Chapter 34
Lily
I’ve just finished a talk with Fredrick when Sebastian comes into the office I’ve been able to use at the arena.
Since I moved to London, we’ve kept up our talks about sports psychology, and during a game night at our apartment, the other boys asked me if it would be okay for them to talk with me about some stuff too.
I was a little stunned, as I’m nowhere near being a sports psychologist yet, which requires several more years and a master’s degree under my belt, which I made clear to the guys.
Nevertheless, they’ve seen how it’s been good for Sebastian, and they wanted to try for themselves.
For me, it’s been a mix of fright and excitement as I’ve talked with them. It’s been similar to my interviews with Sebastian, which I used for my final paper in college.
A paper that was rewarded with an A.
Talking with the guys on his team has given me lots of practical experience in the field, which ultimately was what I wanted after finishing my studies.
I never imagined I would be able to have that here in London, but everything worked out perfectly.
The team has even loaned me an office for my meetings, overlooking the field.
Sebastian comes over to me, and I link my arms around his neck, pressing my lips to his.
“I’ve missed you,” I murmur. It’s just been a couple of hours since I last saw him, but I’m finding myself thinking about him most of my day.
I’ve been eager to get back home, knowing I have a surprise waiting for him.
His whole family is back in the apartment, ready to watch the game tonight, which will determine if they make it to the Champions League final.
They were here just a week ago, so Sebastian has no idea that they’re back to support him.
“I’ve missed you, too. Jealous that Fredrick got to spend more time with you than me today.”
I roll my eyes at him.
He’s got nothing to be jealous about.
He’s the only man for me, and the one I spend most of my time with.
We make our way out of the stadium and over to his car.
Going home together may be my favourite time of day.
After the Ashley incident, she thankfully didn’t make an appearance again. Sebastian has been talking about buying a new place, but I’m kind of loving our home right where it is.
That apartment holds so many memories.
It’s filled with us and so many of our first.
And as we make our way up, the excitement builds inside me as we near the surprise awaiting us on the other side of the door.
Sebastian, being the gentleman he is, gestures for me to go inside first, but I’m quick to step aside so his family will be right in front of him.
“Surprise!”
The utter shock on his face when he realises they’re here is everything.
Family is important to him, and I know he’s had times here in London when he’s been lonely.
Therefore, this feels like a small gift to a man who deserves everything and more.
We exchange hugs, his mom and I giggling as we talk about actually being able to surprise him for once.
He’s usually the one with all the tricks up his sleeve, so it’s good to be able to give him something back.
When his family goes to sit down at the dinner table, Sebastian holds me back, dragging me into his arms before kissing me breathless.
“Thank you, baby.”
A day, a week, a month, or a year with this man, and I know he’ll always get my heart racing as in this moment.
～
The final whistle blows, and I swing my arms around Sebastian’s mom, who’s crying just like me.
He did it.
They did it.
They are going to be playing the Champions League final.
The pride swells in my chest as I take in the atmosphere of the arena.
Fans are cheering loudly, hugging those around them, and celebrating as if they were the ones out on the field scoring the goals.
I may have been in these stands for the last seven months, but the fans around me have probably been here for years, cheering on their team and the dream of making it this far.
A monumental moment in this club’s history, which they will remember for a long time.
I’m sure pictures from this game will be hung around the stadium like the other important moments that grace the walls.
When Sebastian comes running over, he talks with the security guard by the fence and gestures to me.
Then he signals for me to come down, and they help me over the barricades.
“Congratulations, baby! You did it!” I throw my arms around his neck, and he wraps his arms around the small of my back.
The back which is sporting his name, of course.
Ever since that first game, I’ve worn his jersey.
“I almost can’t believe it,” he says, dazed.
I certainly can.
His team has been on fire this season.
I’m far from a football expert, but even I can say that his team has been marvellous.
Hungry.
Passionate.
Driven.
And now, they’ll be ready to take on the biggest stage of all.
At least for club football.
I kiss him, hard and quick, as photographers are lurking around, eager to get the best shots to print for their papers tomorrow.
They eventually found out my identity, and even though the online comments weren’t all positive, it’s calmed down.
I guess that’s expected when you date a famous football player.
I would do it all over again for the man in front of me.