losing the game, telling us he saw how much heart we had. Tonight it would all be over. We would lose the series, the season would officially end, and we could rest.

Despite our inevitable defeat, our fans flooded the streets of downtown. There were parties and large screens set up on corners so the game could be seen by all. From the bit of news I heard, we had the support of the rest of the league. They knew the injustice we endured. It didn’t seem like many people wanted the Storm to win, or thought they deserved it.