They jump up at the sight of us and rush in to hug us both, Lydia squeezing me as though we’re long-lost friends. ‘It’s so good to see you,’ she whispers in my ear.
‘They’re big fans,’ Luc grins. ‘Sorry.’
‘Hello, Sienna,’ his mum says, swapping places with Lydia so that she can get in on the action, wrapping me in her arms and pressing a kiss into my scalp. ‘Thank you for coming.’
‘I’m right here!’ Luc cries, ignored by his own family.
‘Oh, shut up, Luc. We see you all the time,’ Lydia grins.
Luc’s family screams every time the team wearing blue gets the ball, especially when it hits the back of the net. It only happens once, but I’ve never heard people scream so loudly. I don’t allow myself to scream – it would very much be against the advice of my doctors.
Being in the collective while they scream, instead of being the person the collective is screaming at is so satisfying.
The game is eventful, even for someone like me who doesn’t really understand the rules of football, who can’t spot a goal was offside until the score doesn’t increase on the screen. By the end of the game, both teams scored twice.
‘That was fun!’ I say, gathering my stuff.
‘It’s not over,’ Luc laughs. ‘Extra time now.’
Luc’s dad, who is yet to speak, laughs at the end of the row.
When I look up, my face is on the big screen opposite, met with cheers. I smile at wherever the camera might be and raise my capless bottle of water.
As soon as the cameras are off, I turn to Luc. ‘Can you really not drink beer here?’
‘You can in there.’ Luc gestures towards the stairs.
‘But I’m sure I’ve seen people drinking beer physicallyonthe pitch?’
‘I think it’s more a football thing than a Wembley thing,’ Luc shrugs.
I take a gulp of my water and readjust my hat.
‘So, any nice plans?’ Leia asks.
Lydia grins. ‘Oh, that’s a great question. I want to know everything.’
‘We don’t have much planned, I don’t think,’ Luc replies. ‘We’ll just see what comes up.’
‘We’ll probably go to the PAAs in New York,’ I smile. ‘Well, I’m definitely going and would love for Luc to come with me.’ I look at him and he nods slightly. ‘And later next month, there’s a launch party for a second single from the album.’ I cringe, pulling my lips into my mouth. ‘Sorry, my life is a bit… wild.’
‘And then it’s the tour,’ Luc pipes in.
I look at him and his eyes search mine. We both know what he means by that. We both know it’s nearly the end. That my image will officially be overhauled enough. That it might not matter anyway if my vocal cords are irrevocably damaged.
‘Do you have a plan for the tour?’ Lydia asks. ‘I mean, it’s quite long, right?’
Luc’s eyes widen, his pupils taking over his irises.
‘I’m just wondering whether you’ve figured out a plan for the long distance, or whether there will be points Luc will join you?’ Lydia asks.
I turn to him and narrow my eyes, my heart in my throat.
‘We haven’t figured it out yet,’ Luc replies quickly. ‘I imagine we’ll play it by ear and when I can go to join Sie, I will.’ He puts his hand over mine, a subtle squeezing telling meI will explain everything later. ‘Do you want another drink?’ he asks.
I nod silently, mouth agape. He disappears into the stadium.
‘So, how have things been with you both this time, Sienna?’ his mum asks.
