Burning Red (Thomas Muller fanfic)

Chapter 12

I felt so sleepy at the office. But I looked around and everyone was the same – we just had a lot to deal with yesterday. I was so glad when Frank came, because he brought some new energy with him.

-Hey, why is everyone so...?

-Tired? Because we worked late yesterday. – I replied.

-Well, you want to grab some lunch? – Frank asked unfazed.

-Sure, but can Jane come with us?

-But of course. Why do I have this suspicion that you are going to ask me about your boyfriends?

-Frank, we're both worried. We left them messages and neither have replied.

-Fair enough. Okay, let's go.

This time we headed to a new place that Frank showed us. I could see how eager Jane was to hear something about Mario, which made me feel oddly relaxed. I knew I wasn't the only one.

-So, Frank what happened there? – Jane asked.

-Let me start by saying that I can only share what I know. The rest is up to the boys.

Frank took a sip from his water and then said:

-Well, the boys were very depressed after the match. Some of them went out to get drinks and didn't return until the next morning. Now, I don't know who went but I heard that most of them got pretty wasted and there were girls. Before you start questioning – no, I don't know if Mario and Thomas were there. You'll have to ask them but I wanted you to know this so you are prepared. However, I want to say that most of the guys came back to the hotel alone. Pep was very disappointed at them and gave them a whole speech.

-Go, Pep! – I said.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed and it was a message from Thomas.

'Can you meet me now? It's important.'

'I'm on my way.'

-Guys, I have to go. Something came up. – I said grabbing my bag.

-Is something wrong? Is it Thomas? – Jane asked worried.

-Nothing to worry about. I'll tell you later. Bye.

I headed to the office when I saw Thomas pacing back and forth nervously. When he saw me, he ran towards me and hugged me.

-I missed you so much, Audrey! – He said burying his head on my shoulder.

-Thomas, what's wrong? You seem worried.

-We're in such a big mess.

-What do you mean, Thomas? Is it the nightclub thing?

-Yeah...it's all over the newspapers and internet. I mean it started innocently enough but then the drinking and everything...and there were paparazzi.

-Ugh, again with the damage control. Thomas, who is the weak link?

-Umm...all of us are to blame. – He looked at me guilty.

-Thomas, I'm serious – we have to make a statement. Who are they attacking?

-It's Mario...

-What?! – I practically yelled. – Where is he? I'm going to kill him. – I headed straight for the locker room while Thomas was trying to keep up.

And there he was laughing about something with Robert. The moment they saw me, everyone went quiet. Even Pep looked at me with a surprised face.

-Okay, everyone listen up! – I started, trying to hide the rage in my voice. – I don't know if you're aware of this but I'm from the social media team. My job is to make you look good and likeable. And you can understand my frustration when I learn that after the loss you went out. Now, I don't mind you trying to ease your mind with a party. I understand that – but you can imagine what a media nightmare is when one of the best teams in the world is caught having the time of the life after such a defeat. It does not look good.