Burning Red (Thomas Muller fanfic)

Chapter 11

I woke up before my alarm. I had another nightmare but I couldn't quite remember what it was about. The only thing I know is that I woke up drenched in sweat, so I decided to clear my head with a quick shower. I had this bad feeling that I just couldn't and didn't know where it came from. I tried to shake it off, so I could concentrate on my work. As I hopped out of the shower I checked my phone and I had a new message. I thought it was from Thomas, but then I saw Frank's name: 'Audrey, we have a problem. Call me when you see this.'

I quickly got dressed and headed to the office. Frank only sent me messages like this when we have a social media disaster. I called him when I got to the office. It was 7 a.m. so there wasn't anyone there but me.

-Audrey, have you checked twitter?

-No. I just got to the office. What is it?

-Well we have to do some damage control. The fans are definitely not happy about yesterday. They took apart Guardiola and they used the picture of Thomas as a way to voice their disapproval.

I opened our twitter account and there were tons of memes with Thomas's face with captions like: 'When Guardiola doesn't know what he's doing.' or 'sitting out the coach's bad decisions'

-Frank, I'm on it! Just saw everything. Tell Pep that he has to make a statement and ask the PR team to help him. Also, make Manuel or Philipp comment on the situation. Meanwhile, I'll deal with this mess.

-Good luck, Audrey! – Frank hang up and I was already thinking what I should do.

A moment later, James ran into the office. Guess, he heard the news, too and he looked worried. For a moment, he looked surprised that I was there so early.

-Audrey, what are you doing here so early?

-Damage control. Frank called me and told me all about this mess. So I came as soon as I could.

-Okay, we can handle this. Did you tell them to make a statement?

-Yeah, told Frank to get our PR team on it. Now all that's left is to reassure the fans that everything will be okay.

The next hours were all a blur, because James and I were constantly answering fans and making statements and comments. We even got all of our interns to help us out and in the afternoon things seemed a little calmer.

Jane had brought me some food but I was too busy replying that I didn't even touch it. By the end of the day we were all so tired.

-Alright, good job everyone. – James said. – You can go home now.

-What about you, James? – I asked.

-I'm going to stay a bit longer to make sure everything is good.

-I'm not leaving you alone. I feel responsible for all of this. – I said with a guilty voice.

-For what? Posting that picture? You couldn't have known how that match would have ended. Don't blame yourself – these things happen.

-James, I won't leave you alone! We can handle it together.

-Okay, Audrey. But come on, at least eat something. Even I've eaten lunch.

-Okay. – I took Jane's sandwich and the moment I took a bite, I realized how hungry I was. I ate it very quickly and then looked back at James. He was just scrolling and said:

-I think we just dodged a bullet.

-I hope so, too. But they have to win the second match because I don't know what else to say to the fans.

-We'll figure it out. Remember I've been doing this job for 10 years, so I know what I'm doing. –James laughed.

-James, can I ask you something?

-Shoot.

-Why were you so strict with me in the beginning?

-Because I wasn't sure you'd fit here. I mean it was a tie between you and a guy who had a lot more experience in the field.

-So why did you pick me?

-Frank advised me. He told me to give you chance, because that guy won't have the same passion as you. The thing that sets you apart from all of my other employees is that. You're a huge fan and when you communicate with the fans you make them feel special. You understand them and feel the ups and downs with them. In the beginning, my doubt was exactly about that – I don't really trust emotional people but with you it somehow works.

-Wow, I have to thank Frank for that. But first – thank you for giving me a shot.

-You know the moment when I told you the no drama rule and you said okay, I knew you were the right one. I could feel the determination in your voice.

-Thanks, James. I really appreciate your honesty.

-I'm always honest with my team – that's what makes us good. You shouldn't be scared to tell someone when they're not doing well and you should praise them when they excel your expectations.

-You're a great boss, you know that? – I smiled at him.

-And a tired one. So what do you say we head home?

-Alright. Let's go.

When I went home I barely had the strength to get myself to my bed. But I couldn't fall asleep because of James's words. It was so nice to finally be accepted and acknowledged for all the hard work. I remembered my dad's words – 'If you work hard, you will succeed. So put in the extra hours, it's always worth it.' I wanted to give him a call but it was late, so I sent my brother a message to tell everyone I missed them. Then I checked my messages and still there wasn't one from Thomas. What happened to him? Why was he ignoring me? We had just had this massive breakthrough...maybe he still wasn't ready? All these thoughts and insecurities ran through my mind until I couldn't take it anymore. I decided to call Jane. She picked up immediately even though it was late.

-Mario? – It was her first word.

-Sorry, it's me, Audrey.

-Audrey! Oh God, has Thomas called you?

-No. I'm guessing neither has Mario?

-Not a word. What is going on with them? I'm so worried.

-No idea. I guess they're still getting over the loss.

-Yeah, but they could acknowledge us, too.

-I know, Jane. I'm so confused, too. Do they fly back tomorrow?

-I think so. But something feels off.

-Same here. I do hope they're okay.

-They are until they return. – Jane laughed.

-Do you really think you'll manage to give Mario the cold shoulder when you see him?

-Oh, yeah. I'm over the sweet period. But you with Thomas...

-Jane, I just got him to open up – I don't want to discourage him. Besides I think his biggest problem is lack of communication. If I don't tell him what's wrong, he'll just wonder.

-Audrey, you're way too sweet. I swear sometimes I wish I could trade Mario for you.

-Well, you know you'll always have me as a friend.

We both laughed but shortly after that I heard her yawn.

-Jane, you sound tired. How about we continue this tomorrow?

-Alright. Goodnight, Audrey.

-Goodnight, Jane.

I don't even know when I fell asleep but I could barely open my eyes when I heard my phone buzzing in the morning. I hate alarms.

However, I somehow gathered the strength to get up and get dressed. Today was going to be a tiresome day, I could just feel it.

Author's note: Brace yourselves - the rest of the chapters will have more steamy content. And more of Thomas and Audrey. I'd love if you could send me some feedback.