international break
POWER OVER ME BY DERMOT KENNEDY
Luke’s physio office smells like eucalyptus and muscle rub. I’m flat on my back on the padded table, staring at the overhead lights while Luke leans over me, one hand braced on my shin, the other holding my bent leg outward. The stretch pulls at muscles still humming from training.
“Tell me when it’s too much, mate,” Luke says, giving my knee a controlled push.
“I’m fine,” I grunt.
And I am, I think. Physically, anyway.
I’m grateful that Matt is following Carlos around right now, so I can lie here in peace while my leg is tugged and pulled in different directions. I don’t need cameras and questions right now.
I exhale hard and stare at the ceiling, trying to focus. It doesn’t work. My thoughts drift right toward her.
Addison.
I haven’t seen her properly in weeks. She’s still at every match, every press briefing, but it’s like she’s moving at hyperspeed now. She’s a blur, avoiding him in every way possible. And I can’t blame her for it, but I find myself missing her.
That prick has been here for over two weeks now.
Ever since he got here, ever since he slithered back into her life with an all-access pass and a fake grin, she’s been different.
She’s quieter. Stiffer. It’s like she’s holding in her breath.
I watch her fold into herself every time he walks into a room.
She’s trying so hard to be professional. She’s killing herself to make it look easy, and I know it’s not. She probably hasn’t even properly slept since he got here.
I stare at the ceiling, willing myself to sound as casual as possible. “So, uh, Addison… she seems to be handling this alright.”
“Sure,” he says, releasing my calf. “She’s doing what she always does. Smiling and pretending it’s fine.” He steps back, leaning against the counter as he wipes his hands on a towel.
“Yeah,” I say, still looking at the ceiling. “You got big plans for the break, mate?”
“Heading down to see Pippa’s family,” he says. “Bit of peace and quiet. You?”
I sit up, rubbing the back of my neck. “I think I might go home to my mum’s for a few days.”
Luke nods approvingly. “Good. She’ll like that.”
I hesitate, staring at the floor. “What, uh… what about Addison?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but it falls flat. “She sticking around town?”
“Why?” he asks, flashing an infuriating grin.
“Just answer the question,” I groan. God, don’t make me spell it out.
He chuckles, clearly enjoying this. “She’s staying here. She said she’s going to barricade herself in her flat, eat nothing but takeaway, and watch telly.”
My stomach twists. “That’s not a break. That’s hiding.”
“That’s what I said,” Luke agrees, tossing the towel on the counter. “But he’s everywhere, you know? It’s driving her mad.”
“It’s not fair,” I say, elbows braced on my knees. “She didn’t ask for this. She shouldn’t have to hide.”
“No, she shouldn’t,” Luke replies. “But she’s handling it the only way she knows how.”
“Yeah,” I mutter.
Luke shrugs. “It’s a shame. I think she could really use the break—to get away. Get somewhere that isn’t surrounded by him.” He stares at me for a moment, and I realize exactly what he’s trying to tell me. He’s led me to the water and is daring me to take a drink.
“Thanks, mate,” I say, hopping off the table.
Next thing I know, I’m standing in front of her office door, knuckles tapping at the wood frame before I even realize what I’m doing.
She flinches when she hears the knock, like she’s bracing herself for whatever fresh hell Matt might have in store for her today. But then she looks up, sees me, and her face softens into a smile.
“Hey,” she says, voice lighter. “What’s up?”
I step in and shut the door behind me. “You got a minute?”
She gestures toward the chair across from her desk. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine,” I say, sitting down. “Just wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay…”
“So… the international break,” I say, my throat suddenly dry. “What are you up to?”
Her mouth curves. “Hiding.”
I laugh, but then I scratch the back of my neck.
“I, uh… I’m going home for the weekend,” I tell her. “To my mum’s. It’s quiet there. No, uh… no journalists. No cameras.”
Her eyes narrow, curious. “Okay?”
God, I’m doing this all wrong. Fucking idiot.
“Well, I was… I was thinking,” I say slowly, trying not to stutter over the words. “Maybe you’d want to come with me?”
She blinks. “To your hometown?”
“Yes.”
“To your mother’s house?”
“Yes.” I nod, my heart pounding like I’ve just run off the pitch. “It’s just a few days’ break. Sitting alone in your flat is no way to relax. You shouldn’t be a prisoner. Get out somewhere. Clear your head. Breathe.”
Her mouth opens, then shuts again.
“No Matt?” she finally asks.
I shake my head. “Absolutely not.”
She bites her bottom lip, then smiles. “Okay. Yeah.”