Not enough (Fermín López)

Chapter 22

Fermín hated how busy he was now that he and Lorena had started to really date. He wanted to spend all of his free time with her but there wasn't much free time at all. Lorena attended his matches and sat next to Gavi, which was a lot of fun for both of them. And she also tried to be flexible whenever Fermín was free...but it wasn't always easy. What was the hardest was finding a time for dinner at Fermín's, but they finally found a Thursday evening when everyone was available.

"Come in Lorena. Do you want something to drink before we eat?"

"No, I'm good. Thank you".

"Let's go to the living room for a bit then. It's too early to eat".

Fermín never stopped holding her hand, which helped. But she was still very nervous. She feared their first impression of her had been bad and what if the second was worse? Lorena wasn't used to this. She had met Adrián's parents, of course. But they were like hers. Fermín's family was so different. They were warm and friendly. Being with them felt like how she imagined spending time with a loving family was like.

"Good to finally meet you properly", said Fermín's brother.

"Yes. Sorry we couldn't before. It's been a weird year and we're always so busy...".

"It's ok. Better late than never".

Lorena felt more and more comfortable the longer they talked. It was so different to be chatting with everyone so casually...not something she had ever done at home. Not even while Adrián was there. That was her parents talking to him and ignoring her. Here, everyone was part of the conversation and she loved it.

"So did you always want to study sports science in uni?"

"I guess. I always loved sports but I haven't really practised many lately. I'm very out of shape, actually".

"Fermín can help with that", said his brother. "I mean with real sports".

Lorena shook her head, closing her eyes when she heard the chuckles.

"Stop it", warned him Fermín, squeezing her hand.

"It's not really a career a lot of girls go for. I bet it's weird to be the only one in the classes", said his mum and Lorena nodded.

"Yeah. Not so much now because I got used to it but it's something I knew was going to happen. Another reason why my parents weren't happy about my choice".

"That's normal", said Fermín's mum. "A lot of parents worry about their children and their careers. We went through the same with Fermín".

"We did?", asked his dad and got a look from his wife. "Sure. We did. Football is not the most stable career...you never know if they'll make it".

"But now he's a superstar", teased Lorena.

"Player of the season", he joked back. "And the most handsome, right?"

"Well...there could be some debate about that".

Dinner was perfect and they moved to the living room to have some dessert there. It didn't feel like a visit that everyone wanted to end but one everyone was enjoying.

"It's getting pretty late. You should probably stay here, Lorena".

"I didn't plan on staying...I don't have clothes for tomorrow or anything".

"I don't really want Fermín driving so late either so it's ok", said his mum. "If you need anything, I'm sure he can help".

"I can", told her Fermín, smiling widely. He loved his mum's idea.