A game I can't lose

Everyone Knows

Jordan choked on her iced tea. "I'm sorry?"
Jessie's face was as serious as she'd ever seen it.
"It's kind of obvious." Her expression was relatively nonchalant and Jordan hoped she was joking.

Of course not.
"Your face gets red every time you guys have any physical contact, you try to avoid her at any costs and dear god if Mallory Pugh's name gets brought up."

Ouch. Jordan was now sweating, the one thing she didn't want to ever be known was out.
Tucking a strand of hair behind, Fleming added, "I've always shipped it."
"Excuse me?"
"You guys were always made for each other...guaranteed you guys both still delude yourselves that you're straight, but there's always been a connection."

Jordan was pretty uncomfortable in the matchmaking role her fellow friend was playing.
"Jess...Mal is straight."
"And you know that how?"
"Her crushes are always guys, she's always been attracted to guys. She wants to settle down with a man and have a family. Plus her and Dansby are cute."

The Canadian rolled her eyes and gave a huge sigh. "I guess I could add being afraid to check up on her as well."
Jordan frowned. "What do you mean?"
"It's no secret that Mal and Dansby are on the rocks...everyone knows they've been fighting for weeks."
Eyes softening, Jordan responded, "Well that's a shame."
Jessie snorted at that comment. "The only reason you think that's because you know that Dansby's a barrier you can hide behind."

Did Jessie take up the role of mind reader as well?

"I can finally play the role of Cupid though." The older player smirked.
"Are you insane? Jessica, she does not have a-"
A finger was put to Jordan's lips. "Ssh, you don't know what Mal's been saying."
Jordan knew her face was red but she didn't care. "What has Mal been saying?"

———————————————————————————

"I don't know how to tell you Mal..." Dansby seemed either really tearful, terrified or a damn good actor.
At this point, his girlfriend didn't really care.

"Yes?" Arms were folded, Mal didn't understand why she was so mad at everyone she used to care for.
A deep breath was taken from the baseballer.
"I've been seeing another girl."

Within moments, a vase was hurled.
"Behind my back?"
Given a sheepish smile, the answer was, "I suppose so."
Mal got up. "Well you know what? I've had feelings for someone else."
"Jordan?"
Mal froze. Expecting homophobic slurs or a disappointed look, she got none of that.
"Go get her." Her ex was genuine. "I mean it."

A couple of hours later and Mal was on the phone to Lindsey.
"Hey"
"Hey"
"Mal...you OK?"
"Yeah...me and Dansby broke up."
"Why are you sad? Isn't that what you wanted?"
"I dunno...I mean Jordan doesn't like me that way. She's straight."
"Yeah Mal...and I'm a natural blonde."
"Really?"
"(Sigh) What I'm trying to say is that...you don't know in life. You've got to take a shot in the dark."
"What if I miss?"
"Then at least you've tried. Is it not better to look back and say 'I had the guts to' than 'I could've asked her out' ?"
"I'm not asking her out!"
"Mal...you knows it's going to be either me or you."
"You like her Linds?"
"Oh my god...Mal, I'll ask her out FOR YOU."

It was now game day. Jordan, Jessie and Mal were making their debuts at home to the Chicago Red Stars. The away side sat at third in the league table yet could leapfrog the Thorns into first with a win.
A draw gave the NC Courage who sit in second a chance to go top.
So the clash was important .

Jordan was pleasantly surprised to see her family in the stands. They were already decked out in merchandise and looking pretty excited.
Jordan sighed. She hadn't been speaking much to them either. It wasn't like she could help it, it seems.

"You Ok Jords?" Jordan turned around to see two USWNT veterans watching her closely.
Trying to give the biggest smile possible, she replied "Yeah. Thanks for asking."
Tobin frowned. "You look like you're about to cry."
Becky then added, "Nerves are normal. But Jordan we know you. You were one of the few reasons we were able to reach the Olympic Final."
Jordan was soo thankful to the two mentors she had in football. They shared a hug and Jordan knew if she had any big problem, she could go to them.

Now it was time. Jordan nerves began to build up as both sets of players started to walk down the tunnel.
The whistle started the game, both sides being roared on from the beginning by their fans.
Opportunities however, were stark .

In the 21st minute though, Morgan Brian was in on goal. The midfielder didn't usually have many chances like these, but Jordan knew that when her USWNT teammate took the shot, it was going to go in.

It was now halftime and Portland was still behind. "Not the best result we could currently have for our debutants," Mark gestured to the trio, "but we can turn things around. Keep going ladies, we can't let Chicago or the Courage overtake us!"

So Portland came back into the break, with their tails still firmly up.
Chicago however, seemed the opposite.
Laying back, Jordan was surprised how easily they were now able to penetrate through the defence.

None of them resulted in anything until Becky's header from Tobin's corner in the 71st minute.
As the two most senior players on the team high fived each other, Jordan could feel the confidence levels increase.

Of course a draw would still hand the top spot to the Courage. So the Thorns kept going, with Christine, Mal and Lindsey all having chances they should've converted.
Then in the 83rd minute, Jess went on an incredible run. Going past nearly half the pitch, she sent an inch perfect through ball to Mal.
The forward then dribbled past Dahlkemper with ease, nearly leaving her international teammate on the floor.
Pugh then crossed the ball over the remaining defenders, onto the head of Jordan who did a diving header past Naeher.

After getting up, Jordan looked to the closest teammate to celebrate with, which was Mal. She sheepishly jogged over and high-fived her best mate before thankfully being joined by the rest of the team.

The game finished 2-1, and Portland retained their position at first.
As Jordan was shaking hands with Chicago teammates, she got a few glances and whispers.
Things didn't help when Naeher approached her, glove over her mouth as if it disguise what she was saying.
"We've got camp next month."
Jordan smirked at her regular roommate for camp.
"You seem pleased."
"Everyone knows by the way Jords." Naeher smirked.
"Knows what?" Jordan was scared.
The goalkeeper simply repeated,
"Everyone knows."
Before departing and leaving Jordan to her thoughts.