And that’s how we fall asleep, holding hands, inhaling each other’s exhales.
Outside, fireworks continue to explode, even though it’s now morning. Car horns blare. Groups of partygoers celebrate on the streets, walking home after a night of nonstop partying.
And I’m tucked into Luca’s bed, safe and happy and whole.
I pump myself up on meds and caffeine to make it through the next few days. It’s stupid, because I know I need rest, but there’s no way I’m missing my girls’ game on Monday.
Traveling to Alicante by bus, I’m practically shimmering with rage over Sergio’s bullshit. Not only did he not file two of my players’ paperwork like he said he would, like the athletic director asked him to, but he also tried to steal my bus!
Luckily, I had the documentation to prove that I reserved it and had called the driver early this morning to double-check all the details. With the girls settled in for the ride, I pop in my AirPods and listen to some music to get my head on right.
Right now, my commitment is to my team and I need to show up for them. I’ll deal with Sergio later, when I’m not so angry or sick.
When we arrive in Alicante, I hurry the team into the visitors’ locker room.
“Why is Coach Sergio always giving us a hard time?” Anna asks.
I bite my tongue. Obviously, the girls sense it—and they don’t even know about the paperwork debacle.
“Because he thinks the boys’ team is better and deserves more attention. He’s pissed that we’re getting just as much, if not more, respect this season,” Carmen explains.
“He’s so chauvinistic,” Julieta complains, pulling shin guards out of her bag.
“Yeah, and those are the lessons he’s teaching the boys,” Maria tacks on, gesturing toward Anna. “Peter told Anna she was too distracting when she wears tank tops and shorts during practice. He asked her to wear pants. It’s May in southern Spain and we’re playing fútbol.”
I glance between the girls before my gaze settles on Anna. “What happened?”
Anna sighs. “I broke up with him.”
I fight a smile. “Girls, there are always going to be people, men specifically, who think you’re not good enough, not worthy enough. They will try any means necessary to tear you down because it prickles their pride to admit that you can do something just as good, maybe even better, than them. Don’t let them dictate how you feel about, or show up, for yourselves. There are also wonderful men who will champion you, support you, and cheer for you at every step, even when you fail. Those are the men, and women, you want to surround yourselves with. The ones who light you up even brighter and never try to dim your shine.”
“Like Luca DiBlanco?” Julieta asks innocently, but her eyes blaze with mischief and mirth.
I laugh. “Yes, like Luca DiBlanco.”
The girls giggle.
“You know he’s here, Coach? I saw him when we were walking in.” Carmen points to outside the locker room.
I breathe in deeply. I told him not to come, since he basically hasn’t slept since Valencia won the Cup. Yesterday was a full day and an all-nighter of parades, ceremonies, and parties. But, “See? He showed up for me, for us, even though he’s been going nonstop for days.”
“That Cup win was something else,” Maria says.
“Your dad’s here too,” Anna whispers.
Carmen’s head snaps up. “And Alejandro?”
Anna nods.
The girls look at each other, their mouths falling open.
“Oh my God!” Julieta shrieks. “We’re playing fútbol in front of Alejandro and Rubén García.” She holds out an arm. “Pinch me.” Carmen does and Julieta cries out, slapping Carmen’s hand away. “Not so hard.”
Carmen shrugs and laces up her cleats.
“Find the people who show up for you,” I remind the girls. “Now, let’s talk about today’s game.”
The girls huddle around as I remind them of our goals for today. “We got this, chicas. We wouldn’t have made it this far if we didn’t earn it. We deserve to be here. When we go out there, keep your heads held high. We show the other team respect, always. On the field, don’t hold anything back. Let’s get effective about our attacking. Move the ball around, be aware of who is where on the field at all times. That’s how we’re going to create scoring opportunities today. If you have a shot, take it. Don’t second-guess yourself, go all in. And talk. I want to hear you while you’re playing—who wants the ball? Who’s defending which player? Encourage each other, keep the morale up, and have some fun. You girls worked too hard to get here today to not enjoy it. So, savor it, yeah?”
