"Ms. Niehaus, as a captain can you tell us about your strategy for how you'll approach the younger Canadian team? It seems they have a lot of speed on their side."

"Yes well we have taken that into consideration but we will approach them as we would anyone else. We feel we have the best defense in the world and we are confident the hard work we've put in will be the key to victory."

"So in essence, there is no strategy? You'll just wait to see what happens?" The journalist inquired in a sarcastic tone.

Cosima was still a bit groggy after having only slept for two hours and was less than amused by the challenging reporter.

"No I didn't say that…I said we are confident in our abilities and we will approach them like we would any other team. In my experience, attempting to anticipate what another teams' strategy based on their past can backfire. Who's to say the team won't completely alter their approach? In those instances, a team would've spent their prep time altering their plays to compete with a team they won't even end up facing." She said this with a tone of condescension, seemingly bored by the whole ordeal.

Her teammates were in shock at the way she was answering questions. Eventually reporters stopped even directing them toward her because they were afraid of her response. After the conference, Coach Kent pulled her aside to discuss her antics.

"Niehaus what's going on? You spent the last hour snapping at reporters over benign questions. On top of that, you look like shit and you won't talk to your teammates."

"Well thank you…I feel like shit. I had a long night…but I don't feel like anything I said was inappropriate and some of the reporters were obviously trying to bait me. What was I supposed to do, back down?" Cosima's hands were gesturing furiously as she defended herself.

"No Cosima, but you could've handled it better. I'm beginning to worry about you. After the weeknight binge you had Tuesday and you being obviously hungover today, I think you might want to take it easy." The coach stated, with sincere concern, as she watched Cosima react.

"Look Coach Kent while I appreciate your concern, I'm a big girl and I've got this okay? A lot has been going on lately and I just needed to relieve some stress." She all but snapped, before softening at her coaches hurt expression.

"Well I get that but I don't see why you need to take this out on us. We're your family here Cos, you can talk to us…And if you need to release some aggression why don't you go out tonight? We have a quick meet and greet after we land but then you guys are free to go out and unwind. Meet some girls, go socialize, I know that usually cools you down. Just don't go too wild because we have an early practice." Her coach casually hinted, not knowing about the events of the past week.

Cosima's first reaction was to get upset at the insinuation that all she needed was to get laid and she would be more tolerable, but she couldn't really disagree. It had been two weeks since she'd had sex and for her that felt like an eternity. It was especially challenging since she had been extremely frustrated restraining herself around Delphine.

"Yeah Coach…maybe that'll help." She managed to reply with a shrug.

…

Upon awakening Delphine quickly jumped out of bed and began to look around her condo. She wanted to see what Olivier had decided to pack. She walked by the entryway and noticed a note on the table where they'd kept their mail and keys. It was scribbled by Olivier and she proceeded to read it to herself in shock.

Delphine,

I just want to say that I'm sorry things didn't work out between us. I know my habits have become a problem but I always thought you would stick by me. I really hope you won't regret this decision in the long run. I'm going to bounce back and when I do someone else will reap the benefits, unless you come to your senses before then.

Anyway, I'm going to stay at Marion's but I wanted to say I'll be back for the rest of my stuff over the weekend.

Olivier

The anger that she felt while reading the letter, was intense. She truly wanted to find him just to scream at him all of the things she'd been holding back. She started to pace around the living room with her fists balled and brow furrowed. There was a split second where she contemplated throwing something. Instead of succumbing to an outburst, she found herself closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Her first thought upon deciding he wasn't worth the emotions, was to call Cosima. She knew the woman wanted her to figure things out before they spoke again, but since she got rid of Olivier, she figured now was as good of a time as any. She really wanted reassurance that she had made the right decision. Unfortunately, when she called it went straight to voicemail. She wasn't sure if the brunette was busy or ignoring her but she didn't want to be a pest. She couldn't risk further frustrating the woman, so she didn't bother to leave a message. Instead of letting her fears consume her, she decided to go for a jog before heading to the studio to do her last promotional shots for film.

…

After the team meeting at the hotel, Cosima's single teammates decided to go out to the bars for the night. They had vowed not to get too carried away, because they knew they had an early practice. At around 9pm Cosima went Samantha's hotel room to get ready for their night out.

"So you're going to get out of this funk you've been in right?" Samantha asked Cosima hopefully.

"Yeah, Coach made me realize something today. I've been feeling like shit all week because I've felt unwanted. I mean I've been chasing after someone with the fleeting hope that we might be together, like an idiot, when I could be with someone whenever I want. I think it's time for me to just get back to the status quo you know?" Cosima said, trying to convince herself as much as she was Samantha.

"Yeah Cos, I mean if that's what you need, then just get some. You might feel differently about this situation. Who knows, an orgasm could give you some clarity." Samantha teased before Cosima snapped a towel at her.

"Yeah…maybe. You know she called me today while we were at the meet and greet? I don't really know what to say to her, so I'm just gonna focus on the match. I'll contact her when I'm less stressed." Cosima admitted, although she knew avoiding the blonde would only make her think about her more.

