where it goes

chapter 6

Mandy had already laid out her outfit the night before her first official day of coaching AFC Richmond. She had pulled out a pair of black leggings and matched them with her Richmond jersey and a black sport jacket. As she threw on her clothes after another shower, she couldn't help but look at herself in the mirror. She had pulled her hair back into a messy bun and locked eyes with her own reflection.

"It's been a long time since I've been out on the pitch and actually had something to do... I hope I'm good enough for this" she muttered softly to herself, gripping at her necklace before heading to the kitchen to make herself breakfast.

Today was a big day as Rebecca and Higgins had also found a vacant flat for her to move into, paid for by the club of course. She was going to get settled in after training, she decided.

While flipping her eggs, she heard a chipper whistle and turned to see Ted also preparing for the day.

"I was making us eggs, since it's the last day I'll be your guest in here," she gestured to the carton which had 2 eggs missing. Ted couldn't help but smile proudly at the girl.

"Thanks Mandy I appreciate you. You know even when you move out, this place will always be a safe spot for you kid," he patted the girl on the back and prepared some toast for them both.

After breakfast, they quickly made their way to meet Beard and head to the stadium.

"I really need to thank you again, for giving me a chance at this." Mandy said to Ted as she rolled around in her own desk chair for a change.

"Hey don't thank just me, I consulted Beard, Roy, Higgins, Isaac, even Rebecca to make sure we were good to go here. Everyone was in agreement," he smiled and sent her a reassuring nod.

She turned to Roy who had just walked in moments before, "is that true?" She asked, to which he nodded and gently added, "Yesterday at training you were nearly as honest with them as I am. I see you as an asset that the other teams aren't anticipatin'."

Well I might as well just die tomorrow then if this is all real. Roy fucking Kent thinks I'm an asset? Fuck me.

"Thank you Coaches, I'll thank Higgins and Rebecca and Isaac properly after we've killed it at training," she smiled a toothy grin before turning her attention to the window where she saw the players getting ready. She pretended she wasn't looking at anyone specifically, but couldn't help but be drawn to Jamie.

She knew she wouldn't get caught up in anything with any of the players, especially Jamie, because there was no way he'd go for her. She thought he could do better and didn't really dwell on the thought. Though, he was easy on the eyes and she wasn't about to complain about that.

But, when the player turned to meet her gaze she stared at the ceiling, stealing a page from his book.

He smirked in her direction before lacing his boots and turning towards his mates, who were talking about the after party at his place a few nights before.

"Bruv that was fun as 'ell, let's do it again after we smash Cardiff City this week," Isaac said enthusiastically with his hand on Jamie's shoulder.

"Alright mate, if we snag a win then you have a deal. Fuck it, if we win this match you lot bring your pajamas too and we'll party till we can't dance anymore," Jamie said smugly and smirked at the boys.

"Alright fellows, get out on the pitch and warm up. Mandy's got some ideas that we're gonna try today to secure our win over Cardiff." Ted shouted as the team quickly jogged out to the pitch.

"You ready, coach?" Beard asked Mandy with a knowing smile.

"Ready, coach." She grinned and jogged onto the pitch as well. She wasn't about to let any of those men show her up. She was ready to prove that this is where she belonged, once and for all.