“Good job, sweetie! See? You got this.” Ryan cheered from the sideline. After watching for a few more minutes, she climbed up the bleachers and took a seat. She pulled out her phone and took some video of Charlie then scrolled through her emails.
“Which one is yours?”
Ryan glanced up and around. There was an attractive black woman seated a couple of seats over with a friendly smile.
“Oh, uh… the one with the bright yellow shirt and curly hair. Her name is Charlotte, but she goes by Charlie.”
The woman smiled and nodded. “Oh, that’s so cute. She’s absolutely adorable too. She looks so much like you.”
Ryan returned the smile and nodded. She was still caught off guard when people said that about Charlie and her, but she understood why. They really did resemble one another. Charlie was probably the cutest five-year-old she’d ever seen. She had the most beautiful big brown eyes that reminded you of a Disney princess. She had curly natural hair similar to Ryan’s and a dimpled smile that could stun an angel. Charlie had been in foster care since her parents died in a car accident when she was barely one years old. She was placed with Ryan several months ago. Charlie was a smart but shy child. Ryan recognized a kindred spirit in her immediately. Trust didn’t come easy to most foster kids, especially ones that were bounced around a lot, but Ryan was patient and didn’t push. Eventually, Charlie began to open up and now Ryan couldn’t imagine her life without her.
“I haven’t seen you guys out here before. Is she new to the team?”
Ryan nodded. “She is. Charlie can be a little shy. She’s had some practice at home, but this is her first time on a team, so she’s a bit nervous. But she thinks Jordan hung the moon, so when she encouraged her to give it a try, Charlie was all in.”
“Oh, Jordan is such a sweetheart. All the kids at the center love her. I’m Mason’s mom. He’s number two.” The woman said pointing at a little boy with locks talking to Charlie.
Ryan nodded. “I think I remember Jordan mentioning him.”
“You must know Jordan well?”
“We’ve known each other for a few years.” Ryan was always a little suspicious of strangers asking her questions, but no alarms were going off. The woman was just making conversation.
“I’m so sorry. You must think I’m some weirdo. I didn’t even introduce myself properly. It’s a habit of being a mom; I’m sure you can relate. My name is Deja Robinson. I just happen to be Mason’s mom too.”
Ryan chuckled. The woman reminded her of Mary when she was a little frazzled. She shook the outstretched hand. “Ryan.” She said refraining from giving her last name. Since being named the permanent CEO of Wayne, she has become more well known around the city, not to mention being Jada Jet’s daughter. Being the daughter of the ‘Queen of Gotham’ was on a totally different level. Ryan didn’t want to be the center of attention today. She just wanted to watch her kid practice.
Ryan and her new acquaintance continued to make casual conversation as they watched Jordan guide the players through the warm-up drills. They both smiled when they saw Charlie and Mason laughing together as their balls went rolling out of bounds. Other parents slowly trickled in a few at a time until the parent section was nearly full. Ryan found herself surrounded by a small group of young Black mothers. Deja introduced Ryan to the women seated next to them.
“Ladies, we have a new addition so behave yourselves. This is Ryan. Her daughter Charlie is on the team now. Ryan, this is Valerie, Nova, and Monica. They all have kids on the team as well.”
Ryan nodded and acknowledged each woman. It was obvious that they were close friends based on the level of comfort they all had with one another. They seemed very nice and welcoming as they chatted and teased one another about their kids and family life. Ryan mostly remained quiet and kept her eyes on Charlie down on the field.
“Attention ladies, incoming from stage right. The eye candy has arrived.” Valerie said as she slipped her dark sunglasses onto her head and grinned. The women all sat up straight and began whispering and pointing.
“Honey, that isn’t candy. That right there is an entire five-star gourmet desert.” Nova said sassily. Her remark drew giggles and catcalls from the others.
Deja shook her head. “Nova, now what would your man say if he knew you were out here thirsting after this woman like this?”
“Probably send her a thank you note for getting me in the mood for his ass.” Nova said, causing the others to laugh out loud. “Mike has always known about my attraction to women. He knows he’s the only man for me, but I can look just like he can.”
“But you thinking about doing more than just looking.” Deja said.
“Like you haven’t either.” Nova shot back.
“Has anyone met her yet?” Valerie interrupted.
“I haven’t met her yet, but I found out she’s going to be the new assistant coach.” Monica, who was the youngest among the group, said. She had twin boys down on the field. “Jordan mentioned that she would be here for practices when she could to help out. My boys already adore her. She taught them a few footwork drills last week. She’s really good with the kids.”
