Chapter 19
The first training session with her team was strange.
The girls acted standoffish. Maia shrugged it off and continued the drills, listening to the coaches’ advice and learning their different plays and set pieces.
The team captain played the same position as Maia, but Maia was flexible, not minding where the coaches put her.
After a two-hour session, which Maia was pleased she’d come through easily, the two coaches called them together.
Cameron took the lead, reading from his clipboard while Rose jogged toward her car. “Our next game is on Sunday afternoon in Wellington. I’ll read off the team and the three reserve players.”
Several girls, including their captain, let out celebratory cries when Cameron called their names.
As Maia expected, she was on the bench. The doctor wouldn’t clear her for an entire game for a while.
“If I read out your name, drop by the coaching office before you leave, and we’ll issue your travel documents and schedule.
Superb session, everyone. You’re working together.
That’s what we need on Sunday. If you see an unmarked player in the clear, pass.
None of this ball hogging.” Cameron’s mouth firmed as he scanned faces.
“This is a team game. There is no I in team.”
Once the coaches left, some grumbled about his comments.
Maia ignored this while wishing the girls were more accepting of the new kid.
Her Auckland team hadn’t been this cliquey and had socialized off the field.
Maybe she would invite everyone to her place for a barbecue and drinks.
If she asked, perhaps they could try the obstacle course London had told her they had used for a zombie run.
Yeah, she had plenty of room, and the girls could stay the night if they wanted.
She’d ask Henry for his opinion and speak with Isabella and London. She could invite her Middlemarch friends. Use the party as a housewarming exercise.
Maia trailed the team into the dressing rooms. Steam, floral shampoo, and feminine chatter filled the air. Maia decided to shower later and changed into warm track pants, a dry T-shirt, and an old university sweatshirt before packing her dirty clothes.
“See you on Sunday,” she called, smiling brightly.
A few girls shouted farewell, but the majority continued talking amongst themselves. Maia maintained her pleasant expression and left, making her way to the coaches’ office.
“Maia, wait up!” someone called.
She turned to spot two teammates.
“Congrats on making the team,” one said, her brown eyes full of sincerity. She ran a hand through her short black curls. “I played like crap last week, so I’m not surprised I’m staying home. My frustration with the team erupted.”
“I watched the game,” Maia said cautiously. “We didn’t look like a team.”
“It was a shitstorm,” the second woman said. She had long red hair in a tight braid. She played in the winger position, her speed impressing Maia. “The coaches will knock us into shape. Especially since they’ve shown they intend to pick the team on form.”
“I’ll be glad if I get playing time. The team doctor wants me easing into games,” Maia said.
They reached the office, and the first woman waited while Maia and the redhead collected their travel details.
“Jan, you played well on Saturday and deserve a place on the team,” Rose said as she handed over an envelope. “Maia, you’ve obviously followed the doctor’s instructions.”
“Thank you,” Maia said, accepting her envelope. “I’m looking forward to moving past the concussion restrictions.”
“No headaches?” the coach asked.
“Not for the last week.”
“See you at the airport,” the coach said.
“I’ll be there,” Maia said.
“We’re going for coffee,” Redhead said. “Do you want to come?”
“Thanks, I’d like that.” These girls were extending friendship, and she needed to reciprocate. They walked to a cafe near their training ground. The girl behind the counter greeted them with familiarity, and Maia figured they were regulars.
“We’ll take our usual,” Redhead said.
The girl turned to Maia. “What would you like?”
“I’ll have an Americano and one of those date scones.” She paid for her order before joining the two women at a table near the window. “I should confess I’ve forgotten your names,” she said.
The two women laughed.
“I’m Jan,” the redhead said.
“Rebecca,” the dark-haired woman said.
“Someone said you live at Middlemarch,” Rebecca said, interest in her voice. “How come there instead of moving to the city? You came from Auckland, right?”
“I have family ties in Middlemarch, and my boyfriend lives there.” It gave her a thrill to claim Henry as her boyfriend.
Jan nodded. “That makes sense. How long is your commute?”
“Around an hour, depending on traffic. Travel times in Auckland are much worse, so an hour doesn’t seem bad.”
“Middlemarch is small, right?” Rebecca asked.
“Yep, a country town. Lots of single farmers looking for lovely wives,” Maia added with a wink. “I was thinking I might invite everyone for a barbecue. What do you think?”
