I took a car home, and went to the garage to dig out an old fishing knife back from when I’d thought sitting by a lake for eight hours was a fun way to spend an afternoon.

I’d been unprepared eight years ago, and I’d been unprepared tonight. Next time I would be ready. Things were going to end soon, and when they did I would be ready. Winston wasn’t going to get away with this.

After three months of watching Maisie training, I’d learned more about rugby than I’d ever wanted, or needed, to know. I could have probably taken a few training sessions myself if need be.

Maisie hadn’t hung out much with the other girls outside of training, but they’d still developed close bonds by the end of summer, and there were quite a few emotional goodbyes and promises to stay in touch.

The coaches gave a closing speech where they talked about a new girls’ league that would be set up in time for next season, although that wouldn’t do Maisie much good with her leaving the UK soon.

Oliver gave a short speech as well, although he was far from his usual enthusiastic self. I put it down to the big semifinal match tomorrow, although I wasn’t sure it was that simple. Things rarely were with Oliver.

We hadn’t had sex in three days, which was a long time for us. Any gap longer than three hours left me feeling antsy, and Oliver was ripping my clothes off after twelve hours without gorging on my breasts.

He said that not having sex helped him save energy for the game, but he already looked drained and in no shape to play rugby. I knew he wasn’t sleeping, but I didn’t say anything.

It wasn’t hard to guess why. He must be going through the events of eight years ago in his mind, terrified that history would repeat itself.

I tried talking to him about it, but Oliver wasn’t much of a talker at the best of times and he quickly changed the topic of conversation.

After the speeches, it was time for an award ceremony to celebrate those who had performed the best in each age group and gender, as well as those who were most improved. I clapped furiously when Maisie was announced as the winner of the best player award.

Maisie had won a few awards in her short time playing rugby, but she never usually celebrated them. She always claimed the the trophies were patronizing and just given to her because she was a girl.

This time she won fair and square, and from the grin on her face as she walked back to me with the trophy, I could tell she was genuinely excited about the award.

“Well done,” I said. “You earned that.”

“This is about the closest I’ll ever get to feeling like a prom queen,” Maisie replied.

“And look who the prom king is,” I said, as Shaun was announced the best player in his age group. “You two really do make a good pair.”

Maisie sighed. “First you were trying to keep us apart, and now you’re hinting that we should get back together. Make up your mind, sis.”

“I’m not hinting about anything. You two are grown up enough to make your own decisions about your relationship.”

“Even about sex?”

“Everything other than sex.”

“I don’t have to wait until I’m an old maid like you did, do I?”

“Sometimes waiting is the best option,” I said, watching Oliver as he passed out another trophy.

“Aren’t you glad I made you come with me on this trip?” Maisie asked. “Just imagine how different things would be if you’d stayed at home and spent the summer sulking and working.”

“Yes, okay, fair point. You did good. Although I do enjoy some of my work. Not the bartending, but the self-defense stuff is fun.”

“Mom’s going to have a fit. You’ve hooked up with the son of the woman who stole Dad away. That’s not going to go down well.”

“I’m hoping the fact that he’s rich will soften the blow somewhat. Speaking of which, I know this is a touchy subject, but Oliver said he would pay for surgery if you want it. I know you have to wait a few more years, but I just thought I’d let you know.”

“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”

“You don’t need it. You’re already beautiful.”

Maisie smiled and leaned in slightly so I could put my arm around her. She wouldn’t be my little sister for much longer, so I was determined to make the most of this. Maisie was already as tall as me, and she was much less wiry. I had a bigger chest, but that was about it.

I waved at Oliver, who smiled and nodded in return. The entire country was excited about the World Cup, but I couldn’t wait for it to be over so that I could get the real Oliver back. The pressure and expectation was proving a huge burden. I could almost see the figurative weight on his shoulders keeping him down.

He’d be in for a shock when he moved to America, and started living a normal life where no one knew who the hell he was. He’d be rich, but other than that he would just be another Brit living in a major US city; whichever one we decided on.

I’d been keeping a vague eye on coverage of the rugby World Cup back home, and it had barely even registered. The US team had been knocked out in the group stage without putting up much of a fight, and so the country never got close to the level of excitement generated by soccer in the last few years.

Given the similarities between rugby and football, I’d have thought rugby would’ve made more of an impact there. The fact that the players weren’t covered in body armor should have at least been appealing for the casual observer, especially women.

I understood the technicalities of the sport, but hell, I was only human, and the sight of all those men pounding around the pitch was a joy to behold. Still, just eight more days until the World Cup Final. Eight more days until we could start planning the rest of our lives.

I didn’t need Oliver to be a national hero; he already was a hero to Maisie and me, regardless of what happened in the final. I was ready to move on with our lives, and soon Oliver would be too.

“I need to talk to you three for a bit,” I said to Michelle, Maisie, and Shaun, interrupting them while they were watching TV. “It’s important.”

I’d already told Shaun the whole story. He knew most of it already, so all I had done was fill in the gaps. He’d handled it as well as could be expected. He even thanked me for trying to help his dad get out of the mess. Not that I’d been much help; Gary was dead and his killers still hadn’t been punished.

Michelle was the first to pick up on my tone of voice. She immediately turned the TV off and turned to face me, encouraging Maisie and Shaun to do the same.

It was cute how close the three of them were now. For a few seconds, I considered not telling them, and keeping it a secret forever. That had always been the intent, but if things went badly tonight… No, they had to know the truth. I owed them that much.

“What’s wrong?” Michelle asked. She’d been asking me that question a lot recently, but I’d never given much of an answer.

“It’s about what happened back in 2007. The attack that left you both with those burn marks.”

“What about it?” Maisie asked.

“I told you before that the whole thing was my fault.”

“And we told you not to be so stupid,” Michelle said. “If you’re still feeling guilty for what happened, then don’t.”

“Let me finish. I am to blame. Shaun’s dad and I got involved with some bad men back in 2007.”

“No,” Shaun said. “My dad got involved with bad men and Oliver tried to help him get out of the mess.”

“I believe those men killed Shaun’s dad, although I don’t have any proof. They wanted me to help England get eliminated from the World Cup. I refused.”