Page 124 of Offside Rules

"No. I have my own."

"Then let me enjoy mine."

She nudges my knee with hers, still smiling, and leaves me alone long enough to finish it.

During a stoppage, Penelope comes in carrying the cupcake boxes. She sets them on the coffee table, and Peyton immediately leans over to read the labels.

Penelope takes a seat across from us. "How’s the shop coming along?"

"I’m getting my application together. Once the gala balance is paid, I should have enough to move forward."

"Oh, that’s exciting. Is it close to Serendipity’s?"

"Two doors down," Ellie tells her. "I’m planning to become a terrible influence on her lunch breaks."

"You already are."

"You ate lunch today, didn’t you?"

"Yes."

"Then my work is paying off."

Penelope smiles. "Send me the date for the grand opening when you have it. We’d love to come by and support you."

"Absolutely. I would love that."

"And I need your menu," Isla says from the other end of the couch. "Berkeley’s birthday is coming up, and she’s changed her mind about dessert three more times this week."

"I’ll send it tonight," I tell Isla. "If she wants something decorated, send me the pictures too."

Ellie leans toward me. "Did you just come to game night and get yourself another week of work?"

"I didn’t bring my notebook. I thought that would help."

"Rookie mistake. You brought the cupcakes."

Penelope gets up to check the food during the intermission, and I carry my plate into the kitchen with her.

"Do you girls do this every time the guys are out of town?" I ask.

"We do this whenever we can. Most of the ladies here have demanding jobs and little ones but it makes the away games more fun, and the kids get to grow up together which is great."

I’d like to tell her I understand that now. I’ve only been dating Wolf for a short time, but I can see how lonely it could be during the season without the support of other women and families going through the same thing.

Instead, I pick up a serving spoon and help her move the remaining meatballs into a smaller dish.

Maybe I don’t have to lose all of this when Wolf leaves.

My family couldn’t reasonably object to me being friends with these women. They haven’t done anything to Beau. And they’re interested in my business, not just who I’m sleeping with.

But would they still invite me if I stopped being Wolf’s girlfriend?

"Game’s back!" Peyton calls.

Penelope takes the spoon from me.

"Go. I’ll bring this in."