Let Me Love You (Australian Sports Star Series Book 2) by Iris Blobel Page B

me,” she said.
    “Darling, I met you the other day. You’re Oliver’s girl. He might not be up to speed with the fact, but he’ll get there. Trust me.”
    That made her laugh. Oliver’s girl? Her?
    As much as she disagreed with this statement, she accepted the invitation with the notion she needed some company.
    “I do appreciate it. Would you like me to bring anything?”
    “Just yourself.”
    Half an hour later, she stood in front of Oliver’s house, hearing the sound of women’s laughter through the window. Hesitating, she took a step back. Was she really going to join strangers for lunch? The lady had sounded very nice, but Tamara didn’t know her.
    The sound of the gate opening behind her hauled her back from her thoughts.
    “Hi. You must be Tamara.”
    Why did everyone know her?
    “Hi,” she replied.
    The woman stepped past her and opened the door. She had keys to the door!
    “I’m Katie, Tyson’s fiancée. Come on in. Sarah told me that you’d be coming as well.”
    “We’re in the kitchen,” Sarah shouted. “Be prepared, the older generation is telling creepy stories.”
    Katie laughed and turned to Tamara. “That’s usually when Hazel and Diane try to hook Sarah up with a man.”
    They joined the ladies in the kitchen, and Hazel introduced her to everyone. “Diane is Oliver’s mother. You met Sarah the other day, right? She’s been friends with the boys since they were little troublemakers. And Katie is my grandson’s girl.”
    Tamara looked around and took in the friendly smiles. “Nice meeting you all.”
    Hazel gestured to a chair next to Diane. “Have a seat, darling.”
    Sarah placed a hand on Tamara’s arm. “So glad you’re here. Unbearable, I tell you, unbearable the guys they wanna hook me up with.” She gave an exaggerated shiver.
    “What’s wrong with Markus?” Diane asked and Tamara’s interest was piqued.
    “Just the thought of kissing Marky makes me a bit squeezy,” Sarah replied. “The last kiss he gave me was all wet and sloppy.”
    Katie nearly spilled her drink. “I thought that was when you were in Kindergarten.”
    Sarah shrugged. “So?”
    “Dear, dear,” Hazel said. “It’s time to settle down.”
    Sarah took a deep sigh and turned to Tamara. “Let’s talk about you,” she said with a big grin. “Any sloppy kisses from Oliver, yet?”
    Tamara felt the heat in her cheeks, and Katie laughed.
    “I take that as a yes,” Sarah said wryly.
    Tamara looked around from one grinning face to another. She felt trapped.
    “Honey, there are no secrets here,” Diane finally said as she placed her hand on Tamara’s. “None at all.”
    Hazel stood and filled up the kettle. “Darling, Oliver told us you moved here from Perth, and you’re working at the baseball venue.”
    “Not anymore,” she whispered, and the room suddenly stilled. All eight eyes glued on her.
    Tamara exhaled a big breath before she said, “I quit this morning. They accused me of stealing money.”
    “Get out,” Sarah shouted.
    “No way,” Katie said.
    Tamara was surprised at the support from the girls who didn’t even know her. It felt good and somewhat eased the pain in her heart.
    “Why did you quit?” Diane asked.
    Tamara shrugged. “They’re accusing me of something without giving me a chance to defend myself. I can’t work for someone who doesn’t trust me.”
    Diane nodded. “I like that attitude.”
    Katie stood to help Hazel pour the water into the teapot. “I’ll ask Caroline, Ty’s mum, whether she knows anybody who needs—” She turned. “Wait. What’s your job?”
    “Accountant.”
    “Ouch,” Sarah murmured.
    This time it was four pairs of eyes staring at Sarah, but she simply shrugged. “It sounds kinda boring.”
    Tamara was pleased when their conversation moved on from topic to topic, including current TV series, Perth, baseball, soccer, and football as well as Katie’s upcoming wedding to Ty.
    “You have to come, Diane. It’s all wheelchair