I signed a sponsorship contract with a major sports brand, and Eddie is discussing some other potential sponsorship deals. My eyes always stare at the banking screen in shock whenever I log into my account. I’ve been sent tons of free stuff too—clothes, shoes, watches, aftershave, toiletries, tablets, skincare,and supplements. You name it, and I’ve probably been given it for free. Dara helps himself when he’s here, and I don’t mind. I want my family to enjoy the rewards too.
It’s insane, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact I’m a celebrity now. None of that ever mattered to me, and it still doesn’t. It’s always been about playing ball.
Thankfully, I’ve been playing well. I even scored a goal in my first match, and the manager is pleased. The fans seem fully behind me, which is a relief. I still pinch myself when I see people waiting for me after a match to take a picture or sign something. My social media following has skyrocketed, and interest in my personal life is high.
The PR team are always available for advice and support. They are currently interviewing for a new social media liaison officer—a person who will work closely with the individual players to curate the online content while seamlessly coordinating official team announcements on the various platforms.
Most nights, I tumble into bed exhausted and barely remember falling asleep.
It’s been challenging finding time to talk regularly with my family and Astrid. Mostly we message, but I always make time to speak with my girlfriend, even if it’s only a quick five-minute call. I never want her to feel like she’s not the center of my universe.
“Tell Astrid I said hi, and I hope she enjoys the match tomorrow,” Joel says when he reaches his G-Wagon.
“I’ll introduce you tomorrow. Will Tamara be at the match?”
He shakes his head. “She’s in High Wycombe for the weekend. It’s her niece’s christening. I’ll be heading there after.”
“Cool. Laters, man.” I jerk my chin up as I walk toward my Range Rover. I bought it shortly after arriving in London, andI love driving it. My new life still feels surreal, but with each passing week, I settle in more.
Dara is waiting for me at my apartment when I walk through the door thirty minutes later.
“Good flight?” I dump my duffel bag on the floor in the kitchen beside the island unit.
“It left on time, thankfully.” My older brother wraps me in a bear hug, and we slap one another on the back. “Good to see you, bro.”
“Thanks for coming.” I shuck out of his embrace, heading toward the fridge.
“You know I’d be at every match if I could.”
Dara is in his last year at Trinners, and he has finals coming up in a couple of months. He has come over a few other weekends to watch my home games and hang out with me, and I’m grateful he’s here this time until Tuesday.
“When will Astrid and the crazy bird be here?”
I remove a bottle of coconut water from the fridge. “Flight is due at eight, so I’ll be leaving here in an hour.” I toss a look over my shoulder. “Want anything?”
“Gimme a beer.”
I grab a bottle of beer and uncap the top, handing it to my brother. We walk side by side to the L-shaped sofa and sink onto it. It will be doubling as my brother’s bed for the weekend because Gwen will be taking the spare bedroom. “I still can’t believe you let Astrid talk you into letting Gwen come too.”
“She’s her best mate. Not like I could do much.” I chug some water, recalling the massive argument Astrid and I had a few weeks ago when she asked if Gwen could visit with her. The last thing I want is that clinger hogging my girl’s attention and ruining what little time Astrid and I will have together. “Astrid says she’s depressed and the trip will cheer her up.”
“I really don’t get how they’re such good friends.” Dara knocks back a mouthful of beer as he crosses his leg over one knee. “They are like chalk and cheese.”
“Astrid deserves a fucking medal for putting up with Gwen for so long. I can only tolerate her in small doses. This week will be a test of my patience for sure.”
“Look at it like this.” Dara swivels around, facing me. “Astrid will be here in a few months, and there’ll be an ocean between them. Gradually, their friendship will fade as their lives take them in different directions. It happens all the time.”
“I’m praying you’re right because, I fucking swear, if Gwen asks to come here for summer break I will lose my shite, big-time.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she has that up her sleeve. Gwen seems to have a weird reliance on Astrid.”
“I will never understand their relationship.” I drain the dregs of my water and hop up. “I’m grabbing a shower. If you’re coming with me, be ready to leave at a quarter to.”
“Callan!” Astrid yells my name the instant she sees me, racing towards me with exuberance, uncaring she’s dropped her carry-on case in her rush to reach me. My baby is, predictably, bundled up in a puffer jacket, hat and scarf, jeans, and knee-high black boots. You’d swear she was visiting Alaska. Spring in London is not very cold, but I can’t say I’m surprised my girlfriend is prepared for the worst weather. Astrid despises the cold, and summer is her favorite season. Fuck, I have missed her so badly.
My arms open automatically when she is near, and I laugh as she throws herself at me. “Hey, beautiful. Missed you.” Lifting her up, I swing her around, and we’re sporting matching grinsand laughs as we drink one another in. The familiar scent of her perfume wafts around me like a comfort blanket, and I’m ridiculously giddy, so fucking happy she’s here.
“I missed you too,” she says as I slowly lower her feet to the ground. It feels longer than six weeks since I last saw her, and boy, is she a sight for sore eyes. She looks even more beautiful, and my heart is pounding like crazy. Leaning in, I claim her mouth in a drugging kiss, and the instant her lips move against mine, everything feels right in my world.
