Burning Red (Thomas Muller fanfic)

Chapter 7

-So what's up, Philipp? – I tried to act casual.

-Have you been crying, Audrey? – He said and put his hand on my shoulder.

-No, I haven't. I'm just tired.

But Philipp's look spoke volumes – he knew that I was lying but he was too much of a gentleman to say anything.

-So how can I help you? – I tried to ease the tension.

-No, Audrey. This time I want to help you. You've been so kind and helping to everyone – it's about time someone takes care of you.

- I don't understand, Philipp? – I was looking at him quizzically.

-Hear me out, Audrey. – He took my hands in his and took a deep breath.

-I know about the whole situation. I know why Jane called me to help – because she and Mario want to play matchmakers with everyone while they're in their honeymoon period. And I understand why you are not so wild about it. However, I do believe that they're on to something.

-Philipp, not you, too. – I sighed.

-Listen to me. I've known Thomas for years. He used to be cheerful and happy and after the breakup – he just wasn't himself. Yeah, he still played great but deep down I saw his sadness. In the beginning, I thought it would pass but it didn't. With each day he looked even more miserable and the whole team got worried about that. We really did try everything to cheer him up with going out, fun activities and who knows what else. Thomas either rejected us or sat alone in a corner and drank his beer. That's when you came along. I will never forget when you came to our locker room. Yes, we were all happy that we won but Thomas just looked at you and smiled. I don't know how and why it happened but his attention was glued to you. That's why the other guys teased him. In the beginning, I had my doubts about what was going through his mind but when you agreed to come with us to the club, he had this light in his eyes. Then I saw you two dancing and I couldn't believe my eyes – you, a total stranger, managed to convince Thomas to have fun. While us, his teammates tried in vain so many times. That was the moment I knew something was up. Every time, he saw you or someone mentioned your name, he started smiling. And then the whole car ride – Thomas singing like that and agreeing to go to karaoke – he regained his passion for life. You can't imagine the difference you made in his world. Even Pep noted that Thomas was getting even better and it's like something was missing. That something is you, Audrey.

-Wow, where did all this came from? – I was shocked.

-You know me – I don't take any situation lightly. That's why I'm the captain – I'm the most responsible one. And you know that I'm the last person who would want to stir up trouble. So, Audrey, I came here to ask you, if Jane is right about you have feelings for our dear Thomas?

-Well, I...- I hesitated what to tell him. – Look, Philipp. I'm going to be honest – I think I do but I know how he feels. I went through my own personal turmoil and I get where he's coming from. However, I want to set things straight – I can't help Thomas, only he can help himself. Let's take this hypothetical situation – let's say something happens between us. I won't make him happy if he doesn't want to be. I can only be there for him but he has to get it together.

-You're right, Audrey. But that's the thing, I think he just needs one final push and you better than anyone can help him. Please, consider it.

I sighed but Philipp's look was so convincing that I just nodded.

-Alright, but let's not force anything. – I smiled at him.

-Audrey, you are amazing! Seriously, I don't know how our team managed without you! – Philipp hugged me. – Well, thank you for sharing with me. I'll make sure the troublemakers won't do something stupid.

-Philipp, they're stupid in love. It won't be possible.

We both laughed because it really was the truth. The next couple of hours we were talking, joking around. I really liked Philipp, he was so understanding and compassionate. My mind did wonder to Thomas and what he'd think I he knew I liked him. But what if they were all wrong and he just saw me as a shoulder to cry on? It scared me to have my heart broken again, but I remembered my promise to Nancy. I had to keep an open mind!

After Philipp left, I logged into Skype to talk to Nancy.

-Hey, are you there? – I wrote.

-Yeah, wait a second. I'll call you!

I quickly picked up, anxious to tell her about everything going on.

-Hey, Audrey! What's on your mind? – She smiled but had a concerned look.

-Nancy, I think I'm in big trouble because of my promise. – I bit my lip.

-What promise? –She thought about that for a second and then had this look of realization on her face. – To keep an open mind about dating? Tell me who is it?

-It's Thomas. I just....I don't know.

-Audrey! I knew it. Don't do this again.

-What?

-Start to hesitate – just go with the flow, please. If it's meant to be – it will happen, so stop worrying.

-Nancy, I'm not worried about myself. I'm worried about him.

-What do you mean?

-Well he's the one with the broken heart. And you know how hard it is for me to show my feelings. I don't want him to think that...

-Audrey! Listen to me – do you like him?

-Yeah, I do.

-Does he like you?

-I think he does.

-Then it's settled. Just let whatever is about to happen, happen. Don't overthink it!

-Nancy, what if I hurt him? He's so sweet...

-Audrey. – Nancy snapped. – There you go again thinking about others. Be a little more selfish.

-You're going to use the job card, aren't you? – I asked.

-Yes, I am! See you wanted to stay, so Michael won't miss anything. But now I'm asking you – aren't you happier there?

-I can't say what would have happen if I stayed.

-Audrey, you're impossible! Sorry, that I have to give you the tough love treatment but seriously you need the push! Now answer the question – are you happy?

-Yeah, I am. – I smiled.

-There – that's the smile I've been missing. The more time you spend there, the happier you look. And I want my best friend happy! You deserve it!

-Thank you, Nancy. – I wanted to cry tears of happiness. How did I get so lucky with a friend like her? She always knew what I was thinking, even when I was in denial. – God, I miss you, Nancy!

- I miss you, too. But now it's not the time for crying! Besides who knows – maybe you and Thomas can visit. I'd love to meet him.

We both burst out laughing. Nancy always knew what to say and made me smile when I felt like crying. She was like a sister to me.

-Now, get off your behind and go talk to him!

-So soon getting rid of me?

-Well, some of us have work in the morning. And we do teach the future generation.

-Alright, I get it! Your job is more fulfilling than mine. – I smiled.

-Call me, to tell me what happens?

-Of course! Bye, Nancy.

-Bye, Audrey.