Shoot your shot

James

**10 months later**

" Good training session lads! Please rest, eat sensibly, avoid too much drink and go your exercises that I've sent. We've had a great season and I don't want it to be wasted because of one blow out Summer". We all nod as our head coach gives us our final instructions before having a whole month off.

We moved up the table again and came a comfortable 8th place. The teams improving and we're getting noticed. It's been a whirlwind year and I couldn't be any more grateful.

I drive my new Range Rover Sport back home and again it feels like a ' pinch me moment' when I pull up to my house located in the Sussex country side, a half hour drive from the coast of Brighton.

My footsteps echo as I enter the grand hallway and the lack of lights and noise is a stark reminder of just how lonely I am. A big old house and nothing to fill it. I've contemplated getting a dog or two but I'm still undecided on a breed.

I've had girls over but nothing ever goes further than one or two nights. They are needy and fame hungry. I'm not sure whether they like me for me or like me for the lifestyle. It's moments like this when I reflect back on last year.

Emma Baker- the one who got away.

After the night I made the worst mistake of my life I haven't heard a peep from her. She blocked me. Ignored my flowers, chocolates and posted letters until eventually she moved away and I had no idea where she was.

My mind drifts back to Emma all the time. If I think hard enough I can still smell her scent. Hear her laugh. It hurts so bad and I can't believe that 10 months later I would still give everything I owned to have her back.

I order some sushi and crack open a beer. Most of the lads are with family and jetting off for the 4 weeks. My 4 weeks are going to be for catching up with family and friends and I can't wait.

My phone flashes with a text and I open the message from an unsaved number " Hi handsome. It's Bex- from the bar a few nights back. Sorry I didn't message sooner but works been busy. I'm working uptown all this week but wondered if you fancied dinner at the Ned this week? My treat".

I take another swig of beer and let my mind drift back to 'Bex'. She was attractive and actually surprisingly easy to talk to. I remember her saying she is studying to do law and comes from a family with generational wealth so I know she doesn't need me for my money. I glance up at the large living room and decide I can't wallow forever and run away from commitment. I type a message back.

" You left me hanging there. Dinner sounds good but I will be paying. Let me know a time and day and I'll be there".

Bex and I texted back and forth and flirted a little. It was a nice reprieve from the loneliness that has consumed me recently.

***

Bex had booked a table for 7pm so I decide to head to London that morning. I've booked a top room at the Savoy and I hope that Bex will join me in it later.

A few paparazzi spot me as I'm walking down to the bar area where I've arranged to meet Bex. Luckily security are on hand to keep them at a distance.

I spot Bex waiting at the bar and she looks stunning. Her brown hair is bobbed but is slightly tousled. She is wearing a figure hugging navy dress with smart stilettos. I sit down next to her and kiss her cheek. A hint of her perfume hits me and it's nice. She looks good tonight.

I can hear the clicks of cameras in the background and I apologise to Bex knowing she may have to understand her picture may pop up in the gossip columns.
Our conversation flows and before we know it we have to head off for our dinner reservation.

I take her hand and it feels warm in mine, if slightly bony. I guide her to a waiting taxi and we head for the Ned. A camera flashes at the window as somebody comes right up to the glass for a picture. I can sense that Bex isn't too bothered and I feel myself relax a bit.

"What type of food is your favourite?" Bex asks me as the taxi idles along.
" I hate to say that my tastebuds have no yet refined to fine dining. I still love a greasy Chinese or a curry. What about you?"

I notice her nose scrunch up in distaste and realise that she is a lot classier than I remembered. " It has to be Japanese or French food. Both so different but their portions for one are normal".

We pull up in front of the restaurant and I lead the way. The place is grand and I can't say I've been here before although I can tell Bex has as she has made suggestions on what we should order.

We are led away to a table and the ambience is nice in here and I'm trying my best to relax more in to it and not overthink everything.

" I'm going to quickly powder my nose. Can you order me a bottle of champagne and I'll be right back" I stand up and watch as Bex retreats towards the toilet that's when I see her.

Emma Baker. Sitting on the other side of the restaurant with a man. A much older man. My heart is racing in my chest and I feel nervous and excited at the same time. I notice a waiter take food menus over to them so I know she hasn't long arrived. I decide at some point I'm going to have to go and say hello.

From over here I can already see how beautiful she looks. Even more so than a year ago. She is laughing at something her date said and the sound travels over to me and gives me goosebumps.

" everything Ok? Did you order?" Bex sits down and blocks my view of Emma and I feel a bit flustered and I've forgotten what she even wanted. She sighs and snaps her fingers. A waiter immediately comes over
" A bottle of you finest champagne please".
I notice she has re applied more red lipstick and suddenly I feel it's too much. She is too much. Her make up is too much. I want her to move so I can see Emma. I decide that I really need to speak to her otherwise I won't be able to focus.

" I'm really sorry Bex - I just need to go to the toilet. I'll be right back". I don't even have time to register the look of frustration on her face as I make a beeline for Emma's table. Fortunately the toilets are just beyond her so I have an excuse to walk past. I am just hoping she sees me.