“Mitch...”
He stopped, his back to her. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
Her mind replayed that moment all morning. More than once Jacintha had to knock on her door as she wasn’t responding to her phone or emails.
Liana wasn’t sure what to do next. She was tempted to call him, but she didn’t want to distract him with “Why did you do that? Why did you apologize after?” Questions that could only lead to more questions from the both of them.
Liana groaned, turning her chair to face the window. Mitch Molloy, just when I think we have a safe relationship you had to do that. She touched the area on her hand where his lips had rested, caressing it, wondering what it’d be like if those same lips had touched her own.
She didn’t try to contact Mitch again that day nor did she expect to hear from him. The next time she saw him was on the telly as the National Team emerged from its bus to check into the hotel. He looked focused; Connor looked elegantly composed; Mano had his headphones on; Jay looked grim; Blake was waving and smiling.
At the stadium, Cat introduced Liana to Connor’s father and stepmother, who were sitting with them. It was a different feeling being in a crowd so large. She was usually on the field or on the sidelines concentrating, studying, strategizing, and working. The sense of excited anticipation, however, was the same. It was a sellout crowd of forty thousand with Tonga’s fans well represented at Eden Park that night, a testament to the geographical diversity of the region.
Red and white flags waved among New Zealand’s national flags and the ubiquitous silver ferns. While New Zealand was expected to beat Tonga, Barnsey was making a statement by putting all of his first-string players in for the start of the tournament. New Zealand meant business and wasn’t going to take anything for granted.
After the National Anthems, the Tongan team threw down the pre-match challenge with a passionate performance of the Sipi Tau. The sizeable Tongan contingent in the stadium roared in approval. The New Zealand team responded with their famous haka. It was the first time Liana had watched the “Kama Te” performed in person. She had always appreciated it on the telly. But tonight, in front of their home crowd, in the opening match of the most important tournament in rugby union, it was more than tradition. It was a promise.
Jay looked menacing at the front, his imposing frame poised while Mitch positioned himself between Mano and Connor. They were the heart of the formation and of the team.
Jay and Mano played magnificently. Connor didn’t miss a single dropkick, but it was Mitch who kept Liana’s attention all night. She was used to seeing him in a different light; he was the quieter flatmate, the thoughtful man who made her tea, and who enjoyed reading as much as playing video games with Jay. The Mitch Molloy on the pitch tonight was fearless, tough, territorial, and downright menacing. He directed; he encouraged; he led.
Liana remembered the cutout in Captains’ Field. He was that captain, a man intent on victory.
Later that night, alone in the condo, Liana stood on the balcony in the same spot Mitch had the day before. Was he satisfied with how he performed? With how the team played? One down and six more matches to go before someone would hoist the most-coveted silverware in rugby and lay claim to being the best-in-the-world. It was going to be a long seven weeks of competition for at least two of the twenty teams participating, especially for the captain of the local team who carried the hopes of a nation long identified with this one sport.
When Liana went back inside, she realized she had missed a call. She played the message immediately and heard Mitch’s voice. “Liana? Thanks for coming tonight... um... yeah. I’ll see you soon. Good night.”
He wasn’t ready to talk about what had happened in the kitchen. Should she push it? Should she ask for that conversation?
No. If she did, it wouldn’t be a full conversation. His mind was on other things.
* * *
Liana didn’t see Mitch again until two days before the team was to play its second match in the pool rounds. He arrived with Jay, who was eager to introduce his wife, Kelly, to her.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” gushed the tall, dark-haired woman with animated eyes. “I’ve enjoyed your books a lot, and to have an autographed copy of your collection of essays? Liana, I nearly cried.”
“What are you saying? You didn’t stop crying,” Jay said.
“Jay, you sneak,” Liana scolded. “Why didn’t you tell me you were expecting a baby?”
Jay shrugged his shoulders, but Liana didn’t miss his look of pride when he placed his hand protectively on Kelly’s growing belly. “We don’t like to talk about things until they happen.”
