Begin Again

Chapter 18

Alex POV - two weeks later

"I don't want you to go back to school." I whine from the bed.

I hear Mack laugh and she walks out from the closet, "You're like one of my students right now."

I smile, "I just want my girlfriend to be home all day."

"You have training in a few hours." She deadpans.

I shrug, "Yeah, but we would have two more hours in bed."

She chuckles, "I'll be home at 3:30."

"But then I have meetings!" I whine.

She chuckles again, "Babe. I'll see you for dinner."

I whine again and she walks over.

She presses a kiss to my lips and I pull her down.

She laughs into the kiss and pulls away and kisses my nose, "I love you and I'll see you for dinner."

She walks out and I groan, "Love you too!"

I hear the front door close and Max walks in, barking.

"You want to go for a walk, Max?"

He pants and runs out, "Okay."

I quickly get up and throw a hoodie on then get my shoes on.

I walk downstairs, grabbing his leash and setting off on a walk.

My phone buzzes and I answer it.

"Hey Alex!"

"Hey there, Patrick." I say to my agent.

"Alright, down to business...I know we've talked about your retiring from international soccer..."

I sigh, "Yes."

"Okay, when were you planning on doing that?" He inquires.

I whine, "I was just hoping to Irish goodbye everyone."

He laughs, "You're the biggest soccer star in the world, you can't do that. We need a social media post and a farewell game with the national team."

I sigh, "Okay, if you insist."

"I do. I will need you to record something and we will approve and post then I'll talk to US Soccer."

I sigh, "Okay."

"I know that you're trying to avoid the emotional piece, but you can't. Talk soon, Alex."

"Bye." I say and hang up.

We get to a park and I sit with Max.

I look around and smile at the beach and the sunshine.

'No better time than now.'

I pull my phone out and hit record.

"Hi everyone! Phew, first time I've had a moment completely by myself since getting back."

I let out a deep breath.

"I'm going to get the point here: I'm retiring from international football. I've decided this with a lot of thought and conversation with my loved ones. This is the right move for me and my family."

Max starts barking.

"Max! Come here."

He meanders over and licks my face.

"Max even agrees. You guys all know him, he's my girlfriend's dog."

I smile and pet him.

"Don't worry, you'll all have one more year of me in the NWSL here in beautiful San Diego. I am so grateful for what soccer has given me, I've been playing for almost 30 years. I am excited about my next chapter; my life after international soccer and focusing on San Diego."