Sergio no va a presenter cargos.
Sergio isn’t going to press charges.
Álvaro
Así que, una preocupación menos.
So, one less thing to worry about.
Álvaro
Suerte hoy, Luca.
Good luck today, Luca.
I breathe a sigh of relief and show my phone’s screen to my friends.
“Congratulations, hombre.” Carlos smacks my back. “That’s a good sign. Means better things are on the horizon.”
“Exactly.” Andrés grins.
Ale sighs. “I’m glad that’s taken care of.”
“Yeah.” I nod. And then, I look at my friend. “How is she?”
Understanding washes over Ale’s expression and he lowers his voice. “As miserable as you are.”
That doesn’t make me feel better because I don’t want Carla to feel miserable. I want her to thrive.
I want us to thrive. Together.
“It’s our last game of regular season,” Ale reminds me, grasping my shoulder and giving it a shake. “Focus on fútbol. Leave it all out on the field. And then, fix shit with my sister.”
I nod but don’t say anything. I can’t. Because it’s not up to me to fix what’s broken between us…not when Carla doesn’t even want to try.
We win our final game of the regular season by one goal. It’s a hard-earned victory, cemented in the eighty-seventh minute of play. Rushing up the pitch, I sent a beautiful pass to Alejandro who was already inside the box. He took his shot, a precise strike, that resulted in a goal.
And the stadium roared with approval. We ran out the clock and celebrations ensued. I hung around for the postgame interviews and press conference, but as soon as I could escape, I hustled to my car.
Begging off a celebratory drink at Corcho, I drove home to my flat, threw myself in the shower, and nursed my broken heart with a beer and an early night.
The next morning, the agitation that has built all week in my veins is unbearable. Finally, I can trade my car for my motorcycle. I crave the release, the control, the open, winding backroads. The freedom.
Needing a break from my depressing fucking thoughts, I yearn for the slap of the wind, the shimmering sea under the beating sun, and the infinite kilometers of road ahead of me. I want adventure.
Donning my leather jacket, I slide into boots, stuff my hands into gloves, and pull on my helmet. Then, I flip the ignition and head out of the city. And for the first time in days, I take a deep breath.
Social Media Post
@hotsportsgossip
Well, well, well…trouble in fútbol paradise?
Sources (aka my DMs and your TikTok sleuthing) tell me League Valencia’s reliable zaddy Luca DiBlanco hasn’t been spotted with his gorgeous girlfriend, fútbol goddess, and badass coach, not to mention his TEAMMATE’S LITTLE SISTER, in weeks.
No late-night tapas. No PDA at the beach. Not even a blurry airport sighting. And this weekend, she was noticeably absent from League Valencia’s final game of the season.
So, what gives? Busy schedules? A lovers’ quarrel? Or is it already game over?
