𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞 / 𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐣𝐫

𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

its been around a week since i returned to madrid. things between me and vini were better.
not perfect... not awkward - just soft.

he would still pick me up for work some mornings, still sent goodnight texts.
no labels, no promises.

the office felt busier than usual.
everybody was rushing around, carrying cameras, tripods, lenses. the whole lot. we were preparing a huge media campaign for the next champions league fixture.

i was three quarters through editing photos when elena appeared in my doorway.

"hey" she said, all smiles. obviously fake ones.

"hi..." i replied slow and confused.

"just came to tell you carlo wants to talk to you on your work something about your contract."

"contract?" i frowned. "im just an intern"

"well i dont know do i? just go"
_______

very few moments later i found myself sat in carlo's office. again.
nervously crossing my legs.

"so," he began with that usual calm smile.
"ive been talking with the media team, and we are impressed with your work. you have a great eye annalise, we would like to offer you a full-time role here.

my heart stopped for a second.
"you're serious??"

"completely. it's yours - if you want it."

i was speechless for a moment before a grin appeared across my lips, "of course! thank you so much"

he nodded, clearly pleased  "annalise i must remind you of one thing before you sign. as i mentioned earlier we have a strict no player - staff relationship policy. it protects everybody - privacy, professionalism and all things like that. so take time to think."

my stomach fell.
"of course. yes. i totally understand, no worries."

except i didnt.
how was i supposed to "stay professional"
when the one constant thing on my mind is a player.

______

later that night, vini picked me up for food.

"you're quieter than usual, i dont like it" he said as we walked down the street

"just a big day at work."

"good or bad?"

"both, maybe." i kicked a pebble along the pavement. "they offered me a full time job."

"thats amazing!" he smiled. "why do you seem so upset about it?"

"because theres a strict policy of no relationships between staff and players."

he froze for a moment before laughing softly
"good job we arent in one then, right?"

ouch.

"yeah" i said, forcing a smile. "good thing"

the silence that followed felt heavy.
like we both knew what we werent saying.

we stopped at a small restaurant, it was quiet, warm, with fairy lights strung across the ceiling.

"so do you think you'll take the job?" he asked, halfway through his bowl of pasta.

"id be stupid not to."

"then do it, ill deal with that rule for you.
for now we dont have to do anything lise, we just keep being us. and when the time comes ill do something about it."

his words made my heart flutter, yet ache at the same time.
"you make it sound so easy."

"it wont be, but you're worth it lise."

my face flushed instantly.

"you really need to stop saying things like that."

"why?" he smirked. "does it make your heart do that thing again"

"shut up." i laughed, throwing my napkin at him.

_______

as i got out of his car, he leaned closer, his voice softer than usual.
"if it gets too complicated, tell me, okay? i dont want to make your new job more difficult for you"

"you wont." i whispered.

he smiled, his lips hovering closely to mine, brushing his thumb gently
across my hand.
"goodnight, anna"

he hesitated nervously before softly planting his lips onto mine.

"goodnight vinicius."

_______

@annalisejones:

nights in madrid are just different.

liked by @vinijr, @talulahowens and 3.2m others.

@talulahowens: shes in LOVE, i can just smell it from the caption
-> @annalisejones: delusional. but yk what maybe you're right.
---> @vinijr: she definitely right.

@curtisjr: wonder who took this photo
-> @vinijr: ...
---> @username182: they are so subtle, I LOVE IT.🥹