Final Score: Part One (Game On 5)

“Richard, I loved working here, you know I did. But… things are so different now.”

“Please.” Richard held up his hands. “I don’t want you to make this decision right now. I’d really like it if you’d think about it before rejecting the offer.”

“But… what about the rules? You know, the whole no fraternising with the players thing?”

Richard laughed. “You’re marrying Radleigh. I think that cuts down on the chances of you fraternising with anyone else.”

“It wasn’t just about that, though. It was more about the everyday drama that occurs when you’re with someone. Just because Radleigh and I have got our crap together, doesn’t mean we won’t still fight.”

“I know that. And I know it’s not always ideal for people to work together and live together. But when you’re here it’s not as if you’ll be under each other’s feet all day. He’ll be doing his thing and you’ll be doing yours. I remember how easily you avoided him before.” The smirk on Richard’s face made me laugh.

We’d definitely come a long way since my first stint working for the Warriors. And Richard was right; I’d gotten keeping out of Radleigh’s way down to a fine art back in the day. God, how things had changed.

“Have you mentioned this to Radleigh yet?” I asked.

Richard shook his head. “No. I haven’t mentioned it to anyone but you. I figured if I told anyone else I was considering asking you back, there’d be too much pressure on both of us to make it happen and I want you here because you want to be, not because everyone else talked you into it. Think about whether this is something you might want, and talk to Radleigh about it.”

“When do you need an answer?”

“I can give you a couple of weeks before I really need to advertise the position.”

I nodded, and that little burst of adrenaline shot through me again. Maybe I could make this work. The way the schedules worked out, we would be away from home every two weeks for a night, two at the most. If Mitch and Deanna would agree to have Jessica while we were away, we could hire a sitter to take care of her the rest of the time we were at work.

You are a terrible mother.

Glancing at Richard,

I sighed. “I can’t lie. I’d love to come back. But I don’t know. I wanted to ensure Jessica had parents who wouldn’t palm her off to a childminder, but now you’ve offered me this…” I shook my head and looked down at my little girl who was snuggled into my chest and the guilt returned full force. I softly stroked her hair, breathing in her sweet scent. How could I even consider going back to work? “I don’t know.”

Richard gave an understanding smile then glanced down at Jessica. “I understand. I had the hardest time leaving my girls behind, and I know it’s not quite the same for a dad as it is for a mom, but I do understand why this isn’t an easy decision. Take your time. Think it over and get back to me.”

“I will,” I promised. I blew out a breath and smiled thoughtfully at my former boss. “Thank you. I do appreciate the offer. I’ll let you know as soon as I can.”

Richard gave another nod. “Whenever you’re ready.”

We both stood and I hoisted Jessica onto my hip. Richard hugged me. “Thank you for coming in. I know I’m asking a lot but I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t think it was a good idea.”

“I know. I just need to let the idea settle and see how I feel.”

“Come on.” Richard slung an arm around my shoulder. “There’s time for you to go say hello to everyone before I start busting their asses again.”

Part of me wasn’t sure that was a good idea, just in case people asked what I was doing there; this was certainly not the time or place to discuss the job offer. I quickly shrugged the concern away, though. I’d dropped into the training ground on more than one occasion; no one would find it strange.

When we reached the pitch I felt another rush of familiarity and happiness. Man, I really loved the place. Richard headed off to chat with Ethan and I made my way towards Radleigh and Bryce who, amongst others, were sitting on the field, taking a break.

Radleigh’s eyes brightened as we approached, and he stood up, smiling. My stomach flipped over, and as we reached him he kissed me softly and I handed Jessica to him. “We thought we’d surprise you,” I said.

We sat down on the grass and Radleigh hugged Jessica to him and put his other arm around me. “Funny you should mention surprises…”

Bryce laughed and I turned to him. He was leaning back on his hands and smirking. I rolled my eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Can you set another place for dinner?”

“That’s not a surprise, Bryce.” I laughed. “That’s just a regular week day.”

I wasn’t mad that he’d invited himself over; as I’d said, Bryce at our house was a regular occurrence. Since he’d split from his wife, the dark-haired muscle man had been a semi-permanent fixture. In fact, McCoy Manor – I still hadn’t stopped calling it that in my head – was often the meeting place for our friends, and that night we were expecting Jesse and Kayla. The plan was for Kayla and me to talk about bridesmaid stuff since she’d missed the previous day’s lunch and shopping trip, and Radleigh and Jesse would hang out in the games room. Having one extra person made no odds to me. I loved cooking, and having a full house was way better than having an empty one.

“I broke up with Bethan,” Bryce said, sitting up and rubbing his hands together to get rid of the dirt. “Or more to the point, she broke up with me.”