“That’s a marvelous idea, especially since some team members act like mean girls. You have done nothing wrong. Don’t let them get to you,” Jan said.
“All I want is to play rugby,” Maia said. “I love the game. The girls are stupid if they think they can win games by playing individually.”
“Preaching to the choir,” Rebecca said. “I’m looking forward to seeing if we improve after training today. It felt better. What do you think?”
Maia shrugged. “Training differs from game time where the opposition is unpredictable.”
“True,” Rebecca said with a glance at her watch. “I’d better get moving. I need to pick up my daughter from daycare.”
“And I’d better get to the supermarket,” Maia said. “If I don’t stock up on groceries, I’ll go hungry. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Good luck for the game,” Rebecca said, standing. “I intend to work hard to make the team for the next game.” With a wave, she and Jan left.
Maia arrived home almost two hours later and found Henry and Juno waiting.
“Hey, how did training go?”
“I’m on the team,” Maia said, allowing her excitement to show. “I’ll be coming off the bench and won’t be on the field for long, but I made the team.”
Henry wrapped his arms around her. At that moment, she finally felt as if she’d arrived home. She pulled back to beam at him. “I’m glad to see you, but why are you here?”
“If you’re determined to stay, I wanted to change the locks and beef up your window security.”
“As long as you charge me for doing the job,” Maia said.
“You qualify for special rates.” Henry’s voice was flat and determined. “Pay for the materials, and we’ll call it quits.”
Juno nudged Maia’s leg, her eyes beseeching, and Maia ruffled the dog’s ears. “All right, but I owe you dinner. Whatever is your favorite, I’ll cook for you.”
“Roast beef,” Henry said. “With roast vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and lots of gravy. And a dessert. Something hot with custard or ice cream.”
“Wow, a man with opinions,” Maia said, not bothering to hide her amusement.
Henry didn’t crack a grin, his visage shaped in his usual stoicism.
“That’s a deal. You’d better show me what you’ve done. Let me unload my groceries first.” She’d bought fresh fruit and vegetables along with two steaks, a chicken, and a piece of salmon. This time, she’d purchased cans of food and packets of pasta she could use for meals during a time crunch.
Henry made light work of her bags of groceries and lingered in the kitchen while she put away the perishable items.
“I’ll leave Juno with you. You’ll find a bone in the bottom of your fridge, a bag of dry food in your laundry, and her dishes. I left a couple of toys since she loves to play.”
“She has made that clear,” Maia said with a laugh. “Thank you. I won’t turn down your offer since she’s brilliant company.”
“I wish you’d stay at my place,” he said, pinning her with his brown gaze.
“Henry, nothing has happened for over two weeks. No one has spotted loitering strangers, and I want to work and renovate the interior. Besides, you’re away for a job.
Your family doesn’t need me loitering when I have my house.
” It was an old argument that had run its course, but she needed to solidify it.
Henry’s displeasure dug into his features, but he didn’t argue. Wise man because she was obstinate and determined to get her way.
“Let me show you what I’ve done.” He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and handed them over. “I’ve changed the entire lock. These are the keys, and might I suggest you separate them?”
A flush filled her face at her rookie mistake. “I won’t do that again. Why don’t you take the spare? We’ll be together often, so you having a key makes sense.”
He nodded before pointing out the chain he’d installed. The windows’ locks made outside entry difficult unless someone broke a window.
“Thank you,” she said, truly grateful because she’d feel safer when alone. “What time do you want dinner? I wouldn’t mind a training run first.”
“Would you like company?”
His phone rang, cutting in on her reply.
Henry frowned as he checked the caller ID and answered.
It was a work call, and she meandered to the kitchen to finish unpacking her groceries.
Afternoon sunshine lit the kitchen. Plants would look fab on the windowsill.
Herbs because she loved Italian dishes and fresh basil made them sing.
Plan. Maia hummed as she stacked cans in her cupboard, enjoying the minor act.
“Maia, I’m sorry, but an urgent job has come up, and I need to sort it out tonight. Can I have a raincheck on dinner?”
“I understand work comes first.”
With two rapid steps, Henry crossed the room and pulled her close. His mouth crashed down on hers, and his arms tightened as he kissed her passionately. Maia groaned, leaning into him and relishing being the focus of this intensity. A whirlwind storm of emotion.