Page 49 of Playing for Keeps

She's gotten good at this, finding the sweet spot between the polished posts Brian wants and genuine moments that show her personality. Way better than those stiff symphony publicity shots her father used to make her do.

"Stag!" Coach barks. "Phone away. Game face on."

I nod and settle in to watch the first period. Something feels off about Grentley's movements. He looks stiff, particularly on his right side. Most people might not notice, but I've been observing his style all season.

Between periods, I find him in the hallway outside the locker room, grimacing as he stretches his hip. St. Paul is ahead by one, and everyone feels tense.

"You good?" I keep my voice neutral, remembering how I felt watching my brother Odin work through recovery from injury.

Grentley's head snaps up. "Fine." But he winces as he straightens.

"Look," I say as I lean against the wall, giving him space. "My brother ended his career with an injury. I’ve seen how that can wreck a guy. Just... be smart about it."

He stares at me for a long moment. "You angling for my spot, rookie?"

"I'm trying to have your back." I meet his eyes. "We're on the same team."

Coach rounds the corner before Grentley can respond. Takes one look at him and jerks his chin at me. "Warm up, Stag. You're in for the third."

I expect Grentley to argue, but he just nods and heads for the trainer's room. Progress.

The third period flies by in that hyper-focused way that only happens when I'm truly in the zone. Every save feels instinctive, my body moving before my brain can catch up. When the final horn sounds, signaling our 3-1 victory, I'm swarmed by teammates.

"Nice work, G Stag!" Tucker pounds my back while Alder tries to dump water on my head.

I scan the crowd and find Emerson leaning against the glass, beaming. She's holding her phone, probably documenting the celebration for Brian's PR strategy, but her smile is meant just for me. God, I love her. I really need totellher that. I keep meaning to say it, but I’m worried I’ll overwhelm her and drive her away. I’ve been trying to show her as much as I can.

In the locker room, Grentley's waiting by my stall. "Good game," he says gruffly.

"Thanks." I start unbuckling my pads. "You let them check out that hip?"

He sighs. "Yeah. Probably just tweaked it.” He pauses. "Listen, about all the shit earlier this season..."

"Water under the bridge." I hold out my fist, and he bumps it. "We're good."

The media scrum descends, asking about the win, about splitting time with Grentley, and about finding my groove as a rookie. I give them the usual soundbites about teamwork and taking it one game at a time. But when someone asks about Emerson being at the game, I can't help but grin.

"Yeah, she's up there with the other PAWs. Still claims she doesn't understand sports, but she's getting into it."

"Any truth to the rumors about tension between you and Ashley Weber?"

My stomach clenches, but I keep my voice steady. "Ashley's a colleague and friend. We're both focused on growing the game, especially supporting the women's league."

"But the tabloids?—"

"Are tabloids." I cut them off firmly. "My wife and I are very happy. Now, any questions about tonight's game?"

Later, after showering and changing, I find Emerson waiting in the hall. She's still wearing my jersey, her curls wild from celebrating. "Nice saves out there, husband."

I pull her close, breathing in her familiar scent of lavender and chamomile. "Nice work up there cheering, wife."

She laughs against my chest. "I'm getting better at it, and I posted pictures online. Essence showed me these filters that make everyone look like they're glowing." She pulls back to look at me. "Everything okay? That reporter's question about Ashley pissed me off.”

"Brian's handling it, and good for you for naming your emotion about it." I kiss her forehead. “You ready to head back to the hotel?"

"Mm." She leans into me. "Cam and Essence want to grab food first. You up for it?"

"Always." I grab her hand as we head for the exit. My phone buzzes—probably Brian with more PR strategies or coach wanting to review the film. But right now, I just want to enjoy dinner with my wife and our friends, feeling settled in my game and in us.

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