Perfection

28 Days Before, 438 Days Until

Sam

When Alexia asked me if I wanted—or were interested in meeting for coffee, I didn't expect for us to go on a walk as well.

There'd been minimal conversation between us within the last twenty minutes. Granted, we'd only been walking for about ten minutes and my coffee was beginning to chill, but my hands were still sweating and my stomach was doing flips.

Well—

"This is awkward." She spoke my thoughts into existence. "You're not awkward. I'm awkward."

"You're not awkward." I chuckled. "So, I did some research and learned that the Euros are coming up in a little over two weeks."

"Sí."

"Is that where you're going? To England? To play in the Euros?" She nodded. "Are you excited?"

"I'm...nervous. But yes, I'm excited. England's the favorite since they're the host nation and they look strong, but I think we can take them down if we meet."

"I'm sure you will."

"So," She took one step in front of me. "You said you came to Barcelona on a trip and never got around to leaving. Why's that?"

"Well, I went to a school in Illinois so I could go into the culinary world. I came here a few weeks before graduation to learn about different foods and try something...new. Then Riley came along and I could've left, but it was hard. I didn't really have any money and some things at home made it hard too. So, I just stayed and I've been hoping for the best."

"What did you want to do?"

"Own a restaurant."

"Why?"

"My brother was a fantastic cook and he taught me everything I know."

"So, you do know how to cook and yet you let me into your home to cook brownies?" Alexia laughed.

"Well, you baked them."

"That is true. I enjoyed that though. I really did. Fútbol is a great way for me to decompress, but it's also my greatest stressor. So being able to...change up some of my routine was nice. I also really enjoyed having Riley at training the other week. The team really liked it as well."

"So, if I were to ask for that favor ever, you'd say yes?"

"I would. Ciento por ciento. Do you need me to? I would—"

"No," I laughed. "What's next after the Euros?" I turned the conversation back to her.

"The World Cup. I'm not sure how that'll turn out."

A short hum came out of my mouth. "Why's that?"

"There's some drama between the players and the federation. So, obviously there's talk about what us players will decide. Do we give up our individual and team chances of a World Cup? Or do we play under a federation that doesn't value us as players, women, or even human beings?"

"That is hard. I don't know what'd I do. I don't know how you guys decide all of that."

"I don't know what I'll do. I'll figure it out with time and who knows what could happen at the Euros. Could be life changing."

"What are you going to do after the tournament? A vacation?"

"Yeah, maybe. My friends and teammates went on a short one without me."