we are.” Sydney bumped her hip against mine. “You just can’t bear the thought of being without us.”
I laughed. “You’re right. How would I go on?”
They cheered and Colby took my free hand. “Taylor, does this mean you’re coming with us?”
My final resolve crumbled. It was this or heading home. Both scary, but one held potential for a fresh start.
“Looks like I’m moving.”
Not only did they have a ticket for me on their flight, but Colby coordinated with a company to have my car moved to Salt Lake. All I needed to do was pack my suitcases and meet them in the lobby at ten.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I told them as soon as I saw them.
“It’s going to be the greatest adventure,” Sydney said with a secret smile. “Nothing in life is permanent. If you decide this isn’t the right path for you, we’ll help you figure out what is.”
Colby agreed. “We’re here for you, and at tomorrow’s game you’ll meet the rest of the Pride.”
“Then you’ll have way too many of us around to help,” Lucy said with a laugh.
They’d told me about the group of women that sat together at practices and games. They seemed like more than just friends. They were a family.
“I can’t wait.” It was the truth. I wanted to experience their full force, at least once. Since I wasn’t actually one of the wives or girlfriends, I didn't really belong in their circle, but it would be exciting to experience a glimpse of it.
The flight was uneventful and Colby’s car was parked at the airport, so we were heading downtown before I had a chance to let it all sink in. I was really here. In Utah. With the exception of a trip to Disneyland as a child, this was the farthest west I’d ever been. It was hot. And dry. I finally understood the difference between wet and dry heat. I would take this over the humidity of Raleigh any day.
The mountains in front of us were imposing and beautiful. They weren’t lush and green like I’d seen in pictures when I looked up the area, but I could see the potential.
They pointed out different sights: the arena, their favorite pizza place, a Mexican restaurant owned by a previous Fury player, and the general directions of where they lived. Colby was dropping me and Sydney off at her house.
“It’s actually Brandon’s house,” Sydney admitted as we pulled up.
House was a very modest description of the mansion. It was imposing, but tasteful. It looked like a home, with flowers lining the driveway and a bright wreath hanging from the front door. Two small bikes leaned against the garage door.
Before we could get out, the front door opened and two young boys came running out.
“Sydney!” they screamed and wrapped their arms around her legs as soon as she was standing.
“Hi, Milo! Hi, Finn! I missed you guys so much! Were you good for Aunt Addi?”
“Yes!” They cheered in unison.
She bent down and kissed the tops of their heads before meeting my eyes. “Remember my friend I told you about? This is Taylor, and she’s going to stay with us for a little while.”
The boys faced me, and one smiled while the other watched me from behind her.
“Hi, guys. It’s nice to meet you.” I fumbled with my hands, unsure of what to do. High five, handshake, or keep my distance? I decided to let them come to me, if or when they wanted.
They turned and ran back to the house without speaking. It was like they had the twin communication thing going on.
“You’ll get used to that.” Sydney chuckled. “It’s the best when they say the same thing at the same time.”
We waved to Colby and Lucy, and Sydney showed me through the house and outside to the large backyard. A pool with rock formations surrounding it was the centerpiece. The towels, toys, and floaties scattered around the area proved it was well used.
“This is it.” Sydney opened the door to the pool house, which matched the architecture of the main house. Inside was a much larger living space than I expected.
“The bedroom is through that hall and the bathroom is the next door down. It opens to the outside so the boys can use it while they’re swimming, so just make sure to lock both doors when you’re using it.”
I nodded and looked around. There was also a small kitchen nook with all the essentials, a fridge, range, and microwave. “This