Gold Rush

11.30pm

10.30pm

The squad in its entirety were huddled together in the players lounge at Wembley, awaiting word on where and when they could finally rest their tired heads for the night.

Gareth strolled in, as relaxed as always, 'Okay everyone, listen up'.

The surrounding hum of mumbling voices immediately dropped as they awaited his next words.

'To cut a long story short, we can't get back to SGP until the morning. There's been a 6 car pile up on the motorway and there's nothing to be gained from us sitting in traffic on the coach all night when we can all be getting some decent rest before heading back for the last recovery session tomorrow.'

'Sound, gaffer', Phil Foden enthusiastically and embarrassingly held out his palm for a high five, clearly still riding a post match adrenaline high.

Southgate gingerly high-five'd Phil in return before continuing, '...Anyway... we have managed to get us all in a nice hotel nearby and drivers have been arranged. Just get your stuff together and we'll be on our way shortly. Any questions?'

A few 'nah', 'no', and grumbles echoed from different angles and with that, Gareth nodded his head and glanced around the lounge, before leaving them all to it.

11.30pm

It was a good hour later before Sophie had checked in to the hotel across town and made her way up to her room.

She hurriedly went through her usual pre-bed routine, eager to climb under the appealing sheets.
Shower. Brush teeth. Skincare. Hair tied back.
Her trusty travelling joggers and baggy T-shirt would have to suffice as she failed to pack any pyjamas, after all, she wasn't expecting to stay over following the game.

She turned off the main lights, leaving on just the dull yellowish hue of the bedside lamp, which complimented ambiance of the room perfectly. Sophie exhaled out loud, ready to embrace the silence that sleep would bring and allowed herself to fall backwards onto the soft, welcoming bed.

Not even 10 seconds had passed before she heard the familiar chime of her phone from the bedside table.

J - Can I come see ya xx

Without hesitation she tapped out a response.

S - Room 104 xx

She couldn't believe how quickly things between them had changed once again.. they had come full circle and it felt wonderful.

Knock knock

The loudness of the thump on the door made her jump, he must have legged it to be here that quick.

Sophie padded over and looked through the peephole.. there he was. She couldn't name one single person on earth who looked that attractive with a fishbowl lens obscuring their face.

She opened the door and moved aside to allow Jack to come in, unable to hide the cheesy grins that encompassed both of their faces.

'Y'alright? I know it's late... I just don't want to waste anymore time not being with ya'

'I was ready for bed until you messaged.. But I'm so happy that you did', she smiled and noticed his eyes soften. She turned to lock the door and led Jack further into the room, before sitting herself cross legged on the edge of the bed with Jack perching himself next to her.

'You got here quick, did you sprint?' She enquired, actively trying to prolong the inevitable.

Jack reached for her hand, 'Well.. I'm only two doors down ain't I?'. His hands felt warm and solid. They felt like home.