Golden Boy- Pedri

CH 19- Acquaintances

We were kicking the ball to each other.
"So," I said. "How are you enjoying being on this team?" I decided to ask.
"It's going well. As a team, we're getting better, and as an individual player I feel like ive made a lot of progress."
I nodded, "That's good to hear".
"Can I ask something?" He said.
"Yeah?" I said slowly, unsure of what he was going to ask me.
"How come you're working here? Your uncle is one of the top coaches in the world and Id imagine your family would be somewhat well off."
"Well" I let out a small laugh, "Basically, I was slightly out of control. After my mom passed away, I didn't really know how to cope with my emotions, and I was constantly throwing these huge parties and people were trashing our house with drugs and alcohol. So, my dad sent me here to learn discipline and all that."

"Oh..." He said, looking at me with empathy. "I'm sorry".
"Don't be. The party was worth it. And plus being here isn't so bad. The weather-"
"No" he said shaking his head. "I'm sorry about your mom. I had no idea".
Oh.
That.
Even though she passed several years ago, it was hard to talk about it. And I still never knew what to say when people said they were 'sorry' for my loss.

"Thanks," I said stiffly.
I think he could tell talking about it made me uncomfortable because he changed the subject. I was glad.
"I mean at least working here, you get to be with your best friend." He said.
"Yeah", I laughed. "That's one reason I'm so grateful. Carmen's the best."
"She's a cool girl", He agreed. "If only Gavi would stop being so shy whenever she's near and admit he's into her."

What?
I nearly let out a squeal. But I stopped myself and remained calm.
"Wait.... Gavi likes her too?"

"Yeah" he nodded. "He gets so shy and quiet at any mention of her name. He's always staring at her. And the thing is, he has so many girls messaging him, and he doesn't even open their texts. Then about a week ago, we had a guy's night out, and he had at least 10 different girls approach him, but he turned them all down. He got a little bit drunk that night, but he didn't even look at another girl. Instead, he confessed to us that he does like Carmen and threatened to kill us if we told anyone. I know she's your best friend but please don't tell her."

I kept my smile normal, but on the inside, I was dying.
I KNEW IT. I had a feeling he liked her back, and I was right.

"You're right, they need to tell each other, only when they're ready. But I won't tell her what you just said." I told him.
"Promise?" he chuckled, holding out his pinky finger.
"Promise." I laughed, wrapping mine around his.

Even though his finger and the part of his hand which made contact with mine were soft, the touch felt like a zap.
Huh.
That was weird.
A zap feeling.

I was probably just feeling lightheaded from all the running around.
But I could tell Pedri felt a weird sensation too when our fingers curled around each other.

Our training ended and we were walking to the car park.
He walked me to my car, and we said goodbye. We didn't hug, just a small smile.

There was something different about tonight between Pedri and me. Not to mention, it was easier to make conversation with him now.
Maybe we were acquaintances? I mean we could finally be around each other without anything too bad happening.