Captains

XXXVII

Mapi's POV

"You're sure about this?" I raised an eyebrow at Braylee who leaned against the doorway smiling.

"I'm not saying you have to like her, but it would help to no longer dislike her. You know being at peace with the Leah and Lia situation seemed impossible for me, but go the weight of that hate being gone is amazing Maria." She smiled big as she rolled off the door frame.

"Alright well I will be open to it."

"I'm proud of you."

"I told you that you're making me a better person." I pulled her in by the waistband of my shorts.

"That's what a good relationship should do."

"Or maybe just a good girlfriend." I kissed her cheek quickly.

"I am going to hangout with Tatum, Ona, and Aitana. Call me when you're done." She skipped out of the room happy. I was scared, but I trust that Braylee had a point to all of this.

I think if Ingrid and I could leave the past in the past that would be great, but I can't see the two of us being friends. We were never just friends. Ingrid and I started dating really quick. She was meant for me, but she abandoned all of that.

So maybe I will hear her out then I can finally move on. I can be happy with Braylee. I can play football and win on my favorite team.

"Well here goes nothing."

I caught myself purposely driving slow. I jjst need to get it over with. Talking to Ingrid isn't going to be too bad. We can work through the issues. I can put our relationship behind finally.

She was standing at the entrance of the coffee shop when I arrived. What Braylee didn't realize is that this was one of our spots. Ingrid and I loved going on coffee dates, this was our favorite cafe.

"Just like old times."

"Ingrid I'm really trying here can you not make it harder than it has to be?"

"That wasn't my intention."

I rolled my eyes as we entered the shop. It was easier for me to hate her than to fight the urge to fall back in love. I think the tall Norwegian woman knew that as well. The frown on her face pained me a little to see. I would never want to her Ingrid, but she hurt me first. I had to protect myself now.

"I'm really glad you took Braylee's advice. I was surprised to hear you two were together, but she's wise and sweet."

"She's amazing."

"Tell me about her?" I quirked an eyebrow at her interest in Braylee. That was not the topic I had intended on discussing. My relationship with Braylee doesn't seem like something I'd like to talk about with her.

"Why?"

"Curiosity. You're happy, I'd love to know why." She shrugged leaning back in the chair.

"I am happy."

"Mapi I didn't mean that negatively."

"Braylee's a beautiful soul. I was surprised to feel the way I do for her. She's just so easy to be around. I feel like I'm floating all the time now. She pushes me to do things I don't and I just feel like a better person."

"Oh...I am glad you're happy, but what's the special thing? You're describing how she makes you feel, but why is that the case?"

"Why do you care so much?"

"Since when did you shy away from talking about your relationships?" Ingrid laughed at my annoyance. Why was she prying so heavily?!

"Shall we talk about something else?"

"You're speaking English now."

"I am."

"Since when?"

"Braylee can't speak Spanish...well now she's learning, but I want to make things easier for her."

"Oh I see." She nodded with a small smirk. I fell into that trap.

"Why'd you come back?"

"Barcelona's the best team in the world Mapi who would say no to coming here or well in my case coming back?" She took a sip of her latte while looking over towards the entrance.

"I suppose I can't argue with that."

"So why do you still hate me?"

"Here we go..." I rolled my eyes again as I shook my head. Why did I say yes to this? This is crazy. I don't want to see her, but here I am forcing myself to talk to her.

"You broke my heart."

"Sounds like Braylee Parker fixed it."

"You're jealous."

"You moved on so you can't be that broken Leon. You moved on just fine."

"That's my fault?!"

"Not exactly. I just don't understand why you're so against giving me a second chance. I get that I messed up Maria, but we're soulmates. You can't deny that."

"Oh undoubtedly we were meant to be. Too bad you destroyed all of it. I was in love with you Ingrid, but never again will you have my love again. You don't deserve it."

"Wow, that's harsh coming from you. You weren't perfect Mapi."

"And yet I never ended our relationship now did I? You are the one who went crazy." I shook my head with a smile of disbelief.

Its her fault. I would still be with her if she didn't stupidly break up with me when Barca kicked her from the squad.

"So you would still be with me?"

"We could have worked through things."

"So why not try to work through things now?" She quirked her head to the side and I sighed.

"Do you want to break Braylee's heart too?"

"She's holding you back?" My jaw dropped slightly as I scoffed. The audacity to say something like that. After all of the loving things I said about Braylee.

"Put yourself in check Engen."

"That was out of pocket...I don't want to hurt Braylee either. I just miss you Maria. And a part of you misses me. You wouldn't be here if you didn't want to be. Not even Alexia couldn't have convinced to come talk to me. I'm glad you decide to talk to me. I will try my best to respect your relationship, but I want to be civil or friends. I miss any type of connection we had. Braylee wants us to be friends."

"Well for once she may be wrong about something. How do I know that you won't just be trying to win me back?"

"I'm not making advance Mapi. If it happens thats on you."

"Okay then we can be friends Ingrid. I don't want to hate you. Hating someone is a waste of energy."

"I couldn't agree more. Hug it out?"

"Whatever." I smiled standing up and pulling her into a tight hug.

Fuck.

We both slowly pulled away desiring more. I fell into the trap. I knew I'd break, but I was hoping to last much longer. She had a control on me that will never be matched. A chemistry that could never be replicated.

Ingrid knew that. Her eyes stared into mine for a few seconds too long before we both turned away shyly. Like two teenagers blushing at each other from across the class room. There was that spark...