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“You’re my daughter. Your father lost sight of that, and so did I, for a while. I’m trying to not make a habit of it. You’ll always have a place here, no matter what.”

I can’t remember the last time she said something like that to me.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, sweetie. She kisses my cheek. “Now go home and rest. You’ve earned it.”

“I will. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She waves, then gets in her car and drives away. I watch her go, then turn to my own car. I get in and start the engine, but I don’t drive off right away.

I sit there for a moment. I’m really doing this. I’m starting over, on my own terms. It’s scary, but exhilarating.

I think about Raul, about the baby. I want to tell him the news. I know he’ll be happy, supportive. He’s already been so good to me, even though I didn’t tell him about the job offer. I wanted it to be a surprise.

I smile to myself. I have a new job, a new family on the way, a new life.

I can do this. I will do this.

I put the car in gear and drive off.

CHAPTER 6 – Lexa

Thursday, July 17

The first day back at training is always the worst. The whole team is here, including all the new signings, all the veterans. We’re a real team now, not just a bunch of misfits and rejects.

I’m in the locker room, changing into my training gear. It’s still weird, seeing the Dawnbreak colors on me, but it’s also exciting.

Valentina comes up behind me and kisses my neck. “Hey, beautiful.”

“Hey, yourself,” I reply. “You got up early.”

“I had to meet Raul,” she says, opening her locker. “He has a lot planned for us this year.”

“I bet. Did he tell you about the new girl?”

“Only that we got her off the free agent market and that she’ll be good for the team.” Valentina frowns. “It’s weird that he didn’t tell us her name. I wonder who it could be.”

“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

I finish getting dressed, then head out to the field. The grass is freshly cut, and it’s a perfect day for football.

I join the rest of the team, who are already doing warm-up exercises. I see some familiar faces, like Rosario and Aggie, and some new ones, like the tall blonde keeper and the short dark-haired defender.

“Hey, Lexa,” Daisy says, jogging over to me. “How was your vacation?”

“Good. Relaxing. Yours?”

“Boring,” she says, making a face. “I just stayed home and watched TV.”

I laugh. “Well, get ready for some excitement. We have a big season ahead of us.”

“I can’t wait.”

We finish our warm-ups, then gather around Raul, who’s standing in the middle of the field with a clipboard in his hand.

“Good morning, ladies.” His voice is loud and clear. “Welcome to the first training session of the season. I hope you’re all well-rested and ready to work hard.”