“Damn. She’s that fine and she volunteers with kids too.” Valerie said biting her lip. “She got any of her own?”
“She certainly doesn’t look like it with that figure. She’s obviously successful based on how she dresses. The woman knows how to wear a suit. Ya’ll, she had on a suit with a waist coat and tie the last time I saw her.” Deja practically swooned. “If I wasn’t in a committed relationship with a woman I have loved since I was eighteen, I’d definitely shoot my shot. Looking like that, she gotta be on my team.”
“It wouldn’t matter to me. I could probably be flexible for one night.” Valerie added then kissed her teeth. “Shit, who am I kidding? I would switch teams for her in a minute. She looks like she knows just what to do, if you know what I mean.” They all laughed and agreed.
Ryan, who had been distracted by her phone, missed most of the conversation. She glanced up curiously at the last statement. “Who are we talking about?”
Deja nodded her head towards the field. Ryan followed her line of sight until her eyes landed on none other than Sophie Moore making her way from the track onto the grassy area. Ryan’s eyes scanned the lean body from head to toe. She knew Sophie must have come straight from her job at Jeturian. She was still in her work clothes. Ryan had to admit that Sophie did indeed look good. If there was one thing Sophie Moore did well, it was wear a damn suit. Today, she was wearing one of Ryan’s favorites. It was navy blue and perfectly tailored to show off her tall, slender figure. As she walked, the highlights in her hair caught the sun perfectly. She had on her dark Ray-Bans which completed the overall picture. Ryan bit her lip and continued to stare.
“I think we have a new admirer y’all.” Nova said smiling at Ryan’s lustful gaze. “Like what you see, Ryan?”
Ryan let out a soft chuckle and scratched the back of her neck. She was a little embarrassed that she had been caught gawking even though she had every right. She knew she should be upfront and let them know that they were all lusting over her fiancé, but she decided to have a little fun.
“What can I say? I’m not blind. She is a gorgeous woman.” Ryan admitted.
Nova laughed. “Girl, you are a gorgeous woman. Don’t think we haven’t peeped you out too. But judging by that gigantic rock on your finger you’re off limits. Now that…”She paused to eye Sophie then moaned. “Bay-bee, that is what my mama would call a tall drink of water.”
“And we all know you’re as thirsty as a nomad in the desert, bitch.” Deja teased. Nova playfully shoved her shoulder as the others cackled.</p
“And am.” Nova said sassily. “Ain’t no shame in my game.”
“Hey, didn’t Mike give you a hall pass?” Monica asked.
“Yeah. We both have one.”
“Who is his?”
Nova laughed. “Cardi B. And like any man he also let it be known that he is open to a three-some with the woman of my choice.”
Monica shook her head. “Y’all some damn freaks.”
“And you are a prude. You need to be taking notes to spice things up at your house.” Nova shot back earning an eye roll from Monica.
“You should shoot your shot, Nova.” Valerie said jokingly. “Mike would die if you made that happen.”
“Oh, don’t play because I have thought about it. Trust and believe that I wouldn’t mind sampling those goods, but alas it will never happen.” She said wistfully.
“Why not?” Monica asked.
“Because I might have casually brought her up to Jordan last week and she made a comment about her sister having a girl. She said…her sister’s girl is… and I quote ‘fire’. Apparently, she’s the whole package.”
“Girl? Hah! I knew she was on my team.” Deja said happily.
“Well, that’s not much of a surprise. Someone that good looking would have a partner or girlfriend of the same caliber.” Monica said sagely.
Ryan bit her lip to keep from smiling. She was about to tell them the truth when they all heard a whistle being blown in the distance. Their attention went back to the field. Sophie had slipped off her loafers and replaced them with a pair of sneakers. She had removed her blazer and rolled up her sleeves. She was surrounded by a group of kids as she showed them how to bounce and balance the ball on their feet. There were soccer balls going every which way since the kids had very little coordination yet, but they were trying and having fun. One of them must have said something funny because Sophie threw her head back and laughed before giving the child a high-five.
Ryan was mesmerized by that smile. It was the same dimpled smile that made Ryan weak in the knees. She watched as Charlie walked over to Sophie and tugged on her pant leg. Sophie knelt down and the two seemed to be having an animated conversation. Charlie nodded and smiled as Sophie poked her in the tummy and tickled her. Her heart nearly melted when she saw Sophie lift Charlie up into her arms and spin her around. Seeing Sophie with Charlie like this made her feel silly for ever doubting if the other woman would be on board with her fostering a child.
