With his busy schedule, he’s not able to make it to every game and I wouldn’t expect him to. We bought a home in Houston together, and he has been busy getting his new practice up and running here. He still has his practice in Austin as well, and he bounces back and forth between the two locations, but primary management for that location falls under Faith now. I’ve honestly been shocked and impressed that he’s been able to make it to as many domestic games as he has, but this is the game I knew he wouldn’t miss. This is my first official game with the Houston Vibe. And who are we playing? Of course, my old team, the North Carolina Meadow.

Angie and I were on the phone for an hour last night taunting each other over who was going to win. I love playing with her on the USWNT but I’m going to love wiping the field with her ass this season just as much.

I slip my phone out of my locker one last time and find messages from everyone wishing me luck before the game and then there’s one from Dante.

Dante: Willow said to bring her a trophy after you win today. I told her that’s not how it works but she said how will you know you won if you don’t get a trophy and I had nothing for that sooo you might wanna pick one up before you get here

If you would’ve told me that I’d feel anything but regret toward Dante after what happened or that I’d become Auntie Wivvy to his daughter or that we’d become business partners who started a foundation together using my guilt money, I would’ve called you crazy.

I’ve never been happier being wrong.

I type out a quick response to him letting him know she’ll get her trophy. Houston is playing Portland later this week, so I will see the cutie pie soon enough. Maybe I’ll make one out of Angie’s tears.

I tune back in to Coach Lopez hyping us up. Then it’s time to step onto the field.

The ringing in my ears from the crowd’s eagerness never gets old.

The feel of the Bermuda grass beneath my cleats is a high I never want to come down from.

Hearing Houston’s fans cheering us on is electrifying. I look out to where I know Kai and Justine are sitting and blow them a kiss. I’m so glad Justine is able to be here for this even though she’ll fly out right after because her season just started as well and she has a game tomorrow.