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“No kidding.” A group pushed past, bumping Lauren forward. “Who are they all?”
“Everyone I’ve ever met. Plus everyone Abi’s ever met. And possibly everyone her mum has ever met.”
Lauren managed a laugh while trying, and failing, to catch the bar staff’s attention. Jenna’s tight smile suggested there was more to the story.
“Let me guess,” Lauren said. “She’s taking over?”
“Yep. Total classic. I love her to bits, and she treats me like a daughter, which somehow makes it harder to say no. I’m trying not to upset anyone. Abi, her mum, her dad…”
“Sounds like you’re juggling a lot of expectations.”
“Story of my life. Successful entrepreneur, devoted fiancée, club captain, valued treasurer…”
“My heart bleeds. It must be awful having so many people adore you.”
Lauren hoped she sounded jokey rather than bitter. It wasn’t Jenna’s fault everyone loved her.
“So why are you over here talking to me,” she asked, “when you’ve got a room full of people dying to pay you attention?”
“Because you have a gift.” Jenna snatched the package from behind Lauren’s back and hugged it to her chest. “And because I’ve got a favour to ask.”
“From me?”
Besides goalkeeping, sports massage, and attracting emotionally unavailable women, Lauren didn’t have a long list of marketable skills.
“Yes. I’m sick of losing, so I’m on a recruitment drive.”
“Awesome. Count me in.”
“You don’t know what I want yet.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
Having something to focus on outside her own spiralling brain was a relief. Besides, it sucked being pelted every week because their defence was leakier than Bristol City’s the season they crashed into—and straight back out of—the WSL. The Blues’ stay in this division would go the same way if they didn’t improve.
“I’ll do anything,” Lauren said. “Name it.”
“Good.” Jenna leaned in. “Because I know people.”
“Mafia people?”
“Football people. One of my old teammates is hopefully coming tonight. Defender. I need you to sell the cause.”
“Why me?”
“Because we lured you down from a higher league so you’re living proof it’s worth the drop. Plus, The Blues have helped turn your life around.”
Lauren laughed. The team had welcomed her, but the way Jenna talked about The Blues made it sound like a religious cult.
“We wouldn’t want to deny others access to such enlightenment.”
“I know you’re taking the piss, but I’m serious.”
“So am I. You lot have been great to me. But what do you actually want me to do?”
“I don’t know.” Jenna’s smile turned wicked. “Flirt with her?”
“No can do. I’m not allowed to flirt with teammates anymore. Remember?”