Ryan had registered to be a foster parent a long time ago, but nothing ever really came of it. She became so busy with running Wayne and being Batwoman that fostering sort of got pushed to the background. Then out of the blue a social worker called and said they wanted to place a little girl with Ryan. Ryan had been terrified and elated at the same time. She’d always wanted to give back by offering a safe home and unconditional love to a child the way Mama Cora had for her. However, Ryan had made that decision long before she and Sophie had become a thing. She had a fiancé to consider now, but her worry was all for nothing. When Ryan told Sophie, the other woman’s response was to ask when they would get a chance to meet her and how she could help. From that moment on, Sophie was all in.
Nova and Deja both shared a look and grinned. “I think Ryan has a bit of a crush, y’all. You okay over there?”
Ryan’s face warmed and she smiled bashfully. They all laughed. “There’s no judgement here. There is nothing wrong with appreciating a beautiful woman.” Deja said patting Ryan on the arm.
The remainder of the practice passed without incident. The group eventually moved on to another subject. Ryan only half listened. Her focus was on Charlie’s smiling face as she played around with Sophie. After a while, the whistle blew again, and the kids gathered around the Moore sisters for a post practice talk. A short while later, the kids started to disperse and make their way up to their parents.
Charlie was still on the field talking with Sophie. Ryan caught Sophie’s gaze for the first time, and they shared a soft smile. Sophie pointed and directed Charlie’s attention to the bleachers then took her by the hand as they started making their way up towards Ryan.
“Look sharp girls! Looks like we might get a chance to meet the elusive assistant coach after all.” Nova said.
“Oh, not we. I think she’s coming to meet Ryan. She seems rather fond of Charlie. Aren’t you the lucky one, Miss Thing.” Deja said wiggling her eyebrows at her.
Ryan smirked and carefully made her way down the bleachers to meet the two. She could feel the women’s eyes on her back. Charlie bounced over to her and right into her waiting arms for a hug.
“Hey bug! Did you have fun at your first practice?” Ryan asked brushing the loose curls behind her ear.
Charlie nodded her head up and down. “It was fun just like Miss Jordan and my Sophie said.”
Ryan smiled at her words. Charlie had grown quite attached to Sophie in the last couple of months. She had started calling Sophie hers out of the blue and Ryan found it endearing because she felt the exact same way. Sophie was theirs.
Sophie looked down at the girl and smiled warmly. “I told you that you’d love it. We’re going to rock this aren’t we, Chuck?”
Charlie giggled at Sophie’s nickname for her. She’d never had one, so she loved when her Sophie used it. She slapped Sophie’s hand in a high-five. “Yeah!”
“I’m very glad you liked it. I’ll let Jordan know to get you a uniform.” Ryan said. She shifted her eyes up to meet Sophie’s.
“You must be the new coach I keep hearing so much about.” Ryan said holding out her hand. She knew the women behind her were lingering to try to overhear their conversation.
Sophie raised a brow, but played along as she took Ryan’s hand gently. “I’m only the assistant. My sister gets that title, even though I was always better at soccer… still am.”
“Oh, you’re confident. I like that in a woman.” Ryan noticed Sophie was still holding her hand. “I’m Ryan, by the way.”
“I’m Sophie…Sophie Moore.”
“You looked really good out there, Sophie…Sophie Moore. You haven’t lost your touch obviously.” Ryan flirted.
“Okay. I see you, Ryan.” She heard Valerie say in the background.
Sophie stepped closer and into Ryan’s personal space. She glanced over Ryan’s shoulder and saw a few women lingering and pretending not to be eavesdropping. She recognized them from the practice the week before. Jordan had teased her about how she had the young mothers lusting after her. She quickly deduced what was happening.
She trailed her eyes over Ryan from head to toe, taking in the tight jeans and low-cut blouse. She licked her lips and moved even closer. A squeal and excited whispering could be heard behind them again. Sophie tried to hide her grin. Ryan didn’t bother hiding hers.
“It appears that you have quite the fan club amongst these soccer moms.” Ryan whispered.
Sophie shrugged her shoulders. “Just doing my part to help out. I guess I’m just likable.”
Ryan lifted a hand and ran it along Sophie’s loosened tie. Sophie’s eyes dropped down and followed the hand in question as it tugged her closer by the piece of silk fabric. The action reminded her of how Ryan loved to use her ties in their bedroom. Her eyes darkened. A few shushed whispers came from the peanut gallery behind them.
