A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

15: Double date

Isabella's Pov

I slowly woke up, feeling the soft warmth of the bed around me. As I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the gentle rise and fall of Pablo's chest beside me. He was lying next to me, shirtless, showing his abs and his v-line, the sight of him was both unexpected and oddly comforting.

For a moment, I simply watched him, taking in the peaceful expression on his face. The events of the day before felt like a dream, and the intimacy of waking up next to him was something I hadn't quite anticipated. I felt a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement at how close we had become in such a short time.

As I was about to move, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I reached for it and saw a message from Matteo, my brother. It read:

"Hey Bella, we're heading to the arcade today. Do you and Pablo want to join us? It'd be fun!"

I glanced over at Pablo, who was still asleep, and a smile tugged at my lips. The idea of a casual outing with Matteo and his girlfriend seemed like a perfect way to spend the day. It would also be a good opportunity for Pablo and Matteo to spend some time together in a relaxed setting.

Carefully, I slid out of bed and went to get dressed. I decided to keep it casual and comfortable, slipping into a simple dress that was easy to move around in. I also made sure to keep the outfit light and breezy, perfect for a day at the arcade.

Once I was dressed, I took a moment to check myself in the mirror. I wanted to look presentable but relaxed, fitting for a fun day out with friends and family. With a deep breath, I sent a quick reply to Matteo:

"That sounds great! I'll check with Pablo and let you know. See you soon!"

I turned back to Pablo, who was still asleep, and lightly shook him awake. "Pablo," I said softly, "good morning. My brother invited us to the arcade today. Do you want to go?"

He blinked awake, rubbing his eyes before giving me a groggy but hopeful smile. "That sounds like fun. I'd love to join."

With that, I went to make us both some breakfast, excited about the day ahead and looking forward to spending time with Pablo and my brother.

The arcade was bustling with energy and colorful lights. Matteo and his girlfriend greeted us warmly, and I introduced Pablo to them. They quickly hit it off, and we all dove into the games. The atmosphere was lively and full of laughter as we played various arcade games— air hockey, and even some racing games. Pablo was surprisingly competitive, and his playful banter with Matteo made me smile.

As the day progressed, Pablo and I wandered to the claw machine area. He eyed the various plush toys with a mischievous grin and said, "I bet I can win you one of these."

I laughed, teasing him, "You think so? Let's see what you've got."

Pablo approached the claw machine with determined focus. After a few attempts and a lot of concentration, he finally maneuvered the claw perfectly and managed to snag a bright, cuddly plush toy. He turned to me with a triumphant smile, holding the toy out. "Here you go. A prize for you."

I was touched by the gesture and took the plush toy with a grin. "Thank you, Pablo. This is adorable!"

The arcade had a mix of excitement and nostalgia, and Pablo's win added a perfect touch to the day. As we continued to enjoy the games and spend time together, I felt a deeper connection forming. 

While we were having fun, a few fans recognized Pablo. They approached him for photos and autographs, which caused a brief flurry of activity. I could see Pablo handling it with his usual charm, but I noticed that it made me a bit anxious. I felt a pang of discomfort at the thought of him constantly being in the spotlight.

As the arcade lights began to dim, signaling the end of our time there, I felt a mix of relief and contentment. Pablo had seamlessly integrated into my world, and I was grateful for the chance to share such experiences with him and Matteo.

The arcade had been a whirlwind of fun, and as the day turned to evening, Matteo, his girlfriend, Pablo, and I decided to extend our time together with dinner in the heart of Barcelona. We left the arcade, still buzzing from our competitive streaks and playful banter, and headed towards the city center.

Walking through the bustling streets of Barcelona, I felt a sense of excitement. The city was alive with vibrant colors and sounds, and the evening air was warm and inviting. The streetlights cast a golden glow, adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere.

Matteo and his girlfriend led the way, guiding us to a charming restaurant they had chosen. The restaurant was cozy, elegant and relaxed. We were shown to a table near the window, giving us a beautiful view of the lively street outside.

As we settled into our seats, the conversation flowed easily. Matteo's girlfriend, a warm and friendly woman named Clara, shared stories about their latest adventures, while Pablo and I exchanged playful remarks and laughter. The connection between us was palpable, and it felt natural to include Pablo in my circle of friends and family.

The waiter brought over a selection of tapas to start, and we eagerly dug in. The array of flavors was delightful, and the shared plates encouraged us to try a bit of everything. Pablo was particularly enthusiastic, recommending some of his favorite dishes.

As the evening progressed, the conversation turned to more personal topics. Matteo and Clara asked Pablo about his career and his thoughts on football. Pablo spoke passionately about his goals and aspirations, and I admired his dedication and drive.

The main courses arrived, and the table was filled with a feast of delicious dishes. We enjoyed every bite, savoring the rich flavors and the company of each other. The laughter and friendship made the meal even more enjoyable.

After finishing our dinner, we decided to take a stroll around the city. The streets of Barcelona were enchanting at night, with the famous landmarks beautifully illuminated. We wandered through the historic neighborhoods, soaking in the sights and sounds of the city.

As we walked, Pablo and I fell into easy conversation, discussing everything from our favorite travel destinations to our plans for the future. The connection between us felt deeper with every passing moment, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to get to know him better.

By the time we reached the end of our walk, the night was drawing to a close. We said our goodbyes to Matteo and Clara, who were heading back to their place. Pablo and I decided to head home too, both of us content and happy from the evening's experiences.

The day had been perfect—from the fun at the arcade to the delightful dinner in Barcelona. As we arrived back at Pablo's place, the city lights fading in the distance, I felt a sense of anticipation for the future and the growing bond between us.