Scoring Hearts

21.

Logan

"Can we go inside now? It's freezing," I asked Gigi, eager to escape the chilly night air.

"Yes, we can. You have a change of clothes, right?" Gigi inquired; her voice tinged with concern.

"Yeah, I packed for 2 nights," I reassured her. "You did? You knew I was going to forgive you," Gigi teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

"It was honest luck, and hope. Also, Pop told me too. He's a very wise man," I replied with a chuckle.

"He's also a cheeky fucker sometimes, just ask Nanny," Gigi quipped, a smile playing on her lips.

We walked inside, welcomed by the familiar warmth of the pub's interior. I was quickly greeted with hellos and hugs from Gigi's family, despite my soaking wet appearance. They offered me the bathroom to change into some warm, dry clothes, and I gratefully accepted.

Nanny hugged me tightly, her affectionate embrace a comforting reminder of the bond we shared. "Logan, we have missed you, dear. You must come visit more," she said warmly.

"Don't worry, Nanny, I will be. I forgot how beautiful it was up here, especially since important people live up here," I replied, smiling at the whole family. The truth was, I truly loved this family as my own.

After changing into dry clothes, I rejoined the group, giving everyone bigger hugs than before. Then I sat on the couch with Gigi in my arms, relishing the moment of closeness.

"So, Logan, how is football going?" Donnie asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over us.

"It's going pretty well. I have to work on endurance and shooting a little bit more," I replied, eager to share my progress with Gigi's family.

"Yeah, I remember coaching Andy till he signed for Liverpool. The boy can run for 90 minutes straight and make everyone else look exhausted," Gigi's dad chimed in, a proud smile on his face.

"He is just in peak physical condition. But both of our crosses are getting a lot better," I said, acknowledging Andy's talent and our shared dedication to improvement.

"To be fair, son, your free kicks need some work too," Donnie teased, a playful twinkle in his eye.

I laughed along with him, knowing that he was only teasing out of affection. "Oh, believe me, I get enough shit from your daughter here about it," I said, giving Gigi a playful nudge.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," I replied, grateful for their support and encouragement.

"I am always available if you need help or tips on ways to improve if you want," Donnie offered his willingness to help me succeed evident in his words.

"I am going to take you up on that offer. Taking tips and learning from Donnie Williams is an honor," I said sincerely, feeling grateful for his guidance.

After the football discussion died down, Shannon started asking questions about how I was mentally doing and then started asking about Ollie. The conversation flowed easily, and I found myself opening up to them in a way I hadn't expected.

"How is our son doing, Logan? We haven't heard much from him," Shannon asked, her concern for her eldest son evident in her voice.

"He is in the Netherlands with Noelle at the moment. She is at a modeling show this weekend, so he decided to go with her since he has an ankle injury," I replied, wanting to reassure them about Oliver's well-being.

"Good. He and Noelle are quite smitten with each other, aren't they?" Shannon remarked, a fond smile playing on her lips.

"Yes, they connected quickly. Sean is happy for them. He finally approves of one of his sister's boyfriends. We have heard about them all, Ollie seems to be the only one for her," I said, reflecting on Oliver and Noelle's blossoming relationship.