A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

58: Healing

The party was in full swing when I walked into Matteo's apartment. The place was decorated with colorful lights and balloons, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air. Laughter and chatter resonated around the room, a testament to Matteo's wide circle of friends and family. I could see Clara and Matteo talking to guests, their faces glowing with happiness.

I scanned the room, searching for familiar faces, and there he was—Pablo, standing near the drinks table, chatting with a group of friends. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that this was a celebration, not a confrontation. I was here to enjoy Matteo's birthday and support my friends.

As I walked over to the table, Pablo turned and saw me. His eyes widened slightly in surprise before a warm, friendly smile spread across his face. "Hey, Isabella," he greeted me. "It's good to see you here."

"Hi, Pablo," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. "I didn't expect to see you here, but it's nice."

He chuckled, the sound surprisingly comforting. "Matteo invited me. I figured it would be good to catch up and celebrate his birthday. How have you been?"

I shrugged, attempting to sound nonchalant despite the lingering emotions. "I've been doing well, focusing on myself. It's been a process, but I'm getting better. I'm actually really excited about the upcoming wedding. Clara's been so involved in every detail, and it's going to be beautiful."

Pablo nodded, his gaze softening. "Yeah, Clara's really putting her heart into this. It's going to be a fantastic day. And how's work going for you?"

I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Work's been good. I'm getting more involved in the team's activities and enjoying the change of pace. It's been nice to focus on my own growth, and I feel like I'm really finding my groove."

Pablo's expression brightened. "I've noticed that you seem happier. It's good to see you thriving. As for me, I've been working hard on my game. I'm in a better place now, both physically and mentally. The last few weeks have been tough, but I think I'm finally getting back to where I want to be."

I nodded, genuinely pleased for him. "I'm glad to hear that. It's been a journey for both of us, hasn't it? But it seems like we're both on the right track."

Pablo looked thoughtful. "Yeah, it really has been. I've been trying to focus on my game, on improving every day. It's been a challenge, but I'm feeling more motivated than I have in a long time. I guess it's true what they say—sometimes it takes a difficult time to realize what really matters."

We stood there, sipping our drinks and taking in the lively atmosphere of the party. I could see Matteo and Clara mingling with guests, their joy palpable. Pablo and I continued to chat about football, sharing insights and discussing the upcoming games. It was nice to talk about something we both enjoyed without the weight of our past hanging heavily between us.

"I remember," Pablo said suddenly, his eyes meeting mine with a hint of nostalgia, "how you used to talk about your favorite players and how you admired their playing style. I've been thinking about that a lot lately."

I was taken aback by the detail he remembered. "You remember that?"

"Of course," he replied with a smile. "It's those little things that stick with you. It's one of the things I missed the most—talking about football with you."

We fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the warmth of the party around us. The conversation had shifted from our past to our present, and it felt almost normal.

"How's family? you know matteo, hows he doing" Pablo asked after a while, his voice sincere.

I hesitated before responding. "They're doing well. Matteo and Clara are planning their future together, and I'm just trying to support them as best as I can. It's been a transition, but I'm grateful for the stability."

Pablo nodded, understanding. "I'm glad to hear that. Family is important, and it's good to have that support system."

As the night went on, we continued to chat, sharing stories and updates about our lives. There was a sense of ease between us that I hadn't expected. It was strange how, despite everything that had happened, we could still connect on some level.

Eventually, Matteo called everyone to gather around for a toast. The room quieted, and glasses were raised in celebration of his birthday. I looked over at Pablo, who was also joining in the toast, his eyes meeting mine with a genuine smile.

"To Matteo," I said, raising my glass, "for being a great friend and a wonderful person. May your year be filled with joy and success."

Pablo raised his glass as well, nodding in agreement. "To Matteo. Here's to many more celebrations and happy moments."

As the evening continued, I found myself reflecting on how much had changed in the past few months. Pablo and I were in a better place, both individually and in terms of our interactions. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress. The past was still there, but we were learning to navigate it while focusing on our own well-being.

By the end of the night, as the party began to wind down, I felt a sense of closure and optimism. Pablo and I had come a long way, and while there were still challenges ahead, we were both making strides toward a healthier and happier future.

Pablo's Pov

I stood near the drinks table, trying to keep my composure amidst the lively chatter of Matteo's birthday party. It wasn't easy to stay calm, though, with Isabella moving through the room like a beacon of light. I hadn't seen her in a few weeks, and I'd forgotten just how beautiful she looked.

Tonight, she wore a light purple silk dress that shimmered softly with every step she took. The bow at her side caught the light, adding a touch of elegance that complemented her natural grace. Her hair was styled to perfection, cascading in gentle waves over her shoulders, and the way she carried herself exuded a quiet confidence that I found captivating.

As she approached the drinks table, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she blended into the crowd, her smile lighting up the room. I'd missed that smile more than I realized. It was a reminder of the warmth and kindness she brought into my life.

When she finally reached the table, our eyes met, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. She greeted me with a friendly smile, and it was as if time had slipped back to those moments when we could talk and laugh without any baggage. I was struck by how much I missed her presence in my life.

We chatted casually, discussing football, Clara and Matteo's wedding, and other mundane topics. But every time she laughed or her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, I felt a pang of regret for everything that had happened. It was clear to me now how much she meant to me and how much I had messed up.

As we continued talking, I noticed how comfortable she seemed, how genuinely happy she appeared to be. It was comforting and heartbreaking at the same time, knowing that she was finding her own path to happiness while I was left grappling with my own mistakes. I wanted so badly to be part of her life again, to be the person who could bring that same joy to her face.

When I recalled the details of our conversations from the past, how she used to share her favorite football players and their playing styles, I felt a deep sense of longing. I remembered the little things—the way she would get excited about the game, her passionate discussions, and her unwavering support. It made me realize just how much I had taken those moments for granted.

As the night wore on, I found myself drawn to her, unable to shake the feeling that I had let something precious slip through my fingers. Isabella was beautiful as ever, and despite everything, she managed to remain the same incredible person I had fallen for. I couldn't help but admire her strength and resilience, and it only made me more determined to make things right.

The party was a reminder of how much had changed and how much I still wished for things to be different. Seeing Isabella tonight, looking radiant and happy, was both a blessing and a challenge. It reaffirmed my desire to work on myself and to strive for a future where we could both find happiness, whether it was together or apart.

As the evening came to a close, I watched her from a distance, hoping that one day, we could find a way back to each other. For now, I was grateful for the chance to see her, to remember what we once had, and to understand just how much I had to do to earn back even a fraction of the happiness we shared.