"Finally you're making sense. Now help me with this, I can't zip it up on my own."

…

After getting ready, Theresa and Kendall joined Cosima and Samantha in the cab and they headed out. They ended up at the OPUS Bar, and were pleased to see the place was packed. They immediately forced themselves into a spot at the bar and ordered shots.

"So much for taking it easy, huh?" Cosima asked with concern.

"Hey it's early and the match isn't until Sunday. You know our practice will be light tomorrow anyway." Kendall replied, already ordering a beer to chase the shot.

"Alright but I'm not getting into any more trouble with Kent." Cosima replied, as she noticed a petite blonde looking at her from across the bar.

Theresa noticed it too and sighed before offering commentary.

"Are you kidding me? We have been here at this bar for 15 minutes and Cosima is already getting eye-fucked by a model."

Cosima couldn't help but chuckle as she noticed the blonde speaking with the bartender.

"Man get you away from Frenchie for a day and you have your mojo back…We'd better make sure she has a good night T, we don't want her to be grumpy this whole trip." Kendall teased both women as she sipped her beer.

"Hey I never lost it, I just suppressed it for the sake of what's her name." Cosima replied, clearly trying her hardest to dismiss her feelings for Delphine as a lapse in judgement. Even if she didn't believe it, she was going to try to speak it into existence.

"Ok then, go talk to her... She may be staring at you but this is a straight bar. Maybe she just recognizes you." Samantha stated, trying to bring Cosima down from her fit of overconfidence.

"Already gone…" Cosima said over her shoulder with a wink. She proceeded to walk up to the blonde and sit on the stool next to her. By the time the blonde turned around, Cosima had gotten the bartender's attention.

"Hi, do I know you from somewhere?" Cosima asked, with a voice deeper than her normal one.

"No, I don't think so…" The blonde replied with a smirk, noticing Cosima's friends staring indiscreetly across the bar.

"Well I'm Cosima, I didn't think we'd met but I wanted to come over and make sure because I saw you looking intently in my direction." Cosima's confidence was rapidly disarming the woman.

"Oh…Well I'm Shay, it's nice to meet you Cosima." The woman replied with a smile as she looked at Cosima kindly.

"Likewise…Well since I came all this way and disturbed you, I feel like I should get you a drink." Cosima flirted with a wink and asked for a scotch and another chardonnay for the blonde. When she grabbed her wallet to pay, Shay noticed the American dollars in the slot.

"You're American?" she asked with intrigue.

"Yes, I'm actually here to compete in the World Cup on Sunday. I'm the captain of the team..." Cosima replied in a smarmy tone.

Shay giggled at the self-congratulatory statement before responding.

"Oh so that's why I recognized you…I've seen you on television. I actually have tickets to that match. My boss gave them to me but I didn't think it would be worth all of the commotion…Perhaps I was wrong?" Shay teased, after realizing who she was speaking with.

"Perhaps…I'm pretty entertaining." At this point, modesty was out of the window because Cosima knew the woman was interested.

"Well I can go but I can't root for you, no matter how cute you are." The blonde admitted as her hand caressed Cosima's bicep.

...

After an hour and a half of similar small talk and flirtatious affection, Shay was obviously beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol.

Cosima saw her opening and decided to get straight to the point so she could get the woman alone. "Hey Shay, I'm going to be honest with you, you're beautiful and I'm only in town for three days. I'm looking to see the city and have a good time. Would you mind being my tour guide?"

Taken aback by the boldness of the woman, Shay considered the offer. She was definitely attracted to Cosima and she seemed nice enough. She also thought of the story she would get out of going home with professional athlete.

"Ummm…sure, but your friends won't miss you?" She asked in order to see if the woman was planning on bringing them along.

"Nope. They'll be just fine. I'll bid them adieu and you can lead the way." The brief use of French made Cosima's mind wander momentarily. She shook off the thought and vowed not to let herself ruin her own evening by pining.

Walking back to her friends, Cosima donned an arrogant grin and informed them that she would be leaving with her 'new friend Shay'.

Cosima paid the tab and escorted the blonde to the entrance. She wasn't sure she had any place in mind to go , but was happy to be away from the crowd at the bar. Once they were outside, Shay stopped walking and and turned to look into Cosima's eyes lustfully. Although Cosima was caught off guard, their gaze was intense as each woman dared the other to break the contact. Shay pulled Cosima into a nearby doorway where they couldn't be seen, before leaning in to kiss her. It came as a shock to Cosima but she was used to women essentially throwing themselves at her. She leaned into the blonde and wrapped her arms around her waist. The kiss was awkward at first but Cosima slowed the pace down and bit Shay's lip gently. The other woman let out a gasp as she opened her eyes and gave her a grin.

"You're a naughty one aren't you?...Did you ask me out just to try and get me home Cosima?" Shay asked pretending to be offended.

"That depends…is it working?" Cosima teased with her tongue between her teeth.

"My hotel or yours?"