VALERIA was perched by her make-shift hotel desk, her head slightly tilted as she rested her chin in her right hand with a quiet sigh.
Her bored eyes glanced over the paper with piles of writing below her, elbow propped on the desk, being the main support for her head to rest.
The gleaming, colourful lights of the bright and lively city shone through her large window, occasionally distracting her from the work that lay before her.
The first day of paperwork in Texas wasn't the greatest, but she couldn't say she minded it all that much. After all, it had meant she could find out more information about each individual player for Madrid.
Of course, Valeria knew of them all. But not on a personal level. A part of her job would be to get to know each and every player. Perhaps even form a bond with them, if you may.
Her room was pristine, complemented with the sore sight of polished wooden furniture and silk drapes. Her nostrils graciously inhaled the pleasuring scent of freshly placed linen which was laced with a hint of coffee underneath.
There was even a calming aura upon pricking her ears and listening in to the distant hum of the city life that surrounded the hotel.
The cool marble underfoot kept her breezy, with one foot planted on the ground whilst her other foot was rested on the support beam of the chair.
Valeria closed her file, deciding it was more than enough work for one night. There was the entire holiday to work. The rest of the coaching staff as well as team were celebrating, and it meant she had a peaceful night to herself where she could relax and unwind.
She slowly stood up from the chair, being in no hurry whatsoever. Valeria stretched, her hands raised above her head, before she had quickly thrown her hair up into a messy bun.
Her hair fell a little as she let it go, loosely tied on top of her head. The reflection of her figure was mirrored against the window, and she couldn't help but check herself out.
Even if she didn't usually like how she looked, there was something about the night air that made her feel so... good.
She stepped into the bathroom, eyes glancing to each and every detail as her fingers lightly traced the marble tiles of the walk in shower.
A small smile crept up on her face, her eyes squinting a little as she was nothing short of fascinated by the wonders of those who were well-off.
Of course, she wouldn't classify herself as poor. Yet she wasn't rich, either.
Her fingertips had gently traced over every button and lever of each and every object in the room, from the shower to the bidet.
The bathroom emitted a scent of lavender, the air freshener matching the hotel's provided hand soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
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His heart thumped faster and harder with every shot he downed, practically jumping out of his chest. He wouldn't usually classify himself as much of a drinker, but he couldn't bring himself to resist shooting a few back after such a successful and memorable night.
The others which were gathered in a circular shape surrounding Jude cheered him on, patting him on the back roughly as they chanted and cheered each time a shot glass was raised and downed in one hurried gulp.
Eder and Viní were alone somewhere else in the private club, with the coaching staff having booked out the club for the players to celebrate their first big game night in Texas.
In fact, Madrid had two other big games left to play in Texas for preseason. The opposing teams being Manchester United and Barcelona. A battle of two immensely large teams as well as the El Classico. Both were important, and not a single one of them planned on letting their fans, friends, family or even themselves down.
Everyone seemed to have a cool head about it, not one bit anxious nor daring to break a single sweat. They knew the quality of their team, and they knew that they were a force to be reckoned with. After all, Madrid had both young and old, small and tall. They were a perfect bunch, not one player sticking out like a loose hair that just couldn't be fixed. At least, not for now.
The bass of the music rattled the glasses set high on the bar, Jude's head beginning to spin and everything within him feeling fuzzy. It was a warm sensation, a drunken smile spread wide across his face as he placed down the supposedly last shot glass and leaned back on the stool with both hands raised above his head as surrender.
Slurred and muffled groans followed by boos and jeers were sarcastically dished out to him, with Jude not understanding a word of what they were saying. He only smiled and nodded with a light chuckle.
Clearly, being an English man in a majority Spanish speaking team wasn't going to be easy. Espescially when he was the only one that couldn't speak the language. The odd one out, if you may. Yet he was glad they didn't treat him as an outcast.
Even so, if he'd learned the language fluently, there was still no way he could get rid of his brummie accent. It was simply too prominent. No matter what he would try, he would always stick out.
Some would say he was a cut above the rest - a true star. However, others would disagree and claim that Jude was a scam and a sheer waste of money for a big club like Madrid.
It was something that he'd worked hard toward for his whole life, being able to play in the same stadium and under the same heavy spotlight as his heroes. Without them, he presumably wouldn't be where he was today.
Surely he'd be a footballer, yet certainly not at as high of a level as Real Madrid. To him, it was the greatest and most historic club in the world.
Well, he still had to prove himself now more than ever. He landed the position in his dream team, and now it was time to prove his worth and show everyone just what he can do.
But who's to say he can't let loose and have some fun along the way?
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