“He doesn’t like to talk about it,” Kelly said. “I do. He doesn’t even want to find out whether it’s a boy or a girl, but I had to know. So, I know, and he doesn’t. And it’s driving him crazy!”
Jay and Kelly stayed for dinner before heading back to the hotel, leaving Liana alone with Mitch for the first time in over a week.
“She’s nice,” Liana said as Mitch came into the kitchen to help clear the dishes.
“Yes, she is. Beneath that smiling face, there’s a strong woman.”
“She has to be to be married to Jay.”
Mitch nodded, handing the dishes to Liana after rinsing them. After they started the dishwasher, Mitch didn’t move. He leaned against the countertop, his legs crossed at the ankles and his arms folded. He was looking at the floor. To get past him, Liana would have to brush against him; the galley kitchen had never seemed so small.
Mitch spoke. “Look, I’m sorry if I made this awkward between us last week. I don’t know what came over me. But I’m really glad you made it out to our first match. I didn’t know if you would.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it. It was an extraordinary night. I’ve seen you play on the telly, but in that stadium, you were magnificent.”
Mitch looked up from his feet; his eyes searched hers. She saw his confusion.
“Do you want to talk about why you... ah... kissed my hand?” Liana asked gently.
Mitch’s face was a study in control. He looked ahead, straight into the living area. His jaw twitched slightly. The slight bruising on his cheekbone, no doubt from the first match, was beginning to fade.
“It just felt like the right thing to do at that moment,” he said. He didn’t avoid her eyes this time. “I don’t know what else to say.”
“Okay.”
“Okay,” he repeated, looking visibly relieved at her response.
Mitch returned to the hotel that night. He mentioned that he was scheduled for more press first thing in the morning. Liana tried to concentrate on her work, but her mind kept drifting back to Mitch’s answer. It was unsatisfactory, but she recognized the truth of it. Having worked with men all her life, she had developed an instinct for when she could push for more information. Maybe it wasn’t as acute when it came to someone she was attracted to, but she trusted it, regardless.
Mitch had given her the only answer he could.
She chose to accept it.
She had to.
* * *
Before she knew it, Liana was picking up Moira and Zach from the airport for the second half of the World Championship. While Guy was in training, she invited them to spend the day with her at the Meriton.
“That view, Liana! It’s breath-taking! I don’t know why Guy doesn’t jump at the chance to stay here when he plays in New Zealand.”
“Because he’s usually on the opposing team?”
“That wouldn’t have stopped me,” Moira said, grinning. “Can’t believe you’re moving out of here soon. Weren’t you interested in renting here long-term? Guy said Mitch doesn’t live here full time. Maybe you can even buy it from him once he retires. There won’t be a reason for him to come up to Auckland as much once he’s out of the National Team.”
“How do you know he’s retiring?”
Moira shrugged. “Guy thinks this will be it. Mitc
h has been around longer than the average rugby player. The body can only take so much. I should know. Guy has started cupping. Have you heard of it? It makes his body look really odd. Zach cries every time he sees the marks on his father’s chest. But I’m for anything that keeps him healthy in the bedroom.”
Liana grinned. “You remain incorrigible.”
“I’m just a normal healthy woman. Which now brings me—”
“Don’t ask.”
“—has the great Liana Murphy been on a date recently?”
“Moira—”
“Kiwi men are gorgeous.”
“Moira—”
“Mitch must have some nice friends who aren’t athletes because you don’t date athletes.”
Liana looked up. “Who says I don’t date athletes? I just don’t date anyone who has anything to do with football.”
“Oh... so there is an athlete?”
Liana sighed. “Moira—”
“I haven’t seen anything in the gossip magazines, and I’ve been keeping tabs on you, my friend. Quite helpful that you’re so famous. Your head coach is quite yummy looking, but, no, it can’t be him. You don’t cross those lines.”
