Spotlight

54

The crowd rises to their feet and cheers as the final whistle sounds out as the United States takes their opening match of the SheBelieves against England by a final of 2 - 0 thanks to goals scored two minutes apart by Christen Press and Carli Lloyd.

Sarah stands up feeling happy and light as she cheers on her wife while unabashedly sporting Abby's name and number on her back. Waiting as the stands begin to empty as the spectators exit into the Orlando night, she watches the players on the pitch share hugs and handshakes before forming a group along the sidelines, getting some final words from the coaching staff and making the rounds signing autographs and taking pictures.

As the numbers thin out, she decides to make her way closer to field level and calls out to Kelley. The star defender smiles widely as she makes her way over to her.

"Abs mentioned you were here. She seemed pretty surprised about it. How are you doing?"

"Everything is still pretty raw, and I'm hurting, but Abby is the most important person in my life, she's been my rock as of late and I want her to know that everything she's done for me and my Mom hasn't gone unnoticed and or unappreciated, so I'm here to show her and support the wifey."

Kelley chuckles. "Rumour has it that you've been pretty womaning her."

Sarah chuckles, "Is that what you call it? Here I thought that it was just me treating the most important woman in my world as she should be."

"If you feel like footing the bill for me to go shopping or to the spa by all means, I'm in." Kelley smiles. "Have you seen the dress she came back with?"

Sarah shakes her head. "I haven't. I can't wait to see her in it."

"And perhaps take it off her."

Sarah laughs and nods. "That too. Before we scar anymore children's ears can you grab her for me?"

Kelley smiles, chuckles and nods. "Before I go do you want me to sign your shirt?"

"Not today. However, I will be reaching out to all of you soon with regards to donating some items to be auctioned off with all of the money being directed towards helping families with loved ones who have Alzheimer's get the support and care they need."

"I'm in. Shoot me a message with the deets."

"I will. Thanks, Kelley."

Sarah watches Kelley walk over to where Abby and Becky are chatting and let her know that she's waiting for her. Becky smiles and nods as Abby walks towards the section where her singer is standing and waiting.

"Hey stranger."

Abby chuckles. "I should say the same. I mean we haven't seen each other in all of what three days?"

Sarah smiles. "We did Facetime, so that's not entirely accurate. Good game, babe."

Abby hears her name being called and looks in the direction where the sound came from.

"Go. Call me when you get back to the hotel."

"You're not sticking around?"

"Not this time. I have something that I need to take care of."

"Is it something for me?" Abby smiles as she says it and Sarah chuckles. "It's all about you, Abs."

Abby smiles. "It's really nice to see you back to smiling and laughing; I've been worried about you."

"Seeing you out there kicking ass makes me want to smile and cheer and scream and shout and do other things that probably would get me kicked out of the stadium."