OFFSIDE

65

❝ Everytime you try to forget who I am, I'll be right there to remind you again. ❞
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Elena's POV
The past three days I've done nothing but lie in bed crying. I couldn't bring myself to do anything. Everything felt like too much effort, and I had no desire for anything.

Pablo has tried so hard to cheer me up these past few days. Of course, he had no idea why I felt so terrible. I blamed it on my period and the pain that comes with it. Not entirely a lie, as I got my period two days ago, my own fault for taking a break from the pill. And because of that, I'm in a lot of pain, but nothing compares to the pain in my heart.

How cruel is it that after I finally admitted my feelings for him, genuinely considered breaking up with Pablo, he literally admits he likes me too and has feelings, only to dump me afterward? I don't even know if dumping is the right word since we didn't have anything. Just an affair.

I can hardly believe it was just the alcohol and the moment. I saw it in his eyes. I felt it. I'm not crazy, am I?

Pablo has done everything to cheer me up: breakfast in bed, getting my favorite sushi, cuddling with me all evening in bed. I do think this has improved our bond. I finally felt like he was really making an effort for me.

Unfortunately, I have to get out of bed now. I promised to pick up Pablo from training. Fermín took him this morning, and this afternoon we have to go to Iván and Violet's. The last thing I feel like doing.

Reluctantly, I walk to the bathroom. I don't feel like going anywhere, especially not to Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Because who happens to be on the same team as my boyfriend? Pedri González.

Maybe it's better this way. Besides crying, I've done a lot of thinking the past few days. I think I was just confused with Pedri. I liked everything because it was new and exciting. Pablo and I have been together for eight years, so it's logical that not everything is exciting anymore.

The whole move and playing for a big professional club brings a lot with it. It's understandable that he's focusing on that right now. I just need to be patient.

I look outside through the window in the walk-in closet and see that it looks much colder. One October day, you can lie on the beach in your bikini, and the next day it's much colder. I decide to wear a knitted dress with tights and over-the-knee boots. Over the dress, I put on a leather jacket because it's still too warm for a winter coat.

I quickly put on some makeup and give my hair a blowout with the Dyson Airwrap. I check the clock and see I have a few minutes before I need to leave.

~~

I walk into the sports complex, feeling a mixture of excitement and unease. The hum of activity, the scent of sweat and fresh grass, and the distant shouts of the players on the field all combine to create an atmosphere that is both invigorating and intimidating. As I approach the front desk, I notice the same girl from last time sitting there, tapping away on her computer.

This time, she recognizes me immediately. "Hey, you're Elena, right? Pablo's girlfriend?"

I nod with a smile. "That's me."

She returns my smile, her eyes flickering with recognition and a hint of curiosity. "He's still on the field. They should be wrapping up soon."

"Thanks," I say, making my way toward the field. As I walk, I can feel the eyes of several people on me, a few whispers and murmurs trailing in my wake. It is something I am used to by now, but it never gets any easier.

The boys are still training, their movements sharp and focused. Among them, I easily spot Pablo, his dark hair damp with sweat, his intense expression showing his dedication. But it isn't Pablo who catches my eye. It is Pedri, his gaze lingering on me longer than it should. His attention is evident, and it makes me slightly uncomfortable, yet oddly empowered. I've dressed carefully today, in a knitted dress with tights and over-the-knee boots, topped with a leather jacket. I know I look good, and I can see Pedri noticing.

It's your loss, honey.

I decide to play it cool, pretending not to notice. Instead, I find a spot near the edge of the field and watch as the training session draws to a close. The boys huddle together, sharing a few final words with their coach before breaking apart and heading toward the locker room.

Pedri is the first to leave the field. His strides are purposeful, and his eyes are fixed on me. As he approaches, he offers a tentative smile. "Hey, Elena."

"Hi," I reply, my tone deliberately cool and detached. I am not going to make this easy for him.

He hesitates, clearly searching for the right words. "I, um, I wanted to apologize for the other day. I know it was unexpected."

But I am not interested in his apology. Not now, at least. Without another word, I turn on my heel and make my way toward Pablo on the field. Pedri watches me go, a mixture of frustration and regret etched on his face.

Pablo greets me with a warm smile and a quick kiss on the cheek. "Hey, Mariposa. How was your day?"

"Better," I say, forcing a smile. "I loved it to watch you guys."

He grins, clearly pleased. "We're heading to the locker room to shower and change. Wait for me?"

"Of course," I reply, watching as he and the rest of the team disappear into the building.

I find a spot a little further away, where I can still see the entrance to the locker room but am far enough to give them privacy. As I wait, I can't help but overhear a conversation coming from inside.

"Just be extra nice to her, man," I hear Pedri say. "She deserves it."

He doesn't know I am listening, and the sincerity in his voice takes me by surprise. Why is he saying this, it's not that he cares about me. But I am not ready to soften just yet. I have my pride, and I intend to keep it intact. He has no idea I can hear him, but his words cut deep. I straighten up, my posture becoming more rigid.

I see him flinch slightly under my gaze, but he quickly masks it. Pablo walks up to me, smiling, and wraps his arm around my waist.

When the boys finally come out, I give Pedri a cool, almost arrogant look, making sure he feels the distance I'm putting between us. Pablo is freshly showered and looking as handsome as ever, I am ready. He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah," I say, casting a glance in Pedri's direction. He is watching us, his expression unreadable. I give him a small, almost imperceptible nod before turning away. I look at him confidently and then turn around with Pablo. I shake my buttock a little extra when I walk and I'm sure he's watching.

As we walk out of the sports complex, Pablo chats animatedly about the upcoming matches, his excitement contagious. When we get to the car he stops talking about football.

"I was just thinking, we're not going to Iván and Violet. It's not relevant to you at all, because it would be about an upcoming campaign with Nike. We'll just go home so I can cuddle you all day. Hopefully that will help with your period stomach pain," says Pablo.

I look at him and start to smile.

"I love you."