I got to Camp Nou 15 minutes earlier. Every time I showed up before Pedri was done, I wouldn't walk in. I'll just wait in the parking lot. And that's what I did now too. I got out the car and lit up a cigarette, inhaling the smoke. Luca called me a dumbass for not stepping foot inside the training centre, but all I kept on saying is that I'm not ready.
And that's the truth. I'm not.
I was resting my back on the outside of my car, patiently waiting. Pedri came out the building, walking straight to his car, not looking around once.
'Ay dios mio! Una foto por favor!' I said loudly, laughing, grabbing his attention. He looked up from his phone with a big smile on his face, jogging towards me. 'Gran admiradora.' I smiled, exchanging a cheek kiss.
'You didn't tell me you were coming.' Pedri smiled.
'Wanted to surprise you.' I shrugged my shoulders.
'Where's Luca?' he asked, looking around, probably waiting for him to pop out of nowhere and scare him.
'Paris.' I let out a sigh.
'How did you manage to do that?' he chuckled, making me hit him playfully.
'Galtier called. He was needed at work.' I rolled my eyes.
Gavi sprinted out the centre and towards us. 'Irina!'
I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him.
In those two weeks, Gavi really started to grow on me. He was funny and sweet and shy, however when he was on the pitch, he was an absolute beast. I loved that about him. Plus, he had these really pleading dark eyes which made him look like a harmless little puppy, making you wanna protect him for the rest of his life.
'How you doing?' I smiled as he put his hands on his knees, trying to get his breathing back to normal.
'I couldn't help but notice you and I was wondering if you're doing anything later on.' he said, making Pedri glance at him. 'Because some of us are going to Pedri's and maybe you're up for it too.' he beams. 'And you have nothing to worry about because Ferran's girl and Ela are going to be there. And Ela really misses you.'
Gabriela, or Ela as we all call her, is Gavi's bestfriend. Pedri let me in on a little secret that Gavi's been in love with Ela since they were little kids and viceversa, but none of them ever acted on it. I met her not long ago and she's so lovely. Such a sweet and warm girl and we bonded straight away. And truth is, I was glad I finally had a girlfriend. I was getting tired of all these alpha males around me.
'Sure, if Pedri doesn't mind me joining.' I smiled glancing at him.
'I was actually texting you to ask you.' he showed me his phone, the message typed into the little box but never got to press send because I called him over.
'Perfect! Should we get going?' Gavi said excitedly.
We all chuckled, the boys going to Pedri's car, while I climbed into mine.
I've never been to Pedri's house before and I was a bit nervous.
***
Pedri opens the door, letting me and Gavi in. We were the first people to arrive. As I walked in, I couldn't help but appreciate the interior of his home. It's not too grand and not too flashy, the predominant colour being white and grey.
'Wow.' I said looking around. 'You have a beautiful home. And it's so welcoming and cosy and warm.' I smiled.
'Thank you.' Pedri smiled.
