Golden Boy- Pedri

CH 4- No broken hearts

As we watch the players train, I can't help but realize how much talent these new players are bringing. And with the way they mesh so well with the other players, I can tell we have a really strong team. Gavi, Jules, and Alejandro were smashing it.

But the only other person who was doing really well was him.

As much as I try to avoid my gaze on him, it's hard to when he has the ball nearly the whole time.

At times during the training session, the players jog over to me and Carmen and we hand out their water bottles and sweat towels whenever they need it.

It's towards the middle of training when Gavi runs over to us.

"Hey girls," he says.
"Hey Gavi", I say.
Carmen quietly says "hi'.

That's weird.... she's a tiny bit shy, but with every other player that we've spoken to and met today, she's been fine.... But now that Gavi's here.....

Gavi takes a second to drink some water and catch his breath. When he's done, he smiles at Carmen and says "thanks", passing the bottle back.
Carmen drops his bottle.
"Oh my god, I'm so-s-sorry", she stutters nervously.
He picks it up and hands it back.
"Hey, it's all good, don't worry about it". He smiles at her warmly.
Once he runs off, it hits me.

Carmen likes Gavi.

"So, what was that", I smile and raise my eyebrows.
Her cheeks turn pink. "Nothing," she says shyly. "So anyways-" She tries to change the subject.
"Oh, come on", I say interrupting her, "That was not nothing. You've been fine with talking to everyone today, but with Gavi, you were as quiet as a mouse and so nervous."

She takes a deep breath and turns her body to fully face me. "Ok here's the thing. I think I like him. Just a little bit."

"Oh my god!" I exclaim! My hand covers my mouth. "That is so cute! You are stunning. He would be lucky to have you".
"Thanks" she smiles, "that's sweet of you, but..."
"But what?" I say.
"I had an ex two a while ago. He also plays for La Liga but in a different team". She started.

Carmen explained that her ex made her feel bad that she lived with her grandparents. Her parents both suffered severely from substance abuse and living with her grandma and grandpa was the safest thing for her. He got weird after finding out she lived in a simple three-bedroom home and had to work to get her own money, while he was earning 5 figures a week and riding on private jets.
He ended up cheating on her.

"So that's why I'm scared of falling for anyone. Any guy really. I thought my ex was this great guy, but he was a piece of shit and I can't risk getting hurt again." She continued.

I was proud of her for opening up. I told her that even though it had only been a few hours of knowing her, she was incredible. I had a gut feeling this girl was my platonic soulmate. (Spoiler alert: best friends for life).

I explained to Carmen that she can't let one bad experience hold her back. I convinced her that not every guy would be like that. That she got unlucky once and couldn't let that stop her. I put on a brave face, but I think I was trying to convince myself too. Because of my past experience a while ago.........

Once training ended, Carmen and I cleared out all the equipment from the field and made sure everything was prepared for tomorrow. After exchanging our numbers and socials, we gave each other a hug goodbye.

That night, on the drive home, Uncle Xavi asked me in the car "What was up with you and Pedri?"
"Nothing", I quickly replied. I don't even like thinking about him. He makes my blood boil. He's nothing but rude.
"Are you sure?" He said.
"Positive, my dear sweet uncle", I said sarcastically laughing.
But I meant it. There was nothing 'up' with us. There never will be.
"Okay", my uncle said. "Don't go falling in love with any of these boys, especially him. I won't let your heart be broken. My niece comes first always", he smiled at me.
My uncle was the best.
"I promise I won't". I assured him.
He breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, 'cause we've already done our transfers for the year and we've locked in these players. You'll all be working closely, and I don't want any troubles".