Miss Piqué | Sergio Ramos

Chapter 2 - Job Offer

Eleanor took a deep breath, straightening her shirt and smoothing her hair for what seemed like the hundredth time since she had gotten there. The fact that she was, actually, there was enough to make her feel a little nauseous. She was at the Santiago Bernabeau. She'd ended up here after the only other offers she'd gotten were from Malaga and a couple second division clubs. Knowing that if she really wanted to prove that she was capable, Real Madrid was the only way to do that, she'd swallowed her pride and said yes to the interview offer.

Looking around, the only other people that were there were two fifty years old men, files in hand. It was natural that she was doubting her chances at getting the job - maybe she was being too ambitious. Before she could contemplate this any more, Eleanor was brought out of her thoughts by the Secretary who called her name and motioned for her to go in. She saw that there was no one else left in the waiting room and it was, in fact, her turn.

Taking another deep breath, she stood and walked calmly into the office, trying to stay calm. This was, surprisingly, helped by how homely and comfortable the office seemed. In front of her, smiling and extending a hand for her to shake, was Zinedine Zidane. Tentatively, she extended her hand to shake his, before sitting when she was prompted to do so and watching the taller man walk round and sit the other side of the desk.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Piqué." She may have imagined it but she heard a strange emphasis on her surname and couldn't help but wince.

"Likewise, monsieur." She replied, hoping she didn't come across like she was licking his ass by addressing him in French. Her fear was laid to rest as he gave a fond smile.

"First question is simply, why did you apply for the job?" He didn't beat around the bush and got straight into the interview.

"I've had a huge love of football ever since I can remember, despite not having a particular talent for it. I've always loved the tactical, technical sides of it and I've worked my entire life to get a job like this. I believe that I'm capable, even if no one else in my life does." No pre-thought of answer was needed as the truth spilled from her mouth, all too aware of the bitter tint in her tone as she got to the last part.

"Well I know you have the qualifications and a little experience - barcelona's  letter of recommendation was interesting." He said, coming off casual but Eleanor suspected he was bringing up barcelona on purpose as he surveyed her, as if gauging her reaction to the mentions of her former home.

"Sir, I loved barcelona, I still love my friends there,  but I have no loyalty or love for a club that threw me out because I'm female." She stated.

The frenchman paused, contemplating what she'd said before nodding and continuing with the standard interview. Finally it came to an end, and while she thought it had gone well, this man was well known for his poker face.

"Miss Piqué, I regret to tell you that we cannot offer you this job-" Her stomach dropped as she nodded, disappointed but not surprised. "-but we would love to give you a month trial and if at the end of the pre season tour it's gone well, you'll be guaranteed the job." He finished.

A surge of relief flowed through her mind, along with a fair amount of disbelief.

"The reason for this is that we as a club need someone who is 100% dedicated to Real Madrid, not someone who needs to prove a point to her brother," he stated. "And you need to know we're not hiring you because you've worked with our rivals. It won't work without trust being developed."

Eleanor couldn't help but be amazed by how perceptive this man was, he'd not only read her like a book, but he'd made a lot of sense. She could already tell why he made such a good manager. Still, she felt skeptical that she could love a club like this after all she'd heard about it.

"I would be honoured to take your offer, thank you." She said sincerely, because despite her reservations, she knew she was damn lucky to even be considered for this job.

"Why?" She asked the frenchman softly and he understood what she meant.

"We need some young minds around here, new ideas and perspectives.  Plus, it's rare that someone does this out of love of football rather than love of money."

She nodded, a small smile playing on her face. She could definitely see herself getting on well with this man and could even feel herself looking forward to working with him. Then she remembered just who she was.

"Please, monsieur, don't tell anyone who I am. I'll go by my middle name, Miss Eleanor Romero " She pleaded, not wanting the players to hate her from the start. The man paused before nodding.

"You'll have to tell them before the season starts though."

A/N:
Soo that was chapter 2, I'm sorry the madrid players aren't in it yet but they'll make an appearance in the next chapter dw. At least she got to meet Zizou!

Sorry but this is unedited so pls tell me if there are mistakes :)

As always, thank you for reading, I'll update next week xx

-Erin