Page 57 of King of Hearts
“Be nice.” She whispered in my ear before letting me go.
Huh?Be nice.Why would I not be nice? Did she mean with Andy? I admit that I can be a bit protective when it comes to his privacy but today was for the kids.
The man standing slightly behind her looked at me warily and I briefly wondered if her words were about him, as she spoke.
“Hey, Arns. Andy, thank you so much for coming. Brad and Sofie, the couple who started this whole thing, could not believe some of the Hearts’ players were joining us. You guys are going to be such a highlight. We appreciate your time.”
“It’s our pleasure, really. It’s a great cause.” Andy looked around quickly and then down at me. I wanted to hug him for being here for my best-friend when I knew being in public like this wasn’t easy.
There were carnival rides and food stalls lining the edges of the grassed area. Someone was painting faces and what appeared to be the top of a jumping castle could be seen over in the far corner. There were already a fair few people about and I was sure his social odometer was going to gain some mileage today.
Marlee stepped aside a little and – the man who I presumed was Lucas – stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her waist and gripping her tightly. She smiled at him before she pointed at Andy and I.
“Lucas, this is my very best friend, Arnabelle Frost. She is loud in all the very best ways. And this is Andy Gloss, captain of the Sydney Hearts.” Lucas laughed before reaching out to shake Andy’s hand.
“I know who he is, sweetie. Nice to meet you man. And Arna.” He turned towards me, his expression unreadable. “I have heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet the infamous woman who knows my Marleebetterthan anyoneapparently.”
I felt my eyebrows scrunch a little and was glad I was wearing my glasses to partially cover my facials.My Marlee. I quickly glanced at Marls and then back to Lucas, pasting a large grin across my face. Was I being an overprotective bitch or was there a facetious bite to his words?
“It is so lovely to meet the man who makes Marlee so happy.” I did my best to play the role of dutiful best friend, thinking I was probably overreacting. Marlee grinned as she looked towards him, and he kissed her on the temple.
“The feeling is mutual. She’s an amazing girl.” He said and I nodded in agreement.
“Andy, some of the other players are over this way. Come through and I will show you both around. We have a couple of media representatives taking photos, but we have told them there won’t be any interviews and they aren’t to approach you guys.”
Andy nodded and released a large breath. It was clear that knowledge relaxed him, and I wrapped my arm around his as we followed Marlee and Lucas.
“Don’t worry, if anyone comes up, I will distract them with my incredible tits.” I whispered so only he could hear, and he laughed loud enough that Lucas turned back, a curious look on his face.
“That guy is weird.” He said softly and I stopped walking, causing Andy to also pause.
“Oh my god. Yes. I thought I was being a psycho, but he gives me the strangest vibe too. It makes me a little uncomfortable – but I’m not sure why.” I brought my thumb up to my mouth as I nervously bit my nail.
“You lovebirds coming?” Marlee’s bubbly voice intercepted my thoughts, and I gave Andy a final questioning look before nodding and continuing behind them again.
The boys were finishing up an impromptu game of football with some of the kids when Marlee came over, handing me some carnival popcorn. “Thought you might want some of your favourite.”
“Oh, you know me too well.” I took a few pieces and moaned at the buttery, salty flavours assaulting my gustatory system. “If this isn’t one of our greatest inventions, I don’t know what is.” Marlee rolled her eyes at my dramatics and took a handful of her own.
“So, do you like Lucas?” She asked bluntly and I glanced sideways as I chewed. Queeny and Dad always told me how loud my facials were and cognisant of this, I did my best to keep my face free of the uncertainty I felt around her new man.
“He seems lovely.” I looked out at the field as Lucas caught the ball and was about to kick to one of the kids. “He also seems to really like you. This is the first time I’ve seen him more than one metre away from your side.”
She laughed forcefully. “Yeah. He says I am like his velcro strip and we aren’t whole when we are apart.”
I laughed but halted when I noticed she went quiet, frowning at the ground.
“That’s…romantic.” I said, instead of the joke I was about to make at his expense. Offering her more of the popcorn I looked towards the field. “You’re happy though, aren’t you?”
“Of course!” Her answer came quickly, and I coughed on the kernel which went down the wrong way from the shock of her louder than normal voice. She patted me on the back and I reached for my water bottle resting at my feet.
“Sorry.” I spluttered. Desperate to change the subject, I commented on how great the day had been just as the boys jogged over.
“It really has been a huge success. I can’t believe how many people came and then the impromptu football match.” She pushed her hair from her face. “I haven’t seen the kids this happy in – ever actually. Thank you all so much.” She handed Lucas a bottle of water and wiped some sweat from his forehead. “I need to go see Brad and Sof, are you good here?”
He took a swig from the bottle before answering. “I’ll come with you.”
“We’ll be back. Don’t leave without saying goodbye.” Marls said to me as her and Lucas walked away.
