Fragile

Chapter 9 - Run In

Leah chuckled, then looked back at me, something softer in her expression. "You having a good night?"

I exhaled, finally getting my bearings, finally regaining some control. "Yeah.."

Leah's smirk twitched slightly, like she hadn't expected that answer.

Michelle kicked me under the table.

I ignored her.

Eric just took a sip of his drink and muttered, "Oh, this is fun."

Leah tilted her head toward her table. "Come sit with us?"

I hesitated, my heart thumping in my chest.

And then, before I could overthink it, I nodded. "Yeah. Okay."

Leah grinned, stepping back to let me stand.

Following Leah through the crowded bar toward her table was weirdly nerve-wracking. Not because I didn't want to, but because I knew who would be sitting there. Arsenal players. England internationals. People I had seen on TV.

I swallowed, trying to act casual as Leah led me to the table where a group of people sat laughing, drinks in hand, energy buzzing between them.

The second we got close, a blonde woman—who I immediately recognized as Beth Mead—looked up and grinned. "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to introduce us."

Leah sighed, shooting her a look. "Beth, you've met her before."

Beth ignored her completely, turning her full attention to me. "Hi, I'm Beth, but you probably already know that."

I let out a small laugh, shaking her offered hand. "Yeah, I do. Good to see you again."

"Don't let that go to your head," Leah muttered, slipping into her seat and tugging my chair out for me without thinking.

Beth's grin widened as I sat down. "Oh, she's polite for you."

I raised an eyebrow. "She's not usually polite?"

A woman sitting across from Beth—who I quickly recognized as Katie McCabe—snorted. "Not like this."

I turned to Leah, smirking. "Guess I bring out the best in you."

Leah just shook her head, taking a sip of her drink, but I didn't miss the slight pink dusting her cheeks.

"Alright," Beth said, leaning forward dramatically. "We need introductions before we start grilling you."

Leah groaned. "You're not grilling her."

Beth ignored her again. "You've got me—obviously. That's Katie," she nodded toward McCabe, who lifted her glass in a silent greeting. "That's Lotte," she gestured to a woman with sharp cheekbones and a friendly smile, "and that's Viv."

Vivianne Miedema gave me a nod, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "Nice to meet you."

I smiled back. "You too."

Beth immediately turned back to Leah. "So, Leah, how long were you planning on keeping this one from us?"

Leah sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Jesus Christ."

Katie smirked. "You know we love a bit of gossip, mate."

Lotte grinned. "And this is interesting gossip."

Leah groaned, looking painfully uncomfortable, which only made me want to tease her more.

I leaned back slightly, crossing my arms. "What, she doesn't tell you everything?"