Chapter 10
Lily
It’s halfway through the game, and I decide to explore the shops and look for some souvenirs to kill some time while I wait for the next period.
European football is very different from American football, yet I find myself enjoying it a lot.
The game is easy to follow, with few complicated rules. Each team has eleven players out on the field, and they’re trying to put the ball in the net, simple as that.
There are some rules about offside and corners, which I’m still getting the hang of, thanks to the wonderful couple I sit beside, who explained everything whenever I asked.
I head to Sebastian’s team’s merchandise shop.
I want to buy his jersey and surprise him when we meet up later. The price tag makes me gawk, but I decide that this is the least I can do when Sebastian is basically paying for my whole stay.
Hopefully, he will appreciate it.
I bring the jersey over to the counter to pay, and the guy behind the stand gives me a nod of approval.
“Good choice, choosing Bennet,” he says.
“Yeah, is he any good?” I ask, wanting to hear from someone who probably knows a lot more about this team and sport than I do.
“One of the best.”
Hearing others praising him for his game makes me proud.
Sebastian plays midfield, which I’ve learned from the excellent football expert couple, and watching him run and handle the ball is majestic.
The skill, precision, and speed with which he moves are impressive. The coordination between the players and the passes works like a smooth machine, with Sebastian in the centre of it all.
I pay for the jersey and find a restroom to change into it before making my way back to my seat in time for the second period.
I’m delighted to see the couple from earlier back in their seats as well. It’s nice having someone to talk to.
“Got yourself a jersey?” Craig asks me, gesturing to my new attire.
“Yes, wanted to buy myself a souvenir,” I say, not quite knowing how much to reveal about my relation to the player’s jersey I’m rocking.
To me, Sebastian has always just been Sebastian.
Not a celebrity.
Not a famous footballer.
All of that came after I got to know him.
The same goes for my brother. The famous Formula 1 driver chasing his first championship title.
All the fame and the celebrity status came later.
Even though I’m not the one in the public eye, I’ve seen how challenging it can be.
Some people change when they learn of their fame.
Which is why I keep it to myself that I know Sebastian.
Craig and Monique seem like great people, but they don’t really need to know about my relationship with Sebastian.
“Bennet is great. You chose a good one!” Monique says, and we talk some more about the upcoming games.
They tell me they have a yearly membership, and both are huge football fans. Therefore, they attend most of the home games.
Sebastian’s team scores one more goal before the final whistle is called. I say goodbye to Craig and Monique before heading to my new office.
Sebastian told me to go ahead and take a taxi home after the game since he’ll be stuck with the media, a team recap, and a shower.
I told him I wanted to wait; this is my project after all.
I’m also excited to see his reaction to my new jersey.
I’m writing up a few ideas for my next interviews with Sebastian when he texts me that he’s all ready to go and to meet him at the players’ exit.
He’s made sure I have an access card that allows me to enter most of the stadium.
I make my way through the halls and run into Dean and Ian. As soon as I’m close enough, I give them both a hug, congratulating them on their game.
“You did so well! It was amazing watching you guys.”
“Thanks, darling,” Dean drawls, looking at my jersey with a playful smile.
“Sebastian got you that?” Ian asks, and now that would be amazing.
“No, I got it from your shop. Wanted to surprise him,” I tell them, and they nod their approval.
I wonder if they have any friends or family watching their games.
Being a professional athlete is quite a different life from the one most people live.
It’s their dream come true, but it seems rather lonely at times as well, living in this football bubble whilst everyone else is off doing something different in their home countries.
“We’ll see you around, Lily.”
“Yes! Have a good night.”
I continue down the halls and when I get to the exit, I spot Sebastian right away.
I’m bouncing over to him and throwing my arms around his neck before I can stop myself.
I’m a hugger, and he’ll have to get used to that.
“You were amazing, Sebastian! I’m officially a football fan,” I say, before stepping back.
Sebastian always looks good, but now? He’s remarkable.
His hair is still wet from the shower, and he’s wearing all black from head to toe.
The worst of all?
A freaking backward hat.
This man and his backward hats will be the death of me.
It should be illegal to look this good.
“Thanks, Lily. I’m glad you had fun.”
I peel off my jacket before turning around and pointing my thumbs to his name on my back.
“What do you think?” I ask, feeling giddy from excitement.
The look on Sebastian’s face, on the other hand, stops me in my tracks.
Shit.
He looks shocked.
He’s staring at me, taking in the jersey, and making me feel more uncertain for each second ticking by without him saying anything.
Is this too much?
“Shit, I’m sorry. This might be a little too much. I’m—”