Gold Rush

Champagne and Cigars

Sophie gripped Jack's hand as they swiftly walked past the sea of camera flashes and into The Ivy, they were following behind Kevin and Michele De Bruyne, who were also eager to get inside.

"Fuckin' hell", he muttered, in acknowledgement of the intrusive bright lights.

He ran a reassuring thumb over her knuckles and she was inundated with the memories flooding her mind, back to the last time they were here together, the vision of Jack's necklaces thrashing against her face when he fucked her on the chaise lounge. That one... that one in particular, pleasantly lingered in her mind for a few seconds before she was brought back down to earth by what she thought was an over excited diner.

It was in fact, an over excited Emmanuel. Again. He'd waited on them the last time they'd visited and seemed to have lit up a playful bond with Jack. It was hard not to.

"Well... if it isn't Mr Grealish himself!"

"Manny!!! Bro!"

They tangled together in a haze of back slaps and happy exchanges. Emmanuel congratulated Jack and Kevin on City winning the league and led them upstairs to the rooftop terrace for private dining, where the rest of the team, Pep and the back room staff had booked for the night. An intimate meal and drinks to celebrate their success together.

•

The night passed them by quickly and before she knew it, her blood was made up of 80% alcohol. She sat comfortably in a booth and observed the small space across from her where people were dancing and mingling.

The almost identical image of Harry spinning Kate around, dancing, took her mind back to that team gathering at Pep's restaurant at the start of the season. She was in a complete different mindset now and almost a different person?

"Amazing how much life can change in 9 months, isn't it?"

Stones.
Reading her mind as always. He joined her in the booth and wrapped one long arm around her shoulders, pulling her in for a giant cuddle.

"Thanks for everything John, you've been a godsend you know".

She was genuinely thankful for him, for the entire team, for the club. She was saved from a situation she didn't really realise she needed saving from, until she got a glimpse of how life was meant to be lived.

His cheeks lit up bashfully, "ahh I don't know about that.. it's just what any good friend would have done".

"Well.." Sophie sat up and raised her glass of champagne towards John, "here's to good friends".

"I'll toast to that, Soph"

He mirrored her movements and they quietly watched Jack making his way over to the outdoor terrace with his arm slung around Pep. When it came down to it, they were both very alike. Not that either of them would admit it.. but they were, especially when Pep was relaxed, happy and fuelled with wine, around the people that he loves.

•

The gaffer was properly tanked up, and why shouldn't he be, the team he's worked so hard with this season just repaid him gloriously by retaining the premier league trophy in the last few minutes of the game. He had every right to enjoy this time before the hard work began again for next years campaign.

"Jack. Come with, come with", he put his arm around his waist and followed Pep outside onto the balcony, he offered him a chunky cigar.
He usually wasn't one to have cigars, but it wasn't every day you win the premier league, was it?

"Is allowed.. next few days only", Pep grinned reassuringly at him.

Jack lit up and leaned on the balcony next to Pep, taking in the dark glittering night before him as he inhaled and exhaled.

It was strange, silently standing next to Pep like this. As friends would. An individual that usually has such an influence on him, in that moment, was just a man. He's human. A human trying to do his job to the best of his ability, just like him.

"Err.. boss.. listen, I just wanna thank ya... for the chances you have given me this year. Next season, I'll be better. I'm settled now, I'm happy. It was a big thing yanno? Moving to a new city.. away from my family, my friends, the club that I had grown up in.. I'd be lying if I sez it wasn't hard goin..."

He couldn't stop the words once they started flowing, he let his feelings linger in the air for a few seconds before Pep responded to him.

Pep turned around to face the room in which his players and team were confined to, and he smiled. He leaned his back onto the terrace balcony, still beside Jack, and took a long drag of his cigar.

"Jack.", a pillow of smoke escaped his mouth. "I am proud of the impact you make. The games you play. You do everything I ask. It's not just about goals and assists, they come with time. The pitch is better with you on it. Confidence is a big thing for you, you believe you can and it's half the battle yes?.. I wanted you here. You are happier these last months. I've seen it myself. And of course, I know why."

Jack was floored by the words of praise coming from Pep. It warmed his heart and confirmed to him that the massive decision he made last year.. it was the right one.

Not all decisions are easy, or make sense. But it doesn't mean they are wrong.

He copied Pep's stance and they both watched in silence as his Sophie walked out to greet them.

"This one", Pep nodded.
"Dr Rhodes. She is good for you. Don't waste it, it is rare. Especially in this world."

Pep got his words out just before she made it over to them. As she approached he stepped forward and placed his hands on her shoulders, traditionally kissing her on both cheeks as she congratulated him for what seemed like the millionth time.

"It is your hard work too, Doctor! Keeping my players fit. Is not an easy job!"

•

They watched on as Pep returned inside, into the warm welcome of his team and colleagues, friends.

"Thank fock f'that, I can get rid of this now", Jack loudly proclaimed as he stumped out the lit cigar.

"Jack!!", Sophie couldn't help but laugh at him. "You horror. Why did you take it from him if you didn't want it?"

"Nah, listen I ain't gonna turn down a cigar from the boss, am I!!"

They both laughed and turned around to face the night sky once more.

"I woz thinking before.. when I was stood with Pep... that night we were last here... lookin' at the same sky"

"I know. We've come full circle.. it's beautiful isn't it?"

"You, you're the one that's made it beautiful Soph"

How did she get so lucky?
To have this handsome, kind and genuine man crash-land legs first into her life.
She'd never known anything like it. Like him.

She craned her neck and tilted her head up for a kiss, but he pulled away.

"Can't havin ya kiss me, I'll taste of cigs"

"And?", she tugged at his shirt, bringing him closer.

"Alright", he shrugged, before taking her face in his hands and allowing them to get lost together in a deep, soul igniting kiss.

Her hands rested at the tail of his spine, just where his bum began to curve outwards.. and Sophie decided in that very moment, that Champagne and Cigars might just be her new favourite taste.