Fragile

Chapter 9 - Run In

Beth cackled. "Apparently not."

Leah shot me a look, shaking her head. "You're enjoying this way too much."

I smirked. "A little."

Katie tilted her head. "So, Evelyn, how do you know our beloved skipper?"

I glanced at Leah, my smirk softening slightly. "We met a while back."

Beth raised an eyebrow. "And now you're in London?"

I nodded. "Just moved for an internship. Six months."

Viv hummed, watching the interaction closely. "Interesting."

Beth grinned. "Oh, I like this."

Leah groaned again, but I could feel the way her body had relaxed next to mine, the way her knee brushed against mine under the table.

Katie smirked. "So, tell us—what's she like when she's trying to impress someone?"

Leah actually put her head in her hands. "I hate all of you."

I smiled, tilting my head. "Awkward."

Beth howled with laughter, smacking the table. "Oh, I love her."

And just like that, the teasing continued, drinks flowed, and I found myself easily settling in with the people who knew Leah best.

And the best part?

Leah let me.

The night unfolded easily.

I had expected to feel a little out of place—sitting at a table full of professional footballers wasn't exactly a normal Friday night for me—but surprisingly, it didn't feel awkward. Maybe it was the warmth of the conversation, maybe it was the second drink Leah had placed in front of me without asking, or maybe it was the way her hand never left my waist, grounding me in a way I didn't know I needed.

Either way, I wasn't complaining.

At some point, Michelle and Eric had weaseled their way over, sliding into open seats at the table with the kind of chaotic energy that only they could bring.

"Alright," Michelle said, plopping down beside me with a dramatic sigh. "I've decided I'm officially inserting myself into this group."

Beth smirked. "Oh yeah?"

"Yep," Michelle said, picking up my drink and taking a sip before I could stop her. "Evelyn has been holding out on us, and now that I know she's secretly living a footballer romance novel, I refuse to be left out."

I groaned, snatching my drink back. "You're so annoying."

Leah chuckled beside me, her thumb grazing my hip absentmindedly. "I like her."

Eric, sitting across from us, leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "So, Leah, tell us—how long have you been into our girl Ev?"

I felt Leah's body tense slightly, but her voice was smooth when she said, "What kind of question is that?"

Beth cackled. "Oh, that means forever."

Leah groaned, but I could feel the way her fingers tightened against my waist.

I smirked. "I think that means I should've made you work harder for this date."

Leah turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"