TWENTY
Fortunately, today is finally kick-off. To help me, I’ve made the to-do list to end all to-do lists.
I’d call it a thing of beauty, but I’m too stressed.
It’s not that I think I’ve actually forgotten anything; it’s just that today means so much to Leif – and me too, now I’ve learned more about what the charity does.
I had no idea how many challenges there were facing the care system – young people being sent long distances away from their families, then being expected to stand on their own two feet the very day they turn eighteen – but Hazel Muir and her staff go above and beyond to help them.
Because of that, I want this to be the best charity football match in the history of charity football matches.
I’m looking towards the gates, wondering whether it’s time to put up the entrance banner I’ve made, when a familiar red-and-white sports car turns into the field.
‘Hey!’ I hurry over to meet Leif. ‘I told you not to bother coming until noon.’
‘I thought you might need an extra pair of hands setting up.’ He hands me a coffee as he gets out, dressed in grey shorts and a white Pangaia T-shirt.
‘That’s sweet, but you should be resting. You have a game to play this afternoon.’
‘I’ve had plenty of rest, trust me.’ He throws a quick look about and then wraps his arms around me, smoothing his hands from my shoulder blades down to the small of my back. ‘You’ve been working so hard on this. I want to help.’
‘Well, the moral support is nice. And I appreciate the coffee.’ I can’t resist pressing myself against him.
‘It’s the least I could do. When I suggested doing something for charity, I never imagined anything like this. I can’t believe you’ve pulled it together so quickly. You’re incredible, Ava.’
‘Thank you.’ I feel a warm glow in my chest, one that has nothing to do with the temperature of my coffee. ‘Just don’t get hurt! If you twist an ankle or break a leg, Vienna will never forgive me.’
‘I won’t.’ His eyes spark. ‘I mean, how risky can it be, playing football with a group of teenagers?’
‘Don’t say that!’ I stiffen in panic. ‘Promise me you won’t get competitive – and stay away from tackles.’
‘Don’t worry. Corey and I are only here to support the kids.’
‘Have you told Corey that?’
‘Good point. I’ll remind him it’s for charity.’
‘We’ll both remind him.’ I glance round at the sound of another engine, just in time to see a shiny blue Maserati drive through the gates.
‘I guess I’m not the only F1 driver who’s come to help out this morning.’ Leif grins.
‘I guess not …’ Instinctively, I start to pull away from him, before changing my mind and curling an arm around his waist instead, as we head over to greet Maisie and Gio. ‘Hey! I thought you guys were flying to Italy this morning?’
‘We decided it could wait a day.’ Maisie springs out of the car. ‘Hi, Leif.’
‘Hi, Maisie, Gio.’ He tightens his hold on my waist.
‘We’re here to help.’ Gio rubs his hands together. ‘Just tell us what to do.’
‘Amazing, thank you! Well, we have a banner to put up, but you could start getting chairs out for me.’ I gesture in the direction of the clubhouse. ‘There are two hundred stacked up inside. They can go in the marquee when it arrives.’
‘Sounds good.’ Maisie nods. ‘But no slacking off to gaze into each other’s eyes. I saw you when we drove in.’
‘Let them gaze,’ Gio objects. ‘It’s romantic.’
She winks at me and then reaches for his hand. ‘ Andiamo, caro .’
‘ Molte grazie! ’ I call after them.
‘OK, no more gazing.’ Leif turns his head, pressing a kiss into my hair. ‘Let’s get to work.’
‘THANKS SO MUCH FOR doing this.’ I give Corey a hug when he arrives just after noon.
‘No worries!’ His face splits into a wide smile. ‘It’s good to have a chance of beating Leif for a change.’
I smile back, although I can’t help thinking there’s an edge to his words. It’s one thing being outperformed by drivers in different cars, but being consistently beaten by your teammate, even when it’s only by seconds, must be tough, even for someone as easy-going as Corey.
‘Well, your team are waiting in the clubhouse,’ I say, gesturing for him to follow. ‘Come on, I’ll introduce you.’
Forty minutes later, when every last item on my list is ticked, I take a deep breath, cross my fingers for luck and text Emika to say it’s time to open the gates.
Then I take up position with Maisie beside the grandstands, ready to help anyone with mobility issues or those who can’t find their seat.
Kick-off is right on time. Leif and Corey shake hands, the spectators cheer, the whistle blows and …
it’s total madness. There are four goals in the first ten minutes, two to each team, and the crowd goes wild every time.
It’s more exciting than I’d expected, not to mention nerve-wracking.
Now that the possibility of an injury has occurred to me, it’s all I can think about.
Leif and Corey are passing the ball to the kids every chance they get, but I have to keep moving, checking on the stalls, on security, on the arrangement of chairs in the marquee, to control my nerves.
‘There you are.’ I hear Dan’s voice during one of my stationary moments. There are only ten minutes left and I’ve finally ventured back to the side of the pitch. ‘You’re a hard person to find.’
‘Hey.’ I wave to him without moving my eyes from the field. ‘I didn’t know you were coming.’
‘Of course I came. I knew you’d do an amazing job.’ He coughs. ‘So you can stop worrying about things going wrong.’
I shoot him a glare. Sometimes it’s annoying how well he knows me.
‘Not until it’s over. I thought race days were stressful, but this is a whole new level.’
‘It serves you right for not telling me who your date was last week.’
