Flirting with success

Chapter 17

Understandably after i said goodbye to Jill and went to find my teammates they were confused as to why I was smiling so much when I got back. I didn't want to go into detail about the discussion because I know they wouldn't have understood why Jill acted the way she did because they don't know her like I do. For this reason I simply told them it was just a big misunderstanding and that we are now official. They seemed sceptical but glossed over the issue.

The next day brought about the big game against Chelsea. I was still a little shook about what happened yesterday. The day was so peculiar I was still trying to get my head around it. I struggled to get into the game day spirit. The management presumed it was game-day nerves bearing in mind this is the first time I've played in such a big match. Yes I've played Chelsea before but always in a damage limitation mindset this is something I struggled to shake off.

The game plan was for me to play the first 60 then make way for Ellen. My face must have been telling a story during the game as when i was hovering in midfield, Chelsea centre back Magda Eriksson who was closely marking me stopped to give me some advice. "Cheer up it might never happen" she said. This was a rare occasion. There's not many opposition players that would be so nice. It was such a refreshing experience compared to the treatment I've had from centre backs in the past. City were trailing by 1 goal at the break. Sam Kerr was in the form of her life and rifled a half volley into the roof of the net from a loose clearance.

I got pulled at the half, turns out Magda wasn't the only one who noticed I was that I was in a totally different world. Ellen went on and instantly made an impact. I felt terrible. The number one rule of being a professional is not to let your personal life effect your performance. Maybe I'm not cut out for playing at this level. Unfortunately with the lead Chelsea were able to slow the game down and prevent us making any clear cut chances. They left with all three points.

I was heartbroken. I felt like giving up. I told Nick that I think I should take some time off and figure out what was going wrong. He permitted me the time off agreeing that it's for the best. That evening i set off to London to talk to Jill.

I arrived so late I figured Jill would probably be asleep. I rang the doorbell and thankfully she answered,

"What on earth are you doing here" she said wrapping her arms around me.

"I  couldn't handle how we left things, I know we resolved it. But I just want to spend some happy time with you. Is that okay?"

"Of course it is, you've made my day"

Jill invited me in, Viv and Lisa had gone to bed so it was just us. We talked through things a little more. I felt better knowing that she does trust me and she regrets how she acted. We decided to just put it behind us and spend this two weeks I've got off together making the best memories.

Jill still had to train so we worked around her schedule but I stayed with her in London. We did so much crazy stuff. Christmas time was coming up so she took me to winter wonderland. It was so magical and romantic. Once we got home we were so cold all we wanted to do is snuggle. I felt bad for Lisa and Viv because we kind of just took over their whole house. They kept finding us in compromising positions, but that didn't stop us.

Time flew by and my last day in London soon crept up on me. Jill had something special planned but wouldn't tell me what. That morning I woke up in her arms. This is something I've come to get used to and will certainly miss when I have to leave. She wiggled her way out of the bed but I was too comfy to get up just yet. I must have fallen back asleep before Jill came back into the room with a tray full of pancakes.

"Surely you didn't make these, you can't cook" I teased her

"I might have had help from Lisa" she admitted

"Aww well it's the thought that counts" i said kissing her on the forehead as she crept back into bed.

This wasn't the only surprise. Once we had gotten up and had a little fun in the shower Jill handed me a loaf of sliced bread whilst I was drying my hair. "We never fed the ducks that day, i thought we could find some today" this was so sweet. I'm really starting to fall for this girl.

We went for a walk and soon enough found some in the park. She was such a scaredy-cat, completely terrified of the ducks she so desperately wanted to feed. It was so cute. To my surprise she admitted she never actually wanted to go anywhere near them originally and was just trying to find an excuse to go back to mine.

"And now, why now?" I said laughing at her

"I have an alternative motive now too" she said which made my heart flutter a little "I wanted to ask you properly as it didn't go so well last time. And I thought this would romantic and i slightly underestimated how terrifying but will you be my girlfriend"

"Of course I will, I already am, I love you"

Oops what have I just said!