A lot of questions are being thrown at Olivia as well, as expected since she’s his daughter. They want to know if she knew anything about her father’s actions, but she’s handling the questions like a pro, courtesy of the press coach Angie put her in touch with.

“Olivia, what are your plans for next season?” a reporter asks.

“I’m so glad you asked that. I’ve learned a lot these last few months, about myself and life as well. I won’t address Jason Harding’s effect on that because quite frankly, he doesn’t deserve that spotlight from me, but I will address where I go from here. All my life, my focus has been on soccer and nothing else, and that worked until it didn’t. I lost myself and frankly I lost my passion for this sport. I’ve wanted to walk away from it all so many times. But, in the time I’ve been in Austin, I’ve rediscovered not only my passion for my career but also my passion for myself. My physical, mental, and spiritual health. I have my family to thank for that. Not the family I was born to but the family that has found me and wrapped me up in their warmth. And I especially have the love of my life to thank for that. So thank you, Kai.” A resounding gasp rumbles among the crowd and then a hush falls over them as they wait for her to continue. “I’ve found myself again, and now that I have I feel reborn and ready to make all of you proud. With that being said, I’m honored that the USWNT will have me again for this upcoming season.” The crowd, who has been hanging on to her every word, claps fiercely for that statement. “But as far as the NWSL, I’m proud to say that as of next season, I am now a member of the Houston Vibe.” She unzips her hoodie to reveal her new uniform, and the crowd goes wild.

Question after question rolls in but I’m stunned still. Houston. She got herself transferred to Houston. For me.

The crowd’s chant become nothing more than roaring thunder in my ears as I push my way to the front of the City Hall steps. A reporter notices me and tries to ask me a question, but I only have eyes for one person and she excuses herself the moment she sees me headed her way.

She wraps her arms around my neck and I wrap mine around her waist. “So, what do you think? Houston to Austin isn’t so bad.”

“Not bad at all. And what do you think about making that distance even shorter?”

“I’d say that would make me very happy.”

“And making you happy is my job after all.”