Crossing Paths: A Love Beyond the Pitch - Jamal Musiala

08 Catching Up with Laura

The next morning, Dina woke up with a smile still lingering on her lips. The memory of her night with Jamal played on a loop in her mind—the kiss, the lake, the warmth of his hand in hers. She stretched lazily in bed, glancing at her phone on the nightstand.

A flood of messages from Laura greeted her. Dina chuckled. Of course, Laura had been dying to know what happened. Her best friend wasn't one for patience, especially when it came to something as juicy as Dina's date with a famous football star.

Laura: Dina!!! Spill everything! Don't keep me waiting!

Laura: Did he kiss you? Was it awkward or cute?

Laura: Oh my God, you need to wake up so we can talk!

Dina grinned and texted back quickly.

Dina: I'm awake! Let's do coffee. I'll tell you everything in person.

Laura: Coffee in 30. See you at our spot.

Dina felt a buzz of excitement as she got ready, throwing on a casual outfit and tying her hair up. She knew Laura would grill her with questions, but she also couldn't wait to share every little detail. They always did this—whether it was a disastrous first date or an amazing night out, Laura was the person Dina confided in, no matter what.

She grabbed her bag and headed out the door, her thoughts still swirling around Jamal. What was next? He had been so sweet, so genuine. It felt like they were starting something real, but there was still that lingering uncertainty about how their lives would fit together.

Half an hour later, Dina walked into their favorite coffee shop. It was a cozy place on a quiet street corner, with comfortable chairs and the smell of fresh coffee beans in the air. Laura was already sitting by the window, waving at her frantically with an eager grin plastered across her face.

"Finally!" Laura exclaimed as Dina approached. "I've been dying over here waiting for you to spill everything. Sit down. Don't leave anything out."

Dina laughed as she slid into the chair opposite her. "Okay, okay, calm down. I'm here."

Laura leaned in, eyes wide with anticipation. "So? How was it? What happened? I need details, woman!"

"Honestly," Dina started, her voice softening with fondness, "it was perfect. We went to this little restaurant by a lake, totally private. The atmosphere was so nice, and it wasn't some fancy, high-profile place either. It was just... simple. Quiet. No fans or anything."

Laura's eyes lit up. "Ooh, that sounds romantic. Keep going!"

Dina hesitated for a moment, but then she smiled, unable to keep the giddiness out of her voice. "We talked a lot. About life, about how he deals with all the craziness that comes with being so famous. And then we walked by the lake afterward, and... he kissed me."

Laura gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "He kissed you?! Oh my God, Dina! What was it like? Was it awkward or...?"

"It wasn't awkward at all," Dina admitted, her cheeks flushing at the memory. "It was gentle, soft. Like he was really taking his time, making sure I was okay with it. Honestly, it was probably the best kiss I've ever had."

Laura leaned back in her chair, sighing dramatically. "This is like something out of a movie. Football star Jamal Musiala takes you to a secluded lake, and you have this perfect, magical moment. Ugh, I'm living vicariously through you right now."

Dina chuckled, her fingers idly playing with the edge of her coffee cup. "It really did feel like a dream. But also... real, you know? He's not what I expected. He's down-to-earth, kind of shy in a way. Not at all like the celebrity persona you see on TV."

Laura nodded, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. "That's good. You don't want someone who's all about the fame and attention. It sounds like he's genuine."

Dina nodded, feeling a warmth bloom in her chest as she thought about Jamal's words from the night before. "He told me he feels like he's living two lives sometimes—one for the public, and one where he just wants to be normal. I think that's why he's drawn to me, because I don't see him as just this football star. But... I'm still worried about how different our worlds are."

Laura leaned forward, her expression serious now. "I get that. But maybe that's exactly why it could work. You ground him in reality, and he gives you a chance to experience things you've never had before. As long as you're both open and honest about what you want, it could be amazing."

Dina considered Laura's words, sipping her coffee. She knew her best friend was right. It wasn't just about their differences; it was about how they could complement each other. But the uncertainty lingered at the edges of her mind, especially when she thought about what might happen if things got serious and the media found out.

"Yeah," Dina said slowly, "I just don't know if I'm ready for all the attention that might come with it. I mean, I'm a private person, and Jamal... his life is public, whether he likes it or not."

Laura reached across the table and placed her hand on Dina's, her gaze full of empathy. "I get it. But you don't have to decide everything right now. Take it one step at a time. See where things go. If Jamal's serious about you, he'll protect your privacy as much as he can. You two can figure it out together."

Dina sighed, feeling both reassured and still a little nervous. "You're right. I just don't want to get in too deep and then realize I can't handle it."

"You're strong, Dina," Laura said firmly. "You've always been strong. If anyone can navigate this, it's you. And hey, you've got me to talk you through all the craziness."

Dina smiled, squeezing Laura's hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Laura winked. "You'd probably be pacing around your apartment right now, overthinking everything."

They both laughed, the tension easing as the conversation turned back to lighter topics—Jamal's smile, his laugh, the way he had been so thoughtful throughout the evening.

As they finished their coffees and stood to leave, Laura wrapped her arm around Dina's shoulders, grinning. "You know, if this turns into something serious, you're going to need to get used to me fangirling every time you mention his name."

Dina groaned playfully. "I'll remind him to brace himself for that."

But deep down, she knew that Laura's enthusiasm—and her support—would be a constant source of comfort in the whirlwind that was bound to come next. And that, more than anything, made her feel ready to face whatever lay ahead.