Dara leaves to go back to his room, so I have privacy to FaceTime my girlfriend.
“You’re up early,” I say when she answers, leaning against the headboard with my knees raised. She’s sitting cross-legged on her bed with the comforter wrapped around her lower body. Her hair is in a messy topknot, and she looks tired but beautiful. Always so beautiful. A pang of longing attacks me. It’s been ten days since I last held her in my arms, and I miss her like crazy.
“You’re insane if you think I got any sleep. I’m too freaking excited.” Her face lights up. “What happened at the meeting?”
I fill her in on everything I told Ma, watching as her eyes grow wider and her smile expands.
“Oh my gawd, baby!” she squeals, and I really hope Paige is at Tonya’s and not in the other bed. “You fucking did it! I knew you would. I am so freaking proud of you.” Tears glisten in her eyes, and she laughs as she swats some errant tears away. “All your dreams are coming true, Callan. You deserve it, and I am so happy for you.”
“Thanks, beautiful. I couldn’t have done it without you. If you hadn’t come into my life, I might not have gone to Bennington Turo and missed out on this opportunity.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but this is all you, soccer star.Youmade this happen.” Her features soften. “Maybe your parents did know best after all.”
“It’s funny you say that.” I stretch my legs out on the mattress. “I was only thinking that last night. I was salty because they made me move overseas, but they helped to set this in motion, and they’ve supported and encouraged me for years. I owe them a lot. I’m gonna pay off their mortgage when I have enough money, but don’t tell them. I want it to be a surprise.”
“Wow, your parents will be thrilled. That’s so sweet of you.” She presses a kiss to two fingers and plants it on the screen.
“I miss you.”
“Miss you, too.” I return the kissing gesture.
“So, I guess you’ll be moving at the end of the month?”
My head bobs as I gulp over the messy lump in my throat. “I know a long-distance relationship isn’t ideal, but you’re important to me, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t. I want this for you, and we’ll figure things out.”
“We’ll make it work.”
She nods before clearing her throat. “So, um, I’ve been conducting some research, and I could transfer to a London college.” She wets her lips. “I don’t want to be presumptuous, but?—”
“I would love that.” I rush to reassure her because that would be fucking amazing. “I would love you here with me. I’m excited, but it’s daunting too, ya know? It would be great to have your support, but you shouldn’t give up your dream for mine. I don’t want that. Only do this if it makes sense for you too.”
“Aw, I know that babe, and I wouldn’t have suggested it if it didn’t fit my career goals. Studying overseas will look great on my resume, especially if I can get work experience in England. I found three London universities that offer similar degrees with rolling admissions for international transfer students, so there’s still time to apply for September. I’ll talk to the international office first thing and start the process. I also spoke to Mina, and she said she could help to line up summer work for meat an interior design firm in London, as she has some contacts overseas. So, potentially I could relocate after my exams are finished.”
Mina is the manager of the interior design company Astrid worked with last summer. “Wow. You’ve put in a lot of effort already.”
She shrugs and smiles. “What can I say? I have this amazingly talented boyfriend, and I believe in him. I knew from the minute the scout expressed interest that this would happen, and I wanted to be prepared.”
“Thanks, baby. I love you.”
“I love you too. So, so much, Callan.” Tears shimmer in her eyes again. “Did I tell you how proud I am of you?”
I bark out a laugh. “Maybe. Between you and Mum, I’ll be an emotional wreck by the end of the day.”
“Another memory for the memory bank,” she softly says. “Everything is going to change now.”
“Yeah, it is.” I haven’t given much thought to it as I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but life as I know it is definitely about to change.
“So, would that plan work for you?” she asks.
“It’s perfect. The season finishes at the end of May, and the new one doesn’t start until August. While I will have training and some friendlies, I will get a few weeks off. It’s part of my contract. I could help you to settle in, and maybe we could go on a holiday before you start work.”
“I’m so excited! This is going to be amazing.”
“I’m even more excited now I know you’ll be by my side.”
“We’ll get to go to bed and wake up together every day.” Pure happiness washes over her face, and it mirrors how I’m feeling on the inside.
