Page 53 of King of Hearts

“I’ll take your word for it. I will simply be here enjoying the view.” I pulled my glasses down a little and wiggled my eyebrows at her conspiratorially.

“Funny you should say that. Lucas asked if that was why I watched the game.”

I turned towards her, my mouth opening in shock. While I could sit here and admit perving on Andy was the only reason I was here today, Marlee was different. She had been a fan of this team for as long as I had known her, sharing the love with her dad since before she could walk. The way the players looked would be thelastthing she registered.

“Tell me you showed him your tragic little collection of Hearts’ hats you have received each year since you became a member. That alone is enough of an answer to that question, although it may scare him away because you’re a lame football loser.”

“Shut up,” She giggled, shoving me playfully. “You’re literally wearing the 2024 cap. I’m proud of you joining uslosers.” She grinned as she lightly tapped the brim of my hat.

“Honestly, it’s more my camouflage. My face was still circulating this week alongside Andy’s. The last thing I want is to be recognised. I mean, I’m technically working right now.” I said facetiously, guiding us to the bar.

“Working? Right. Were you working when he had you bent over the car at 4:00am?” Her words were soft, and I gave her a wink as we grabbed our drinks.

“Best shift I’ve ever done.” I scoffed.

“Let’s go sit and then you can tell me what the hell is going on. I feel like I haven’t spoken to you in forever.” She sounded a little sad, causing me to bite back my retort and consider my answer.

“Me too, Marls. You’ve been a little MIA on your phone. Everything good?” We headed down a set of stairs with rows of seats on either side, most of them already filled with excited fans awaiting the start of the match.

“Yeah.” She sighed, looking down at her ticket and then pointing towards two empty seats in the front row. We walked in front of the spectators already seated, apologising for every bumped knee as we sat in our designated spot.

“Oh my god, Arna. These seats are freaking amazing.” She gawked; any remnants of worry now gone from her face. Leaning in, she whispered, “I’m so glad you are interviewingandscrewing the captain.”

Deciding not to press her any further, I pursed my lips. “Me too. For sooooo many reasons.”

Tapping our plastic cups together we each took a sip and turned to the ground. It was a warm Sunday afternoon, the sun high in the sky. Players were on the field warming up – some stretching or getting a last-minute massage while others passed the ball or practised their kicks on goal. Looking around, it was such a stark contrast to when we were last here for the photo shoot. It was a sea of black and red with some small pockets of orange and blue supporting the opposition. The stands were nearly full, and the scoreboard was on, a camera tracking the players as they warmed up.

“Who is the other team?” I asked.

“You’re joking right? How do you not know?” Marlee’s horror was great.

“Marls, I’ve never been to a game before, I don’t care for any of it other than the fact Andy leads this team. Plus, I knew you would have all the answers so why waste my time finding out?” She rolled her eyes and I added, “I know, I know, I’m the best.”

“No, as I said before, you’re annoying. They’re versing the Sentinels. A team from Tasmania.”

“Huh. Never heard of them.” I looked around the ground searching for Andy. Marlee leaned across me pointing to where some of the Hearts were passing balls around, Jack and Jay amongst them.

“Yeah, I saw them. Have you seen –”

The crowd started to cheer, and the scoreboard focused on someone running along the sideline. Even if the voiceover didn’t announce the captain of the home team, I would have recognised that fine arse anywhere as the camera followed from behind. I sank into my seat a little, lowering my head and hiding behind my cup but Marlee didn’t receive the memo. She shot to her feet, cheering like a banshee with everyone else around us as the camera tracked Andy joining his teammates.

They were moving into a huddle, mirroring what the other team was already doing. Just before he stepped into the cluster, he turned around, staring right at the area where Marlee and I were sitting. Those around us cheered louder and I turned to the man next to me who was clapping and hollering.

“Holy shit, Arns. He looked right at you!”

“Shhuusshhh, woman. Stealth is the word of the day, remember.”

Marlee laughed, clapping along with the crowd and I felt a giddy warmth knowing he checked we were here. “I’m not sure Andy got the memo, either.” She joked.

A horn blared and I jumped a little in my seat. “Shit. What is that?”

“That’s the siren, you fool. Game is starting.”

Reaching into my bag I pulled out my red liquorice and offered some to Marlee. She shook her head before taking another drink.

“I can’t believe you brought that.”

“We both know it’s a staple in my handbags.” I said around a mouthful as Marls nodded knowingly.

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