Chapter Text
This was the type of story that wasn't on any script of my life, that's for sure. As an academic student, I was just trying so desperately to finish my PhD, and I was doing very well, until I found myself tied to an "ambush" - if we can call that.
When I first met him, I was a lost cause in love's department and I didn't even know I was looking for anything similar to it, because I was oh so buried in things like books and papers. I was a total mess, working hard, playing hard, running wild - literally. I used to get up around 5 AM every day and run ten miles, at least. I'd gone to the gym too, and spent hours there, just so I could release all of my tension.
Although it was a hard time, also, it was a good time of my life - of all the places and people that I could just go by, suddenly, it had to be a famous football player that called the shots for my attention, and it happened in a twisted way, so fast, that I cannot see it coming.
I went to Madrid on my vacation, just to spend a month all by myself in a nice hotel room and hang out sometimes with some friends of mine that live by the city. We used to go to restaurants and bars, order drinks and Mediterranean food and I could live like that for the rest of my life - except for the fact that I wasn't a rich girl and was going crazy over a thesis that was in progress by that time. At the top of my 30s, I was in my best era, ever. And although I didn't have any crush on anybody or wasn't dating any soul, I was feeling really happy.
On a sunny wednesday June early morning - like, really early morning - while I was drinking my coffee and reading some news, I received a call from Natalie, a close friend of mine that lives in Madrid - but it was very weird that she was calling me at that time, because she was totally a night owl.
I picked it up in a very cheerful way, anyway.
"Well, well, well. I'm receiving a celebrity's call right now, and I'm not even dressed properly for this!"
She laughed really loud, and a soft feeling bloomed in my heart, because Natalie was a great friend that I hadn't seen in a long time, and her laugh was the most sincere in the entire world. And one of the reasons that brought me to the city was she.
"Hi, dear! I've heard that you were finally giving a fucking break from all this monstrosity that you call academic life, is that true?"
I rolled my eyes and smiled. Natalie was always an energetic person that I love, and her regards are always the best ones. She was a social media manager in Real Madrid's Marketing department and used to work a lot. Like, a lot. And was extremely competent.
"Oh, yeah. If God allows me, I want to lay my ass on my fancy bed in my fancy hotel room all day long, while I still have time for it. Wanna join me?"
"Well, I'm really flattered, but I'll pass. There's so much going on in this team right now that I'm afraid everyone will die if I'll escape just for a few hours, you know?"
"And my academic life is a monstrosity? Are you sure?" I laughed.
"We're both fucked up, thanks for asking. But I'm not here to talk about routines - I'm here to make a dirty invitation. An irresistible one."
"I'm all ears and just sit, for precaution."
"Good. I want you to join me in a girls night out tonight" I was going to protest, but she interrupted me "I know, I know, you hate late invites, but I get a table just for two in DSTAGe and, you know... "
"Oh my God, it's just wednesday, you know?"
"Well, suit yourself. You're not 80 years old. And, really, I mean, really…This place is amazing and I don't want to bring anyone but you."
"And how exactly did you get this reservation?" I asked suspiciously.
"It doesn't matter! I have some contacts that allow me to do this on an ordinary day. So, what do you say?"
I paused for an instant, to consider things. I'm not the type that used to go out a lot, but rather, I love to stay at home. It cost me a lot of energy to come to a decision, but considering it is Nat, of course I'd never decline her invitation.
"Okay, I'll go."
"GREAT! I love you, girl!"
"I love you too. Which time and what do I need to wear?"
"Please, something sexy and fancy. You will understand what I mean as soon as we put our feet in the place"
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It was around 8PM and I was drinking a glass of wine, waiting for the right time to call an Uber, while I stared to the nightlife that Madrid offers, alluring my eyes to the most shimmering point that I could see from my balcony: Santiago Bernabeu was right across some blocks, and it was beautiful. I wondered if there were any matches going on there at that time.
My phone buzzed and I could see from the preview that I received a message from Nat telling me that she's already on her way to the restaurant. I hurried to catch my purse and looked for the hundredth time in the mirror just to check if I was really gorgeous for the night.
And I smiled to myself when I confirmed that I was stunning.
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The place was simply amazing. I've been to fancy places before, but that restaurant has something different and unique - maybe it was the dim lights, the music and the cinnamon aroma that fills the air. Maybe it was the food and wine, which were really amazing. Or maybe it was the simple fact that I was a little bit tipsy and having the time of my life with a dear friend. Everything looks wonderful.
We were laughing at some stupid joke that the bartender told us when I realized that I was insanely in need of a good stop at the lady's room. I excused myself and went to the toilet, feeling my legs a little dormant while I walked, but it was totally fine after some good amounts of mojitos. I accidentally hit the corner of a chair on my way to the bathroom and apologized for the man that was seated on it.
-Oh my God, I'm sorry! - I said in English, as I gestured with my hands. The man just gave me a crooked smile, shaking his head and I found him really cute. Shaggy hair, well trimmed, blond and straight. He was with some other guys, drinking some wine that, for heaven sake, didn't spill over the table with the incident of my hip being too clumsy.
-It's fine, don't worry. - he said, with an accent so strong that I found it very interesting. I smiled back and gestured one more time, nodding while taking my cue to disappear.
As I got into the bathroom, it was empty, and I closed the door behind me, exhaling a breath that I didn't know I was holding.
That man it's just one of the best midfielders in the world and I was a total fool for having too many mojitos.
And that's how it's started.