“Oh, I see a lot that I like. So, tell me, Sophie Moore, what would it take for me to make you mine?” Ryan asked loud enough for their audience to hear.
“Damn, new girl is bold as hell.” Nova whispered to Deja. “I like her.”
”Shh! Be quiet. I’m trying to listen.” Valerie whispered.
Ryan had to bite her lip to keep from laughing but kept her eyes trained on Sophie’s. Charlie was looking up at them oddly. She didn’t know why they were introducing themselves. They already knew each other. Grown ups were so weird. She pulled at Ryan’s arm and pointed to her cell phone. Ryan unlocked it, opened the ABC Mouse app, and handed it over.
With Charlie occupied, Ryan refocused her attention on Sophie. Sophie swallowed as she felt Ryan playing with the end of her hair. “I… uh don’t know. My girlfriend might take issue with that.”
“Well, she must be slipping because if I were your girl, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.” Ryan said taking the last step. There was barely an inch between them.
Sophie could no longer control the urge to touch. She slipped an arm around Ryan’s waist, pulling her until they were pressed against one another. Completely lost in one another’s eyes, they no longer cared about the hushed whispering behind them or the eyes watching their every move.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking you could just forget about your girl and come home with Charlie and me.”
Sophie leaned down and inhaled Ryan’s signature perfume. “I don’t know. My girl is really hot.”
“So am I.”
“Let me get this straight; you just want me to give up my girl and come home with you and your kid?”
“Yep.”
“For how long?”
Ryan pretended to think it over. “I was thinking along the lines of… forever.” She pulled on Sophie’s tie until the taller woman leaned down and brought their lips together. It was a kiss of lust and ownership. She wanted every single one of these soccer moms to know that this woman was hers and hers alone.
When they pulled away, their eyes were locked on one another’s. Sophie ran a finger along Ryan’s cheek lovingly. “Okay.”
“I was also thinking we could eventually have a couple more kids to give Charlie some company. You down with that?”
Sophie’s eyes softened. She loved when Ryan talked about them having a family. She already loved Charlie as if she were her own and they had every intention of adopting her after they were officially married in a few months. The idea of raising more children with Ryan made her immensely happy.
“I guess I better break things off with my fiancé then, huh?”
“No need. She’ll get the picture.”
“Ryan, can we go to Crispy Joe’s now?” Charlie asked, completely oblivious to their flirting.
Ryan and Sophie glanced down at the tiny human and laughed. “Sure, bug.”
Sophie stepped away from Ryan and lifted Charlie up into her arms and kissed her cheek, causing the girl to giggle. “Well, is my new fiancé ready then?”
“Absolutely.”
When the trio turned around, the four women were standing there with their mouths open. Ryan gave them a shy smile and shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry ladies. I didn’t mean to step on your toes, but I had to shoot my shot while I had the chance.”
“Y’all have got to be bullshitting me.” Nova said. “Jordan said you had a girl and y’all were serious.”
“I do. I couldn’t be more serious if I tried.” Sophie said taking Ryan’s hand and kissing the back of it gently. Valerie and Monica swooned.
Deja laughed and shook her head. “You’re the girl.”
Ryan could only chuckle and nod. “I know I should have told you guys, but y’all were just too funny. I’m sorry.”
Nova kissed her teeth. “No, you’re not, but it’s all good. If I had a woman that fine, I’d be checking out the competition too.”
“There is no competition. This one is it for me. That’s why I put a ring on it.” Sophie said, giving Ryan a soft look. The statement was made gently but with enough intention to ensure that everyone knew she was not on the market for anything or anyone other than Ryan.
“Hey Ry, did you see the little mite out there? She’s a natural.” Jordan said walking up to the group.
“I did. I’m very proud of her… and her new coach.” Ryan said winking at Sophie.
Jordan rolled her eyes. “See, there y’all go again with the simping.” The group laughed.
Ryan cleared her throat teasingly. “So, what’s this I hear about you calling me fire?”
Jordan shrugged her shoulders. “I’m straight as an arrow but I still got eyes. It’s obvious that my big sis here has good taste. Now your taste on the other hand… is questionable at best, Ry.”
Sophie scoffed and playfully shoved her sister away. “Keep talking and you’ll be coaching this team alone.”