“Moira, I’ve been too busy to meet anyone.”
“Yes. That’s always been your problem. So, it needs to be someone you wouldn’t need to go out of your way to meet. It’d be someone you could see easily every day, someone who would understand the pressure you’re under.” Moira’s eyes widened. She stared at Liana. “It can’t....no...”
Liana bit her bottom lip and felt her face go hot. She turned her attention back to the salad she was dressing. Croutons... more croutons...
“Liana, are you seeing Mitch?”
Liana wouldn’t look up, especially when Moira laughed hysterically. “I don’t believe it! Mitch Molloy? The King of Rugby? Guy is going to die!”
“I’m not seeing him, Moira! And will you tone it down? You’re scaring your son!” Zach had started to cry at his mother’s louder voice, but her laugh didn’t subside. Instead, with practiced ease, she unwrapped a lolly, and Zach immediately quieted.
Moira wiped the tears from her eyes. “You and Mitch Molloy? The paparazzi are going to have a field day with this.”
“Nothing is going on, Moira.”
“Liana, you’re blushing. And you never, ever blush, so something is definitely going on.”
Liana shook her head as she served the salad. “Okay. But not a word to anyone. Promise me?”
“Okay, I promise, but this may just kill me.”
Liana smiled. “There’s really nothing to get excited about. I like him. That’s all. Nothing has happened.”
Moira pouted. “Not even a kiss?”
“Well... he kissed my hand; does that count?”
“That counts!”
“But he apologized for doing so.”
“He apologized? What do you mean he apologized? Why?”
Liana sighed. “I don’t know, and that’s where it stands. I know we’re both attracted to each other, but...”
“But what?”
Liana chased an olive around her plate. “It’s a World Championship year, Moira. You of all people know what the demands are for someone representing his country.”
Moira’s playfulness disappeared. She reached for Liana’s hand. “Well, you like him. So that’s a start. I’m excited about that. For a while, I wondered if you’d ever let yourself feel something for someone again.”
* * *
The start of the knockout phase of the Championship signaled Liana’s last week at the Meriton Towers.
Mitch had hoped to have seen Liana more often before that, but his responsibilities as captain dictated otherwise. Late at night, after he finished all he needed and was expected to do, he’d draw apart the curtains in his hotel room and turn toward the night sky. It used to be something he’d do on his own, but now, Liana would be doing the same thing on their balcony.
Their balcony...
He liked the sound of that.
The team had been given a few days off after their last pool-round match. Mitch opted to stay in Auckland but returned to an empty condo. Liana was on the South Island that week. She had scheduled some scouting, a training session with a promising young forward, and—ironically—lunch with his sister. Busy woman... important woman...
She’d sent him a message from the airport about a quiche in the fridge. It was waiting for him on the top shelf of a fully stocked refrigerator. Mitch found a note with it and reread, “Love, Liana” several times.
It was good she wasn’t around this week, he told himself. He could refocus and get his energy back up. The knockout rounds were the real test of a team. There was no room for indecision. No Jay; no Liana. He was alone for the first time in weeks. He had no distractions. Stay focused, Molloy! Still need to get to the Final...
The next morning, a picture of Liana sandwiched between Blake and his grandmother was featured in the papers. It was supposed to be a feel-good article, highlighting how the “New National Team Star” took time off from his World Championship experience to celebrate his grandmother’s 100th birthday with the lovely Liana Murphy as his surprise guest.
Mitch was in a bad mood from then on. His dark face elicited raised eyebrows from Jay when he returned to the condo. Jay stayed for an hour before announcing he would go to Connor’s place for the rest of the evening.
Try as he might, Mitch couldn’t rein in his attitude. It showed at practice. After the first drill that resulted in a bewildered Blake being tackled hard to the ground, Connor quickly suggested the coaches avoid putting Blake and Mitch opposite each other. Barnsey also replaced Mitch with Mano for a press conference. His foul attitude was dismissed as a rare instance of Mitch succumbing to pressure. Everyone was entitled to an off day.
