Page 85 of We Found Love

“But true,” Nixon added.

“Come on, Autumn. We need to huddle up and sort out what’s happening for when it’s our turn,” Maggie said.

The girls formed a circle. Piper, Autumn, Maggie, Luna, Quinn, and Mandy, who said she was also there against her will and wanted to be the sub who never played. There were also three high school girls and Miss Marla.

“Who knows how to play?”

Everyone but Mandy put their hands up at Piper’s question.

“That’s good, and when it’s our turn, we are kicking some ass.”

“You know that’s not going to happen, right?” Mandy said. “I mean, they’re guys and can jump higher than us. It’s just in their genetics. Plus they do that jumpy, spiky thing harder than us.”

“Jumpy, spiky thing?” Maggs asked.

“I watched some clips online last night to understand the game and rules.”

“Right, that’s good then. And some of us are quite good at jumpy, spiky things too. We also have a business mogul, a fighter pilot, a kick-ass schoolteacher, and the best coffee makers in town on our team. We’ve got this,” Piper said.

As far as pep talks went, it was a good one, Autumn thought.

“I think you should be team captain, Piper,” Quinn said.

“Agreed,” Luna added.

“Okay, if you want. Like I said, we’ve got this. Now let’s watch the guys and heckle.”

They moved to watch the men play, and Autumn found herself beside Maggie.

“You want to tell me what’s going on between you and my brother?” Maggie asked.

“I don’t know yet what’s going on between us.” Autumn went for honesty.

“Okay, I’ll leave if for now. But just so you know, I like you, and I think you’d be good for him. But don’t hurt him, or you’ll have me to answer to.”

“I can’t believe you said that.”

“Me either actually.” Maggie smiled. “They’ve been intimidating men who showed interest in me for years, and now I get a chance. But seriously, Ford’s a good guy, but he has crap going on in his life, so go gentle on him.”

“I would never hurt him.”

Maggie squeezed her hand, and they stood in silence, watching the game. It was a few minutes later that something had her looking at the door. The man walking through made her blood run cold.

“Oh hell no!”

“What?” Maggs followed her gaze.

“My ex,” Autumn said. “Why is he here?”

“To see his son?”

“He doesn’t care about him. All he cares about is himself.” She walked away from Maggie, hurrying to the door where Nick now stood.

He smiled as she approached, but Autumn didn’t return it. Once she’d thought that smile boyish and charming, but not now.

“What are you doing here, Nick?”

“Just came to visit with you and my son.”

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