‘Like I said in my text the next day, you deserved that.’ I smirk. ‘How long did it take you to figure it out, by the way?’
‘About an hour. I googled him as soon as I got home.’
‘You what?’ I spin towards him. ‘Dan, I appreciate you looking out for me, but –’
‘I should butt out and mind my own business? Yeah.’ He looks embarrassed. ‘That occurred to me too. I guess, after what happened back in school, I got a little over-protective of you. But you’re right. I can’t encourage you to date and then try to micromanage when you do. It’s your life.’
I give him a double look. ‘So you’re saying that maybe I’m not the only control freak in the family?’
‘I guess so.’ He laughs. ‘And about last week … I should have taken the hint and left when you asked me to. It’s just … Hailey’s flight to Australia was that day.’
‘Oh, Dan.’ I press my lips together. ‘You should have said.’
‘No, I shouldn’t. I messed your night up enough. Sorry about that.’
‘Don’t worry about it. Us control freaks need to stick together.’
‘Thanks.’ He jerks his head towards the pitch. ‘You know, your boyfriend isn’t such a bad player.’
‘Shhh,’ I hiss at him. ‘Don’t call him that. It’s a secret.’
‘What is?’
‘That he’s my –’ my tongue trips over the word – ‘what you just called him.’
‘Boyfriend?’
‘Yes! It could make things awkward at work.’
‘I thought he said you two were serious?’
‘We are, but it’s easier this way for now.’ I give him a sharp look. ‘It’s my decision, so don’t tell anyone.’
‘OK, but –’
Fortunately, Hazel Muir chooses this moment to interrupt, her dark-blonde curls scooped up into a gigantic bun on the top of her head. ‘Ava, I can’t thank you enough. This whole event has been wonderful. The kids look like they’re having loads of fun too.’
‘They definitely are,’ Dan agrees. ‘Some of them are pretty talented. What’s the score now?’
‘Fourteen–twelve to the reds.’ Hazel lowers her voice confidentially. ‘Although I have to admit, I’m secretly rooting for the blues. Leif has been so generous with his time and money. He’s such a lovely guy.’
‘He is.’ I smile sentimentally. ‘But I don’t think there’s time left for his team to catch up. It’s almost over.’
‘That’s it!’ Dan confirms as the final whistle blows. ‘Corey’s won.’
‘And nobody got injured.’ I press a hand to my chest and exhale. ‘I can start enjoying myself now.’
‘Good. You deserve to.’ Hazel puts a hand on my shoulder. ‘I guess this means it’s time for the trophy?’
‘The trophy!’ I yelp. ‘It’s still in my car!’
‘On it.’ Dan holds a hand out for my keys. ‘Where are you parked?’
‘Next to the clubhouse.’
‘Give me five minutes.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll stall with a speech.’ Hazel chuckles at my panic-stricken expression. ‘Now, let’s go and congratulate them.’
THE TROPHY-GIVING CEREMONY INVOLVES almost as much running around as the game. Hazel awards the cup to Corey, who celebrates like he’s just won the world championship, handing out bottles of fizzy water to the kids, who charge about, spraying them all over the crowd.
Leif, the gallant loser, is on his way over to me when a local TV crew intercepts him so I move to one side and post a few shots to his Instagram account instead.
The video I posted at half-time already has four-figure likes, which is great for the charity and good publicity for Rask too, but that’s not why we’re here.
By the time I look up again, he’s finished with the TV crew and is crouching down for a picture with his teammates. Opposite him, Corey is doing the same thing, before they all gather together for one big group photo.
I’m so busy watching I don’t notice the person coming towards me until he’s only a metre away, and then I’m so surprised I have to blink a few times to make sure I’m not hallucinating.
‘Mr Ramirez?’
‘Hello again, Ava.’ Jasper smiles at me.
‘Hi.’ I have to shake my head to clear it. ‘Sorry, I just didn’t expect to see you here.’
‘Leif’s manager told me you were organizing a game so I thought I’d come and offer my support.’ He gestures around the pitch. ‘I hear this is all your work.’
‘Not entirely. I mean, the charity helped out too, so it’s really been a team effort, all for a good cause.’
‘It’s certainly that. Speaking of which …’ He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a cheque. ‘This is on behalf of Quezada. I hope it helps with your fundraising.’
I look down and gasp at the amount. Ten thousand pounds. ‘Thank you! I’ll be sure to mention you in the press release.’
‘I appreciate that.’ His smile widens. ‘You know, Ava, I’ve been paying attention to your work for Rask and I think after today I can safely say you’ve already aced the interview.
In fact, you might want to start brushing up on your Spanish.
One of my content managers in our other office in Barcelona is leaving at the end of the season and I’m looking for a replacement.
’ He tips his head towards mine. ‘I’ll be in touch closer to the time to formalize things, but I look forward to working together next year. ’
My mouth is still hanging open as he turns and walks away.
I can’t believe he just offered me a job at Quezada.
Just like that, without any interview! It’s incredible – phenomenal – everything I’ve ever wanted.
I might actually achieve all of life my goals before I turn twenty-two.
At this rate I’m going to have to set some new ones or I’ll peak before I’m thirty.
But looking around the pitch, at Emika and Yuto and Charlotte, my enthusiasm dims slightly. Part of me doesn’t want to leave Rask. I love the people and I love working there. But if Leif is going to Quezada too … Well, maybe Spain could be even better?