This is the third of twelve chapters. To really understand it, you should read the previous chapters before reading this one. Once again, I want to thank my editor Terry for his valuable help! I hope you enjoy the story.
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The next day, Sian and Bridget got to the field early so that there would be time to get ready and talk over the game plan before it started. Sian was just finishing stretching when she glanced over at the opposing team. Bridget was surprised when Sian suddenly swore. Looking over at Sian, Bridget saw that she was quite dismayed. Squatting down next to her, Bridget put a hand on Sian's arm. She heard Sian muttering something like "those goddam assholes."
"Hey, what's wrong?" Bridget's voice was full of concern. Turning to look at Bridget, Sian's face was a combination of pain, sadness and anger. Bridget stroked Sian's arm as she waited.
"Look across the field, on the end. Do you see the woman in green that is warming up? It's my ex. She's not even on their team. They brought her in just for this game to try and throw me off. Most of the people in our circle know I haven't dated since we broke up, and a fair number know I struggled with getting over it. I doubt that Roberta even knows they are playing me. It would pretty unlike her to be a part of it. But they are hoping that I am distracted," Sian's voice reflected the same feelings as were on her face.
Looking at Bridget, Sian was surprised at the flare of anger that passed over her face. She seemed madder than Sian was.
"Nobody messes with my friend," Bridget coldly said. "Two can play that game, Sian. For tonight, let's show her that you are over her and are dating a hot blonde. I'm here for you; you know that."
"Huh? What do you mean," Sian was confused.
"Stand up and I'll show you," Bridget said. There were a few others from Sian's team standing around and they smiled at each other. They picked up on what Bridget intended quicker than Sian.
A little warily, Sian stood up in front of Bridget who moved in close to her. "Now I want you to go along with whatever I do, Sian. Do you understand?" Bridget's voice was much sultrier than Sian had ever heard before.
"Ummm, okay Bridge," Sian was starting to get an idea. Bridget took it from a half formed idea to full realization when she slid her arms around Sian's neck and pressed her lips against Sian's. It was a light kiss but Sian was still stunned. Without thinking, her own arms went around Bridget's back and held her.
Lifting her lips from Sian's, Bridget looked into her eyes. "Nobody fucks with my friend around me. We will do the distracting, not her. You just focus on the game and don't worry about her, Sian. You are over her. You know that. You haven't brought her up to me in weeks. And maybe this won't bother her, but maybe it will. She may not have known what they were doing but all's fair in love and soccer." While she spoke, Bridget's fingers stroked the back of Sian's neck and their bodies pressed lightly together. Although her teammates could hear what Bridget was saying, from across the field it looked like two lovers having an intimate moment.
"Are you sure, Bridge? This could get around and give people the wrong idea," Sian was concerned for her friend even though she loved the willingness to stick her neck out.
Kissing her once more, Bridget made it clear that she was committed. "Win the game for me, baby," she said as she released Sian's neck and stepped away. The smile on Bridget's face could only be described as predatory. "Beat those assholes, Sian." This time there was no sultriness in her voice. It was cold and hard. Everyone around could tell just how pissed Bridget was.
Sian reached out and took Bridget's hand. She squeezed it as she mouthed the words "thank you." Out loud she said, "We better keep you away from Roberta. I wouldn't want my new girlfriend tearing out the eyes of my old girlfriend." Sian was partially serious. She thought Bridget looked ready to do it.
"No one tries to hurt you with me around, baby," Bridget said. She meant it, both in the role she was playing and how she felt about her friend. Sian might be bigger and stronger than her, but Bridget knew that she had a sensitive heart too. She was determined to protect it.
The game was about to begin and Sian was going to run out on to the field when Bridget pulled her back close. "Good luck kiss," she said. Bridget had been watching the other team out of the corner of her eye and knew that Roberta's attention had been caught by the two of them. Bridget held Sian tight and gave her a long kiss. As they parted she whispered, "Ignore her. If she says anything, ignore it. Just let her stew." Sian nodded and ran out.
During the first half, the game was very tight. Both teams got their chances on goal but came away with nothing. The best chance was when Sian got a breakaway and had a shot from the side. At the very last second, the goalie got one finger tip on it and knocked it just far enough to hit off the corner post. Sian stood there for a few moments with her hands on her hips, shaking her head in disgust. As she turned to head back up field, Roberta ran past her and made a comment to Sian. Bridget couldn't tell what she said nor could she hear what Sian said back. Whatever it was, Robert stopped dead in her tracks and her head swiveled to look over at Bridget. She stayed like that for several seconds.
Bridget smiled sweetly at her and then turned to yell at Sian. "Next time, baby! Remember the reward I promised you for every goal!" The other people on the sidelines alongside Bridget laughed and then whistled and made some cat calls. Bridget chuckled as Roberta slowly walked forward to get back into the game. A couple of the other players waiting to substitute in came over and high fived her.
When the half ended, Sian came trotting off the field. Bridget rushed over to meet her with a bottle of water. Sian tried not to laugh too hard as Bridget did her best impression of a hero worshiping younger girlfriend.
