Veiled Hearts | Pablo Gavi

06 pool party

The past few days had been a whirlwind for me, with the gossip and public attention taking a toll on me. According to my father, official statements had been made by the PR team, but articles were yet to be released. With my mother out at a meeting and my father and brother at the training grounds, I found myself alone at home.
After some tanning by the pool, I decided to check if any articles had come out yet. I googled my name next to Gavi's and quickly found an article by "La Liga Gossip," published just two hours ago. The headline read:
"Gavi Spotted with Hansi Flick's Daughter: Romance or Just Friends?"
My heart raced as I read through the article. It cited a statement from Gavi's PR team, claiming the relationship between us was purely platonic and that Gavi would not see me in a romantic way. The words stung, but I tried to focus on my tasks for the day.

It was now 3 PM, and I decided to shower after the pool. I got dressed in pink sweatpants and a grey tank top and went to find Maria, our maid, to help prepare the rooms for my friends.
"Hola, Maria," I greeted her warmly.
"Hola, señorita Sophia. How can I help you today?" Maria responded with a smile.
"We need to prepare the guest rooms for Emil, Ben, and Olivia. Can you help me with the bedsheets?" I asked.
"Of course, let's get started," Maria said, and we headed to the guest rooms.

After finishing the preparations, I made myself a chicken salad in the kitchen. While doing that, I FaceTimed Olivia.
"Hey, Oli! Are you all packed and ready?" I asked as soon as Olivia's face appeared on the screen.
"Hey! Yes, I think so. Just wanted to make sure I got everything. You know how I always forget something," Olivia replied, laughing.
I chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. By the way, did you see the latest gossip article I sent you?"
"Yes, I did. How are you holding up?" Olivia asked, concern evident in her voice.
I sighed. "I'm okay, I guess. It's just frustrating. Gavi's PR statement really hurt, though."
Olivia frowned. "I don't understand how he could let that be published after kissing you. It doesn't add up."
"Yeah, it's confusing. I mean it's just for the press to quite down." I admitted. "But then again he hasn't reached out since Wednesday. We haven't seen each other."
Olivia analyzed the situation for a moment. "I don't believe his words. He's probably trying to protect you. I think he's head over heels for you."
"I don't know, Oli. It's just so complicated," I said, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Trust me, Soph. He likes you more than he lets on. Just give it some time," Olivia reassured me.

We talked for a while longer before Olivia had to leave for the airport. I then changed into a black mini jeans skirt, a slim YSL belt, a black t-shirt, and black Chanel ballet flats. I hopped into my moms silver Range Rover and drove to the local grocery store.
I navigated myself to the snacks aisle, grabbing some Haribo for Emil, chips, and nut snacks. In the alcohol aisle, I stopped at the Ruinart rosé bottles, deciding how many to buy when I heard my name.
"Sophia?" a familiar voice called.

I turned around to find Marc Guiu standing next to me. "Oh, hi Marc! How are you?"
"Doing well, thanks. I have the day off today. Looks like you're planning a party," he joked, glancing at the bottles in my cart.
"Not exactly a party, just a small gathering with some friends," I replied with a smile, remembering Olivia's little crush on him. "Actually, would you like to join us? It's tonight at my place."
Marc's eyes lit up. "Sure, I'd love to. Can't come empty-handed, though," he said, grabbing a few bottles of wine and a bottle of Dom Pérignon. "Here, these should do."
I laughed. "Perfect. Here, let me give you my number so I can text you the details."
We exchanged numbers, and Marc winked at me before leaving. I finished my shopping, loading five bottles of Ruinart rosé, five bottles of wine, Aperol, and some gin into my cart. I grabbed tonic water on my way to the register and paid.

On the way home, I realized I needed to inform my parents about the gathering. I called my mother, who surprisingly agreed and mentioned they would be out at a friend's house tonight anyway. My brother would be going too since his friend Carlos was the son of the partner they were visiting.
I quickly texted Olivia and the boys in our group chat.