Spotlight

12

It's finally matchday and after grabbing a bite together and sitting through a short meeting, the players on the United States Women's National Team head back to their rooms to relax until it's time to reconvene in the lobby of the hotel and head to Exploria Stadium for the game.

Laying in her bed, Abby types and sends Sarah messages as the two discuss how to make it seem as though they don't know each other in front of Abby's teammates and the coaching staff.

"Sam, I might need you to be a buffer for me just in case I say or do something to give Sarah away."

Sam gives her a thumbs up before returning to watching the show on the television screen.

New Message

Abby Dahlkemper: I'm going to try and get a bit of sleep now; got a big game soon and need to be at my best to impress a certain someone in attendance.

Sarah: A certain someone? Something I should know?

Abby smiles and types away.

Abby Dahlkemper: I wouldn't want to tell you, lest your head get any bigger. See you there, superstar.

Sarah: Sweet dreams. See you soon.

Abby sets her phone down after ensuring that her alarm is set and ready to go before closing her eyes and drifting off for an hour. The alarm sounds out and Abby doesn't immediately turn over to turn off the beeping drawing looks from Sam.

"Are you going to get that?"

Abby rolls her eyes and lets out a yawn before grabbing her phone and hitting the button to stop the noise.

"Have a good nap?"

Abby lets out another yawn, "Not, nearly long enough; don't feel like moving yet."

"Well, I would suggest that perhaps if you want to look your very best for a certain singer who will be taking pictures with us and the team prior to the game that you get up and moving."

Abby sits up and removes the covers, "Point taken."

"Wake me when you're done in the bathroom."

"Hey Sam?"

"Uh huh?"

"Thanks for being there for me through all of this."

"You're welcome. You know, I really like her and I think that she could be really good for you, Abs."

Abby smiles, "I think so too." Abby stands up and makes her way over to the dresser to collect her clothes and make up bag before heading to the bathroom to get herself cleaned up and ready to go. As she puts the final touches on her face, Abby yells out to Sam and lets her know it's time for her to get ready. As Sam takes her place in the bathroom, Abby goes about gathering her stuff and making sure she has everything she could possibly need in her go bag. Sitting on the end of her bed, she scrolls through social media in an attempt to kill time and quash her nerves.

"You doing, okay?" Sam looks at her before they head out of the room.

Abby nods, "I'm doing good, just feeling more butterflies than I usually do at this point."

Sam smiles, "I wonder why."

Abby smiles and nudges her, "Let's get out of here."

Sam and Abby make their way downstairs in the elevator and meet up with their teammates in the lobby as the await the arrival of the bus to take them to the stadium. A few of the players, including the two of them wanting to get some fresh air before they leave head outside and make their way over to the barricades to take pictures with and sign for the fans waiting there.