(Mariona Caldentey and Lia Wälti)
Mariona Caldentey glanced out of the car window as the golden hues of the Spanish sunset bathed the landscape in a warm glow. Beside her, Lia Wälti sat, her Swiss composure tempered with a hint of nervous excitement.
"Relax," Mariona said, placing a comforting hand on Lia's thigh. "They're going to love you."
Lia smiled, though her fingers still fidgeted with the hem of her white blouse. "It's not every day you meet your girlfriend's closest friends, especially when they're your football idols."
Mariona chuckled. "Trust me, they're just people who happen to be very good at football—and very good at teasing me. But you'll fit right in."
They pulled up to a rustic villa outside Palma de Mallorca, Mariona's hometown. The inviting scent of garlic and tomatoes wafted through the air, mingling with the sea breeze. The laughter of familiar voices echoed from the patio, where a table was set under twinkling fairy lights.
As they approached, Mapi León was the first to notice them. The tattooed defender broke into a wide grin. "¡Hombre, Mariona! Finally, you're here!"
"And this must be Lia," said Alexia Putellas, who stood beside Mapi, balancing a plate of croquetas in one hand. Her tone was welcoming, her trademark warm smile putting Lia at ease instantly.
"Hi," Lia managed, her cheeks pink. "It's nice to finally meet you all."
The introductions were a flurry of cheek kisses and laughter. Patri Guijarro playfully nudged Mariona. "So, this is the Swiss superstar you've been hiding from us?"
"Not hiding," Mariona said with a smirk. "Just keeping her safe from you lot."
Dinner was already laid out: tapas of all kinds, from patatas bravas to gambas al ajillo, surrounded by bottles of wine and plates of freshly baked bread. Everyone took their seats, and soon the conversation flowed as easily as the Rioja.
"Tell us, Lia," Mapi said, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye, "how does Mariona behave off the pitch? Is she as bossy as she is when we're training?"
Lia laughed, finally starting to relax. "Bossy? No. But she does insist on teaching me Spanish every chance she gets. Sometimes even during breakfast."
"¡Claro!" Mariona interjected, grinning. "She needs to know the important words, like croqueta and cerveza."
"Ah, priorities," Alexia said, shaking her head with mock seriousness.
As the evening wore on, the group moved from teasing to storytelling. Mariona shared childhood tales of growing up in Mallorca, painting vivid pictures of running barefoot through the streets and sneaking extra ensaimadas from her abuela's kitchen.
"And what about you, Lia?" Patri asked, refilling her wine glass. "What was Switzerland like?"
Lia hesitated for a moment, but Mariona gave her an encouraging nudge. "Well, it's quieter than this, for sure," she said with a smile. "But I think I needed that calm to balance the chaos of football."
Mariona leaned over to whisper, "And now you have me to balance the calm. Lucky you."
Lia rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin.
As dessert arrived—a towering tray of tarta de Santiago and bowls of crema catalana—Mapi leaned back in her chair, her face lit with delight. "So, Lia, what's the verdict? Does Mariona's Spain pass the test?"
"It's beautiful," Lia said, her gaze sweeping over the group. "And her friends are even better. I feel very... welcomed."
"Good," Mapi said. "Because if you hurt her, you'll have to answer to all of us."
Lia's eyes widened momentarily before Alexia swatted Mapi on the arm. "Ignore her. She's all bark."
"Mostly," Mapi said with a wink.
Mariona reached for Lia's hand under the table, her thumb brushing against her knuckles. "Told you they'd love you," she murmured.
As the night deepened, the conversation turned into a mix of playful arguments over who had the best goal of the season and impromptu singing when Patri pulled out a guitar. Mariona and Lia joined in, their voices blending with the others, laughter punctuating every missed note.
By the time they said their goodbyes and got back into the car, the stars were scattered across the night sky. Lia rested her head against the window, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"You okay?" Mariona asked, her voice gentle.
"I'm more than okay," Lia said, turning to her. "I get why you love it here so much. Your friends, this place... it's all so full of life."
Mariona reached over, lacing her fingers with Lia's. "And now you're part of it, too."
As they drove off into the night, the villa behind them still glowing with light and laughter, Lia felt like she'd found not just a home away from home, but a new family, too.
