When it becomes real (Pablo Gavi)

Chapter 29

Mónica's POV

Aurora and I follow each other on Instagram because, of course, we have to. Or people will make up rumours about how we hate each other.

But we haven't interacted other than to like each other's posts or leave a comment on a photo. So this plan scares me a bit but I don't know what else to do.

Mónica: hi. Sorry if this is weird but could we maybe talk? It's about your family.

Aurora: hi! Of course, we can. I'm sorry they are being so rude to you.

Mónica: it's not me I worry about but your brother. Could we meet soon and chat?

Aurora: are you free tomorrow?

Mónica: I'm meeting Pablo at 4. But before that, I'm free. What about you?

Aurora: let's meet for brunch.

First part of the plan sorted. I really hope this goes well.

**

"Mónica?"

I don't recognize the voice that's speaking to me but it can only be one person.

"Hi. Aurora?"

"Yes, that's me. It's really nice meeting you".

She gives me a quick hug and we move to the table she had reserved for us to have something to eat.

"Are you feeling better?"

"How do you know...".

"My brother talks to me about you. A lot", she laughs.

"I'm fine. Thank you for asking".

We order the food and make some small talk until we get our orders.

"So, you wanted to talk?"

I nod. "I want to see if there is a way to fix everything between Pablo and your parents. And he mentioned you wanted to meet me so I felt like maybe you could help me?"

"Does my brother know I'm meeting you today? I didn't tell him just in case".

"He doesn't. I don't want to mention this to him. I know it's hurting him".

"It's hurting you too".

"Easier for me to deal with that type of hurting".

She shakes her head and has a couple of sips of her coffee before talking again.

"They are stupid. Both my brother and my parents. If they sat down to talk like we are doing, things will be solved in two minutes. But they are so stubborn".

"Your mum told me it wasn't me that they didn't like but you can be honest. I can take knowing they don't think I'm good enough for their son".

"It isn't you, Mónica. I think they would mistrust any girl that got closer to him right now".

I nod. I can understand the need to protect him.

"But the whole contract thing...they didn't like that. They argued a lot with Saúl and seeing that you two actually got together, like for real, it didn't help. How did your parents take this?"

I feel like I haven't really thought about that much. They were mostly so understanding.

"Well, it obviously hurt them to find out they had been lied to. But they were so used to thinking Pablo really was my boyfriend that the transition from fake to real was very easy".

"That's an issue too".

"How?"

"Pablo won't stop comparing our parents. Whenever my parents refused to meet you or go to any of the events Saúl had arranged, he would go on about how perfect your parents were. How much they accepted him. I mean, he even got to stay at their house for a few nights. It doesn't make my parents feel better to see he seems to prefer spending time with yours".

Why isn't he talking to me about any of this?

"I'll tell my parents about today. Try to get them to give you a chance. You tell Pablo, ok? We don't need more lies. It's what got us into this problem in the first place".

"Ok, let's try that. I mean...it can't get worse, right?"

"Let's not jinx it by saying that".

I then hear my name again, but it's no one from the restaurant that mentions it. It's mentioned on tv. Both Aurora and I turn to look at the tv. It's a gossip programme and they'll talk about me after the break.

"Great. Let's see what they have to say today".

"You mostly get good press".

"Yeah. I'm just worried about the day it changes".

"Welcome back. We are now going to talk about one of the names of the moment. Mónica López. Who here has been listening to her EP on repeat?"

Most of the crowd cheers at that.

"And we all know who was the inspiration for some of the songs".

I shake my head at that. If only they knew...

"The same boy who dedicates goals to her, maybe?"

They then show photos of Pablo's celebrations from last night and I can't help but smile. Aurora notices and chuckles.

"Well, before the match, the singer did a live on Instagram that has gotten a lot of people talking".

"Did she mess up? Lives are tricky", says another one of the people on the show.

"No, she's made people fall even more in love with her. Let's take a look at it".

The clip they show is about me talking about Pablo being the first boy I kissed and how that's been shared by a lot of girls on social media. Alongside the clip where I'm saying people should do what they want without being judged.

"First kiss and it's one of the most famous young footballers in the world? Lucky her", says one of the few men on the programme.

"Oh, Victor. Stop being such a bitter old man. They are adorable together and she seems to be a good role model for kids. Unlike some other celebs...".

Everyone, the crowd included, chuckles.

"Exactly. I don't mind it when my little daughters ask me to show them her songs or her posts on social media. She's probably too good for a footballer. He better not break her heart".

"Well, she can write a song about it if he does".

"Should we send that to my parents?", jokes Aurora.

I laugh, shaking my head. If I knew it'd help, I would have sent it already.