Breaking the Grid

Partnership

The next day starts slowly, sunlight pouring through the windows of Blair's house. The aroma of something delicious cooking wafts through the air, pulling her from her half-asleep state. She stretches, the tension from last night still lingering, but the smell of food draws her downstairs.

In the kitchen, Leah is at the stove, humming softly to herself. She's wearing an oversized sweater and sweatpants, looking every bit the picture of comfort. Blair leans against the doorframe, looking at her for a moment before stepping forward and poking Leah's side making her jump. laughing I hug her for a few seconds.

"Good morning, chef," Blair murmurs.

Leah chuckles, leaning back into the hug. "Morning, sleepyhead. You're lucky I was feeling generous this morning, or it'd be cereal for breakfast."

Blair laughs, the sound light and unburdened for the first time in days. "What's on the menu, then?"

"Pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Figured you could use some real food after all your nutritionist-approved rabbit food." Leah glances at Blair with a teasing smirk.

Blair gasps dramatically. "Hey! I'll have you know I love my quinoa and kale."

"Sure you do," Leah retorts, flipping a pancake. "Anyway, sit down. Food's almost ready."

As they eat, their conversation flows easily, filled with laughter and teasing. For a brief moment, Blair allows herself to forget about the weight of her responsibilities, basking in the comfort of Leah's presence.

After breakfast, Blair stands at the kitchen sink, rinsing their plates when Leah glances over. "So, what's the plan for today? Anything exciting?"

"I've got to see Alicia," Blair replies, drying her hands. "Contract stuff. And..." She pauses, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I think I'm ready to drive there myself."

Leah raises an eyebrow. "You sure? After everything—"

"Yeah," Blair cuts in. "I drove yesterday, so... I think I can handle it. Just not too much, you know?"

Leah looks at her for a moment before nodding. "Proud of you, Bee. Just take it easy, okay?"

Blair smiles, feeling a flicker of pride at Leah's words. After getting ready, she heads out, sliding into her car with a deep breath. The drive to Alicia's office is smooth, her hands steady on the wheel despite the faint echo of last night's nerves.

Alicia greets Blair with a bright smile as she steps into the sleek office. "There she is! The woman of the hour."

Blair raises an eyebrow, intrigued by her agent's enthusiasm. "What's with the good mood? Did we finally win a fight with the sponsors?"

"Oh, we won something alright," Alicia replies, gesturing for Blair to sit. "I've got a surprise for you. A new partnership deal came in this morning, and I think you're going to love it."

Blair sits, folding her arms. "Alright, hit me. What is it?"

Alicia grins, pulling out a sleek folder and sliding it across the desk. Blair opens it, her eyes widening as she takes in the Arsenal logo printed on the first page.

"No way," Blair breathes, her heart skipping a beat.

"Way," Alicia says, clearly pleased with herself. "It's not finalized yet, but they're very interested in partnering with you. They're pushing for a meeting this afternoon to iron out the details."

Blair shakes her head in disbelief, a wide smile breaking across her face. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious. They love your connection to the team, your story—it's the perfect fit." Alicia leans back in her chair, looking smug. "So, what do you say? Want to make some football magic happen?"