Never Not You

I missed you

Aurora steps quietly into the hotel room, instantly spotting Eli and Alba sitting nearby, watching over a napping Mateo. Eli smiles warmly as she notices Aurora.

"How was the match?" Eli asks, her voice low to not wake Mateo.

Aurora smiles softly as she walks closer, "It was good. Leah played really well."

Just then, Mateo stirs on the bed, his little body shifting under the blanket. The moment he hears Aurora's voice, his eyes flutter open. His expression immediately shifts from sleepy to delighted, and his tiny hands reach out for her.

Aurora's heart melts at the sight. "Hey, Teo," she coos, her voice tender. Mateo squeals in excitement, wiggling in the bed as Aurora scoops him up into her arms.

"There's my boy," she whispers, hugging him tightly. Mateo rests his head on her shoulder, his little arms wrapping around her neck, holding on as though he never wants to let go.

Eli and Alba watch the scene unfold with warm smiles. "He's missed you," Alba says, standing up and giving Aurora a knowing look. "You can tell."

Aurora nods, placing a kiss on Mateo's head. "I've missed him, too. Thank you both for watching him."

Eli waves a hand dismissively. "It's no trouble at all. We were happy to."

Alba stands beside her mother, smiling. "He's been a dream. So well-behaved."

Mateo pulls back from Aurora slightly, his eyes bright and filled with joy as he babbles happily at her, his little hands reaching up to pat her face as if to make sure she's real.

Aurora laughs softly, brushing a hand through his soft hair. "Did you miss me, Teo?" she asks, even though his happiness tells her everything she needs to know.

"He was waiting for you," Eli says with a fond smile. "But we should get going. You two deserve some time together."

Aurora offers them both a grateful smile. "Are you sure? You're more than welcome to stay for dinner."

Alba shakes her head with a gentle smile. "No, we're fine. You need some time with him."

Eli nods in agreement. "Enjoy your evening. And tell Leah we said hello."

Aurora chuckles. "I will. Thank you both again."

With final goodbyes exchanged, Eli and Alba slip out of the room, leaving Aurora and Mateo alone. As soon as the door closes, Aurora turns her full attention back to her son, bouncing him lightly in her arms.

As Aurora is gently rocking Mateo, her phone suddenly rings. She shifts Mateo onto her hip, glancing down to see Leah's name lighting up the screen. Smiling, she answers.

"Hey, baby," Aurora says softly.

"Which hotel, and what room?" Leah's voice comes through, direct and eager.

Aurora chuckles, adjusting her hold on Mateo as she replies, "It's the Hôtel du Parc, room 317."

"Okay, I'm coming," Leah says before promptly hanging up.

Aurora lowers her phone with an amused shake of her head, about to put it down, but it rings again almost immediately. Surprised, she picks it up once more, Leah's name flashing on the screen again.

She answers, laughing, "Yes, Leah?"

"I love you. Bye," Leah says, her tone light and teasing.

Aurora laughs, warmth filling her voice. "Love you too, Le."

Before she can say anything else, Leah hangs up again, leaving Aurora smiling to herself as she holds Mateo close.

Aurora smiles down at Mateo, she kisses his forehead gently, her voice soft and soothing.