A sore spot. Lachlan didn't have many, but they were there, and even the alcohol wasn't enough to soothe them. A scowled, more to himself than to her, because it was true. He had missed a match, and it seemed she was voicing what he fears others were thinking: that the national team should have found a beater who wouldn't have to sit out.

"Yeah, yeah," he grumbled. He turned and waved over the barkeep. He was going to need another.

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