Fortified -Pau Cubarsí-

12 - Tapas and texts

The room is filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the smell of fresh tapas. Everything's relaxed, the way it should be when you're with friends, a little tipsy, and watching Spain play against Denmark. It's like we're all floating in our own little world of wine, olives, and good vibes.

I'm nestled in the corner of the couch, surrounded by Celeste, Anna, Daniela, and Maya. The table in front of us is stacked with plates of chorizo, tortilla, manchego, and plenty of wine that seems to be disappearing faster than I can keep track of. The mood is light—like, way too light. We're all a little bit giddy, a little bit tipsy, and honestly, it's impossible not to laugh at anything.

"Seriously, though," Maya slurs, holding up a glass of wine that's almost as big as her hand, "I should totally join the team. I've got the legs for it, right? I can run circles around anyone."

Everyone giggles, and I snort a little too loudly, earning a playful shove from Celeste.

"I think you'd get tired after the first minute, Maya," I tease, poking fun at her. But honestly, she'd probably give everyone a run for their money with that confidence.

"Please," Maya grins, tipping her glass back like she's got nothing to lose. "I could out-speed all of you."

I laugh and grab another piece of chorizo, biting into it. The laughter and lighthearted conversation flow around me, and I can feel myself relaxing more with every sip of wine.

But it's during half-time when things get really interesting. The game is paused, and suddenly—bam—there's Pau on the screen, doing his thing, looking ridiculously good as always.

Without thinking, I leap off the couch, pointing at the TV like a maniac. "OH MY GOD, THERE HE IS! IT'S HIM! PAU CUBARSI!!"

The room goes quiet for a moment, and then all hell breaks loose. Anna bursts out laughing, slapping her knee.

"Cesca!" she gasps, holding her glass with both hands as she nearly chokes on her wine. "You're fangirling over him? That's adorable!"

"I—what?" I'm blushing so hard, I might just spontaneously combust. I sink back down, trying to act casual. But who am I kidding? I'm absolutely fangirling. "I'm not fangirling, okay? I just—he's, like, amazing! Have you seen him play?"

The others start giggling, clearly not buying it. Celeste shakes her head, her eyes sparkling. "You're turning red, Cesca. You're so into him."

"No! I'm not—ugh, okay, fine," I admit, throwing my hands up in surrender. "Maybe I think he's cute. Maybe. But that's it!"

Maya, who's barely holding it together, slurs, "Nooo, you're in denial, Cesca. That's so cute though." She snickers. "Are you sure you're not crushing a little harder than just cute?"

I groan, burying my face in my hands. "This is so embarrassing. I don't even know why I'm talking about this with you guys."

"Please," Anna interrupts, "we've all been there. You're not the first person to fall for a super hot guy on the team." She wiggles her eyebrows at me, and the entire room bursts into laughter again.

"Ugh, fine," I say, throwing a piece of tortilla at her. "Maybe I like him a little. But it's complicated, okay?"

"Oh, honey," Maya says, raising her glass like she's making a toast. "Nothing about you and Pau is complicated. It's as clear as day."

I roll my eyes, my face burning as I laugh along with them. "You guys are impossible."

"Admit it, Cesca," Anna grins, "you like him, and he probably likes you back. I mean, look at that look on his face whenever he sees you."