The next day, his scowled response to one of Connor’s questions led to a loud, heated public argument that surprised the whole team. Barnsey sent Mitch home with a stern warning. “Whatever the problem is, fix it. We need our captain back.”
But his schedule didn’t align with Liana’s over the next few days. Either he had a late-night commitment, or she did. They were living under the same roof; why was it so hard to see her?
Jay offered to cook for Liana’s last night at the Meriton. He was eager to showcase all he had learned in the past month under her tutelage. Just as Mitch and Jay were about to leave training, Barnsey appeared. Mitch ignored the sinking feeling in his stomach. Rugby first...
Mitch turned to Jay. “Best give Liana a call for a lift.”
“Already messaged her as soon as I saw Barnsey. No worries. Just hurry up. You don’t want to miss my cooking.”
Mitch shrugged. “I’ll do my best. Let her know.”
“She knows.”
When Mitch entered the condo, Jay and Liana were laughing. Mitch frowned. Why was it that everyone, except him, was able to have a moment with Liana these days? He knew he was irrational. He should be pleased that his usually taciturn, reclusive friend was able to connect with Liana. Jay could use more friends, Mitch reasoned. This was all good—except it didn’t feel so good.
“Hello!” Liana smiled. “You’re earlier than we thought. Jay, start Mitch’s dinner. And try it with ginger this time. I think you’re going to be impressed, Mitch.”
Jay slid a book in front of Mitch. “And look what the lady gave me. As a ‘thank you’ present, no less, for being a great flatmate. You never give me anything.”
Mitch read the title: 365 days of Stir-Frys. He flipped through the book. It was even autographed.
Mitch avoided looking at Liana. “Felicity said she had a good time with you. Thanks for doing that,” he said carefully.
“Of course. It was fun. She’s lovely. We talked almost nonstop through lunch. She had quite a few stories about your childhoods. I think my favorite was the one when she convinced you to wear a dress to see if anyone could be fooled into thinking you were her. I wish I could see photos of
that.”
“I’m sure my sister will be glad to dig a few up when she gets the chance,” Mitch said, dryly. His tone must have revealed something as he caught the surprised glance Liana threw at Jay, who shrugged in response. Mitch reached for the glass of water in front of him and drank it.
“What’s going on, Mitch?”
“You shouldn’t encourage him like that,” Mitch said.
“Encourage who? And will you please look at me when we talk?”
He took a deep breath and turned to face her. “Stanton. By going out with him, you’re encouraging him to think there could be something between you and him. It was all over the papers. It’s not fair to him.” Even he recognized the frustration in his voice.
“There’s nothing to read into. It was just a favor. He knows that. You didn’t make a fuss when I agreed to help Connor with Cat’s birthday.”
“There’s a difference. One: Connor’s happily married, and two: he doesn’t fancy you.”
“What’s the difference between me going to Blake’s grandmother’s birthday party and you speaking at your ex-girlfriend’s mother’s retirement party?” Liana continued, her voice rising a little.
“That’s different. This implies...”
“What? What exactly does this imply, Mitch?” Her eyes flashed, devoid of their usual warmth. “What’s really the problem here? Are you really that concerned that I could be leading Blake on? He’s a grown man, by the way. If you know me—and I thought you were beginning to—you know I wouldn’t do that. Or are you embarrassed that this twenty-one-year-old has shown more balls than you have by actually asking me out?”
She waited for an answer. He had none. She shook her head slightly, disappointment etched on her face. She hopped off the barstool, unwilling to wait for words he didn’t have. “I’m going to finish packing.”
Mitch winced when he heard the door slam.
Jay whistled softly. “She got you there, mate.”
Mitch stared at the hallway then walked to her room. Still unsure of what he’d say, he leaned his head against her door, listened but heard nothing. He knocked softly.
“Liana? Please open the door. I want to apologize.”
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