“Good luck,” I say, lowering the camera. “You’ll do great tonight.”
He glances over, the sunlight dancing in his dark eyes. “Thanks. I assume you’ll be watching with Fergie.”
I take a step toward him, fidgeting with the strap of my crossbody bag. “Well, one of us has to be on your side inyourhouse.”
He chuckles under his breath. “Good point. Glad to have you in my corner.”
I bite my lip to keep from doing something stupid, like leaping into his arms and kissing him in full view of the entire team. Especially since Finn is now tapping on the bus window, whistling, while Archie points and laughs behind him like we’re starring in our own romcom.
“Hard to believe we’re a team of professional footballers heading to our biggest test of the season,” Callum says dryly.
I bubble out alaugh. “Clearly.”
A quiet settles between us, lasting a moment too long.
“Well,” I say, straightening as François steps out of the building, clipboard in hand. “Talk to you tomorrow. Bye.”
He holds my gaze for just a second longer, as if he wants to say something more. But then, he gives me a quick nod and climbs into the bus.
Fergie seems determined to test my patience tonight. He’s restlessly hopping from the coffee table to the top of the sofa, flapping his wings every few seconds and whistling off-key in a bid to summon chaos. We’ve done three different puzzles—jungle animals, London landmarks, and his personal favourite, “Birds of the World”—and he’s still not settling down. But I count my blessings. A noisy, fluttering green goblin is better than what @puppymom89 from the Fur-ever homes forum is dealing with. Her dog literally ate her Valentine’s Day bouquet.
I barely hear the commentators during the first half with all the racket Fergie’s making—a noisy mashup of his favourite songs, the referee’s whistle, and rude phrases as he heckles the players like he’s got money riding on the match.
During the commercial break, I head into the kitchen to get a glass of water when my phone buzzes. Roxy’s name flashes on the screen.
“Hi, Rox,” I say, accepting her video call. “Are you not at your dad’s?” I’m a little surprised. They always watch away matches together.
“Hey, Millie. No, he’s lending a hand to his friend who owns a restaurant in Earl’s Court. I’m at home,” she says, curling up on her sofa.
“Oh, you could have come over to watch with me. If you don’t mind a parrot’s commentary, that is.” I turn the camera toward Fergie.
She laughs. “Oh, there he is! The new internet sensation.”
“Seriously, though. You can still catch the second half with us if you want.”
“Thanks for the invite toCallum’shouse,” she teases, raising an eyebrow. “But I’d never make it there in time, and I’m honestly grateful for some rest. This baby is imitating his dad in my belly,” she says with a little sigh. “Anyway, I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing with… you know, everything.”
After the kiss and the impromptu family lunch on Sunday, I ended up calling Roxy and telling her the whole story.
“I’m okay.We haven’t talked much, so still no intel on whether or not he could feel the same. I just need to gather the courage and ask him.”
She nods, her curls bouncing. “You should. I told you, nothing good comes from hiding your feelings. Best to ask him, and if he doesn’t feel the same, at least you’ll know and can move on.”
Yeah, easier said than done.
“I don’t know,” I moan, sinking back into the couch. “I have to see him every day at work. And you don’t move on from someone you love that easily.”
“Wait,love?” Her eyes practically pop out of her skull. “Millie, you love him?”
My cheeks are officially on fire.
“Millie loves Callum?” Fergie jumps to the arm of the couch next to me.
My eyes fly wide with horror. “No, no. Forget that.” I glance back at the screen. “Rox, I’ve got to go.”
Dang it. Why didn’t I keep my big mouth shut? I’m hanging out with a parrot, for crying out loud. Everything I say can and will be repeated. I should know that by now.
I glance at Fergie again, and sure enough, he’s still at it. “Millie loves Callum,” he repeats, strutting along the couch like he’s breaking exclusive news.
