In the spotlight

64

Matteo Rodriguez

Everybody has left the bus slowly, exiting through both doors as more and more of my teammates gathered around the garage, waiting for further instructions. I joined the circle of Marco and Rodrygo right next to a concrete pillar, talking about the new part of their favorite TV show.

After a few minutes all of us gathered into one big circle, listening to the trainers' and the manager's commands about the upcoming few days. Two more matches in the country before we leave for Liverpool for our second group stage. Nothing too much to bear.

After their speech was done and we finally got our post-match resting day, we instantly headed towards our cars. I was drained both physically and mentally after these few days, along with everybody else, as we just walked silently next to each other.

I said my goodbyes properly to every one of my teammates who remained as I split off from them, finally finding my car parked in the most remote area of this whole complex. I shoved my suitcases and bags into the trunk and quickly got in.

I reached home very quickly after spending the whole car ride in utter silence and praying that I won't get caught up in huge traffic. Luckily that wasn't the case when I successfully made it home in 10 minutes instead of the usual 25 and was already rolling down in the garage.

I spotted the deep blue BMW instantly near the entrance, occupying the very spot right next to it. A smile formed on my face knowing that Sofia is already home as well by the time I get upstairs. Right now stretching out on the sofa together with a movie was everything I could ever wish for.

I grabbed all my belongings from the truck and headed upstairs quickly. As soon as the elevator doors opened in front of me, I dashed towards the entrance of the apartment. Music was filtering through it, which made me smile even more as I had an idea.

I turned the keys carefully, closing the door behind me as quietly as possible, which was impossible to hear from the loud music anyway. I left everything right at the entrance as I sneaked up in the kitchen, right behind Sofia, who was washing away the dishes with her back turned towards me.

I stopped for a quick minute to enjoy the sight in front of me. She was wearing her favorite pair of white training pants—Real Madrid, obviously—and only a similarly white sports bra. Her hair was tied together in a long blonde ponytail, swaying away with each movement she made. I will never get tired of this sight.

I stepped behind her as she just finished with the dishes, wrapping my arms around her bare waist and stomach. I laughed out loud as she swore in Russian and jumped a little before turning to face me between my arms.

Her different-colored eyes narrowed behind her wide-framed glasses, but she couldn't hold this demeanor for long before she laughed out as well and grabbed the hem of my shirt.

My heartbeat quickened as our lips met, dancing slowly to the same rhythm. She tasted sweet like warm honey, which I will always cherish when she kisses me. I could feel her arm around my neck as she ran the other one through my hair.

As the fresh air around us was running short, we slowly separated, only to lean back again and again for a few small kisses.

"I missed you." I sighed against her lips. Even after more than a year of dating, I still always felt the same way when I had to leave Madrid or when Sofia had work abroad.

"I missed you too. Luckily I got home in time before your match started. I always love the part when you line up and sing the anthem. The cameraman does too." She chuckled as I laughed out loud.

"Admit it, you always know damn well how hot you actually look." She narrowed her eyes again as I laughed even harder.

"This time he actually signaled that I should." I explained the situation as I shrugged my shoulders. "I mean, shit, Sofia, I have to try hard to keep up with my supermodel girlfriend." I leaned closer as her smile widened while she playfully rolled her eyes, and we exchanged another kiss.