“No, I won’t. I’ll call Ryan and she’ll bat her big baby deer eyes at you, and you’ll be all ‘oh, I love you so much’. You’d be back out here the next practice no questions asked. Why you ask? Because you’re a simp.”
Ryan’s eyes grew tender as she felt butterflies in her stomach. How this woman still did that to her she did not know. Sophie rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You’re just a hater.”
“Girl, quit tripping. Everybody in Gotham knows Ryan Wilder has you wrapped around her little finger.”
“Wilder? Why does that name sound familiar?” Monica said trying to place the name. She looked back at Ryan and her eyes suddenly widened. “Ryan Wilder as in the CEO of Wayne, Ryan Wilder?”
Ryan gave her a sheepish wave. “Hi.”
Valerie, Deja, and Nova all covered their faces with their hands and groaned.
“Oh my God. I knew you looked familiar.” Valerie said. “I can’t believe I didn’t even recognize you. I saw you on the news just the other day.”
“I’m just a proud parent today. Isn’t that right, bug?” Ryan deflected. She really didn’t want the conversation to go there.
Charlie nodded but became shy around the new women. She tucked her head into Sophie’s shoulder. “You tired, bug? That was a lot of running around, wasn’t it?”
Charlie nodded her head and Sophie rubbed her back. “I’m sorry to have to cut this short, but I believe we should get this one some food before she runs out of gas.” Sophie said.
“It was so nice to meet you guys. I hope you won’t hold my little prank against me.” Ryan said.
Deja kissed her teeth and waved her off. “Girl, with that wicked sense of humor, you’ll fit right in with us moms. We get together for cocktails once a week, y’all should come sometime. I promise not to stare at your girl if y’all do.”
Jordan faked a gag. “I don’t know what y’all see in this giant.”
Sophie gave her a glare. “You just cannot let me be great, can you?”
Ryan shook her head at the siblings banter. “Anyway, we’re going to go, ladies. Jordan, I’m sure we’ll see you at family dinner tomorrow evening.”
It was more of a statement rather than a question. They bat team and the Moore sisters were now permanent fixtures at Jada’s weekly family dinners. Ryan’s biological mother had somehow become the surrogate mother to the rag-tag group of friends.
“Girl, you know I’m not going to miss a meal at Jada Jet’s. The woman is a diva with a capital D, but she can cook her ass off.”
“Cool.” Ryan turned back to the ladies and gave them a wave. “I guess we’ll see you guys at the next practice.”
“We’ll save you a seat.” Deja said watching them leave hand in hand.
Nova sighed with disappointment. “Well, my fantasy has come to an end.”
Valerie nodded. “Damn, mine too and I can’t even be mad because they’re so freaking hot.”
“I wonder if that hall pass could be used for a three-some with them without Mike?” Nova pondered.
They all laughed while Jordan gagged.
Sophie was strapping Charlie into her car seat while Ryan put her shin guards and soccer ball in the trunk. Sophie was holding Ryan’s door open for her when she came back around.
“Thank you, baby.”
“Of course.” Sophie said placing a soft kiss to Ryan’s cheek. “My car is just over there, so I’ll meet you two at the restaurant.”
“Sophie?” Charlie called out.
Sophie leaned down into the back window. “Yeah, Chuck.”
“You shouldn’t wear your dress up clothes to practice if you’re going to be so hot.”
Sophie frowned in confusion. She looked to Ryan for help and found none. “What do you mean?”
“I heard Mason’s mom and Miss Nova say that you were so hot on the field. You should just wear shorts like I do. I don’t get hot.” Charlie explained simply with her little hands.
Sophie blinked and nodded at the child while Ryan was in the front seat shaking from the laughter she was holding in.
“You know what, Chuck? That’s really smart. I think I will start wearing shorts, so I don’t get hot. Thank you so much for that suggestion.”
“You’re welcome.” Charlie said already turning her attention to the movie playing on the back monitor.
Sophie moved back and closed Ryan’s door. She leaned down into the window. Ryan gave her a sultry look. “I hate to break it to you, baby, but if you wear shorts, you’re going to cause an even bigger problem. Not only are you still going to be hot, you’re going to have everyone else hot and bothered too.”
Sophie rolled her eyes and shook her head at Ryan’s shameless flirting. “I don’t care about anyone else. I only care about what you think.”
Ryan pulled her down by her tie. “Meet me in the bedroom after that one is all tucked in and I’ll show you.”
Sophie met her halfway and captured her lips with a kiss. “I’m really beginning to like you being a soccer mom.”
-Fin-
Thanks for reading!