Leyton Legend
"Football coach Sandra has led Leyton Ladies to three championships, but when new physio therapist Matt joins the staff, she discovers some victories are won off the pitch."
Sandra didn't have time for distractions. Championship season. Every practice mattered.
Then Matt arrived. New physio. All hands and healing and eyes that watched her more than the players.
"Focus on the team," she warned.
"I am. But I'm allowed to look at the coach too."
"Looking leads to trouble."
"Sometimes trouble is worth it."
He was good at his job. Players recovered faster. Injuries decreased. Sandra had to admit—grudgingly—that he was an asset.
"Treatment for yuh," he suggested one night. "Yuh shoulder's been bothering yuh."
"How'd you know?"
"I watch." He smiled. "Remember?"
Treatment in the empty physio room. His hands on her thick body, finding knots she'd ignored for years.
"Yuh carry too much," he murmured.
"It's my job."
"Let someone else carry some." His hands moved lower. "Let mi."
"Matt—"
"Sandra."
She let him.
"Yes! Matt! Right there!"
On the treatment table, years of stress melting under his touch and more. Her thick body finally given attention it deserved.
"Don't stop! I need this release!"
Championship morning. Sandra nervous. Matt calm.
"Yuh got this," he said. "Yuh a legend."
"We got this." She kissed him. "Our team."
They won. Of course they won.
Leyton Ladies' success continued. So did Matt and Sandra.
"The coach and the physio?" reporters asked.
"The woman and the man who sees her," Sandra corrected.
Legend status.
On and off the pitch.