It All Leads Back to You

Chapter 14 - Dani

this is me trying

"Are you ready?" My agent asked.

I looked at her. "I think so." I followed Lily down a long hallway. The walls were painted red and white. Photos of Arsenal legends were hung along the walls. A squad photo from every year was hung on the other wall.

Staff took us to a conference room where a huge and gold Arsenal crest was up on the wall behind a table. There were multiple people inside. One of them I recognized as Pedro Losa. He stood up and held his hand out.

"I'm Pedro Losa. The manager here. It's a pleasure meeting you Danielle."

I shook his hand with a firm grip. "It's great to be here. And call me Dani."

That was the odd thing about the lives I life. In one life, I lived as 'Elle'. Everyone at school knew me that way. Elle, the girl who fucked other girls to get where and what she wanted. Mary called me that even. But here...in a different life, I lived as Dani. A now eighteen-year-old prospect in search of signing at Arsenal.

Two lives.

Two names.

Two identities.

"Well, Dani," he smiled "let's sign that contract." We went over the details of what I'd be signing. I was read all the terms and conditions, and how long I'd be here. I was able to renew my contract by the end of the four years. I could terminate it within six months of signing. "...And I think that's all of it." He said. "Ready?"

"So ready."

I picked up my pen and clicked it open. The media team took a picture of me before, during, and after I signed it. I was handed a jersey with my name on the back and was told to hold one side up while Pedro held the other.

"We'll introduce you to some of the girls as they come in for training, but for now, we'll just give you a tour." He spoke.

"Then at two, Dani has media." Someone spoke. "Pictures, questions, and a press-conference."

"Right. Let's get on with the tour then and do our best not to overwhelm her. This is a big day for us as a club, but also Danielle as a person."

I was beginning to think I would like it there.

I was shown around for a while. The gym facilities, trainers, all the conference rooms, and offices. The training fields were stunning. And before I knew it, it was 1:30 and I was being shown to the locker room.

"Holy damn." I said. "Sorry." I chuckled. "It's just...even at U.S. camps our locker rooms aren't as nice."

The woman who was giving me a tour laughed at my shock. "The girls love it. I'll leave you to get changed. You're next to Devlin, number 28."

"Thanks." I smiled.

I walked up to my locker and saw my name. D. Cruz 27. As much as I hated my name, I loved it being up there. I saw the red and white jersey that had my name on it. It was amazing.

I changed into my shorts and socks, and I slipped my shirt off over my head then grabbed my jersey.

"Oh, sorry!" I heard someone's surprised, yet seemingly embarrassed voice. "I didn't know anyone was in here." I turned around. "You're the new girl. Dani, right?" I nodded. She held out her hand. "I'm Leah. I've seen you play a bit. I'm excited to work with you."