Page 86 of Shots Fired

With a smirk, Kendra whispers from her seat next to mine, “A while back, I asked Archer if he’d like a side of chicken wings to go with his stare session. Now I’m thinking you’re as bad as him.”

I roll my eyes and act like I wasn’t doing what she’s accusing me of. “The Blades are playing their rivals. It’s intense, and I’m locked in on the action.”

“Mmhmm,” she hums, less than convinced. “I assume your little fuck-buddy arrangement is still alive and well?”

I flare my eyes at her, darting them around us. “A little discretion please, babe.”

Kendra takes another sip of her soda and offers some popcorn out to me. I take a couple of pieces because I’m starving and skipped lunch like the idiot that I am.

“We’re still on for Rise Up next week, right? Collins and Jenna can make it too. It’s been a whole three days without cake, and I’m craving.” Kendra throws her head back, groaning. “That bakery is going to be the death of me and my soccer career. Jack can literally eat through England and not gain a single pound. I only have tolookat the cake stand and I’m tipping the scales.”

Snorting a laugh, I take a few more pieces of popcorn. “Yeah, I’m free and ready to eat all the scones. Jack’s right; no one around here does them like Rise Up. The coffee is mediocre, but the cakes are …” I give a chef’s kiss.

A shot of anxiety passes through me. Rise Up will be a great opportunity to break the pregnancy news to Collins and Kendra. They’re the best friends I’ve ever had, and I know they’ll be there for me. Still, I’m nervous all the same. I just hope Kendra understands the reasons why I’m waiting to tell Jack. There’s zero point in rocking the boat for Archer or the team until the pregnancy is in the clear.

At the end of the warm-ups, the players skate off the ice, just as a door behind us swings open, and a woman I’ve never seen before rushes into the room, dressed in a Blades jacket and hat.

She pulls off the hat and shakes out her silky, dark hair. I’d pin her as in her early fifties. She’s incredibly glamorous with piercing blue eyes and perfectly applied makeup.

“Damn traffic!” she mutters to herself, stuffing the hat into her shoulder bag before casting her eyes around the room, orienting herself.

Her attention lands on me, and she smiles. I can tell she has no idea who I am, and despite the fact that I don’t know her either, she feels familiar.

My gaze drops to her jacket once more, where I see Archer’s number stamped across the chest.

“Oh my God,” I say low, eyes flicking to Kendra as I motion to the lady.

“Have you never met Julia before?”

My whole body turns toward my friend. “I’m sorry, and you have?”

She just shrugs, taking a sip of soda. “Archer’s mom occasionally drives over for games. I guess you’ve never crossed paths since you were in the UK. She’s nice.”

I pull out my phone and type a quick text as Julia makes her way over to a seat a few feet away from us and casually begins talking with my mum.

Me: So, in the past three nights we’ve spent together, you didn’t think to tell me about your mum coming to today’s game?

I realize the text sounds a bit shitty the second I hit Send.

Me: I’m not angry. Just shocked.

Thigh Boy: That’s the equivalent of “I’m not angry, just disappointed.” Actually, it might be worse. She wasn’t sure if she could make it, so I didn’t say anything. In hindsight, I probably should’ve. Sorry, Doll.

Thigh Boy: Do you still plan to meet your mom tonight and tell her about the baby?

Me: Yeah. Why?

Thigh Boy: I’m going to tell mine too. If that’s okay with you?

Me: You don’t need my permission to tell your own mum. Are you nervous?

Thigh Boy: Nope. Like I said, Mom’s a family woman. Plus, I don’t really care what anyone thinks. Only about you.

My heart rate kicks up, just like it did against the monument.

Me: Sweet talker.

Thigh Boy: Is it working?

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