Since Phoebe is 6 years old in season 1 this means that she was born in 2014, which — aside from making me feel old — opens up the potential of Roy missing her birth to play in the world cup... much angst potential to consider...
Not a big one but I noticed that the actress who played the photographer in S2E11, when Roy & Keeley freaked each other out on the couch, is back. "Janette" is in S3E2 according to IMDB.
Also in this interview Brett gives away a spoiler! https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/ted-lasso-stars-on-season-3/
Spoiler
Spoiler
Brett gives away a backstory that Roy moved to Richmond so that he could help raise Phoebe! Roy being a stand up man - perhaps impacting his career???
Sorry this took so long. Writer's block has been a pain, but the good news is that it is time for Riza Day.
Summary: Uncle Roy would do anything for Elicia, and Riza has to put up with a lot of crap as usual
Birthday Surprises
When Riza pulled up outside Roy’s apartment, she was surprised to see he was already waiting for her. He opened the door to the passenger side. Riza smiled softly, glancing at the large brown teddy bear he was holding. It had a big bow tied around its neck. She bit back a laugh at the size. The General never did anything by half. Not that he needed any grand gestures when it came to Elicia Hughes. The girl was obviously fond of her honorary uncle,, and the feeling was mutual. Riza had seen the proof in the child-like drawings she had seen in his apartment.
“Do you think Elicia will like the present, Captain?”
“I am sure she will, sir. However, I must say I am surprised that you’re dragging me along to this party.“
“You’re my buffer,” he said, “I need a buffer. Gracia is going to be so busy with all the kids and their parents at the party. Besides, we don’t need to stay long. With any luck, we will be gone before the party starts.”
She started the engine and pulled away from Roy’s apartment building. Riza was a little nervous at being in a house filled with children. It wasn’t that she disliked kids. Rather the opposite. However, her life was so different and children weren’t most likely not on the cards for her. She knew that Roy made a point of visiting Gracia and Elicia regularly after the Promised Day.
“Thank you for picking me up, Hawkeye. Although, it’s probably because you’re a terrible passenger.”
“Or you’re a terrible driver.”
He lifted his chin. “I’m a perfectly adequate driver. You’re just a control freak.”
Riza snorted in response.
After Riza pulled up down the street from the Hughes’ home, she searched for her own more modest gift in the glove box.
“Is that a book, Captain?” Roy asked.
“Yes, well, last you told me she was a bit of a bookworm.”
The pair opened the gate to the modest townhouse that the Hughes family lived in. Roy knocked on the door. He rocked back on his heels as they waited.
The door flew open with an excited six-year-old in the doorway, her mother behind her.
“Uncle Roy!” Elicia squealed. “Is that for me?”
“I thought there was another birthday girl here today,” he teased, handing her the bear.
Gracia put a hand on Elicia’s shoulder. “Sweetie, I think they want to come in.”
Mother and daughter stepped back to allow them access.
“Thank you!” Elicia sang and wrapped her arms around Roy’s middle as soon as they stepped inside.
“Happy birthday,” Riza said warmly.
Elicia pulled back from Roy and smiled shyly at her. “Thank you, Miss Riza.”
Riza gave her the neatly wrapped book. “This is for you.”
“Now, Elicia, you can open it later with the rest of the presents.” She turned to Riza and Roy. “You’re one of the first guests, but don’t think of running away before the cake. The Elrics will be here soon.”
Elicia grabbed Roy by the hand. “Roy, I want you to help me put away the presents.”
Gracia chuckled and gestured for Riza to follow her into the kitchen.
“She’s very fond of him,” Gracia said. “I wish Maes was here to see it.”
Riza nodded. “He would have been proud of both of them.”
Gracia introduced her to the two women sitting in the kitchen as her neighbours. Erin was heavily pregnant, and Jessica cradled a tiny baby, who couldn’t have been more than six months old. Riza smiled politely, already feeling out of place.
“Are you married, Riza?” Erin asked.
Riza shook her head. “My job doesn’t leave a lot of time to pursue relationships. I suppose I could say I’m married to my job.”
“She works with General Mustang,” Gracia explained.
Jessica’s eyebrows travelled up her forehead. “Oh? Is he as handsome as they say?”
Riza felt a sliver of annoyance. Roy wanted her here as his buffer, and she could use his help right now.
“You’ll get to see him soon enough.” Gracia said, “Riza and the General arrived together.”
Jessica gave her a calculating look and turned to Erin, who giggled.
“Yes,” Riza said, “Elica decided she wanted to show him her presents.”
Gracia giggled. “He dotes on Elicia. Riza, would you like some wine?”
“I’m driving, so I’d prefer water.”
“How about some tea?”
“If you don’t mind. Thank you.”
Gracia smiled and
Erin smiled ar her. “So, Riza, why do you think the General hasn’t been snapped up yet.”
“I think you should ask him that yourself. I wouldn’t be able to speak for him.”
“You know,” Jessica whispered, “I have wondered if he wants to court Gracia. Elicia and Gracia are both very fond of him.”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t know,” Riza said stiffly. “General Mustang is my commanding officer, and I don’t feel comfortable gossiping.”
Jessica flushed. “We don’t mean any harm. We just wondered. We would like to see Gracia happy.”
Riza felt her annoyance disappear. The two women did seem to be harmless. She knew this was more about what she could not have rather than anything the women said.
“I apologise if I came across as rude,” she said.
Gracia returned to the table with a pot and two cups. “One for you and the General.”
“Thank you.” Riza smiled and started to fix her tea.
Hearing a chattering Elicia come into the kitchen, Riza lifted her head. Roy followed behind the girl, looking decidedly happy with himself.
“Mom, look at my hair!”
Riza noticed the girl’s hair was in a braid instead of the two pigtails from earlier.
“Oh, honey, what happened to your hair?” Gracia grinned and glanced at Roy.
“Uncle Roy did my hair.”
Riza’s eyes widened, and she glanced at Roy, who shrugged.
“Did he now? He’s full of surprises, huh?” Gracia chuckled. “Ladies, this is General Roy Mustang. Roy, this is Erin and Jessica.”
Riza noticed the pink twinge on his cheeks and bit back a smile. She poured him a cup of tea and added a drop of milk. He sat down beside her, and she whispered, “I didn’t know you could do that?”
“Grew up around women.” He leaned in closer. “You can hire me for the Elric wedding if you like.”
