Audrey Baker has always dreamed of being in the Spurs Ladies first team, and when she does make it, she believes her work is cut out for her. But her journey to the top is filled with tears, failure, fear, and, well, love.
He didn't call me. I waited all day and got nothing. Not a call, not a text, not a DM on any site, not an email, not even a fax, if people still fax each other in this day and age. Out of boredom, I posted a picture from the night before:
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@audreybaker: had the best time 💖 @sa_wiltshire7 @averytaylor 76 likes • 23 comments
Most of the comments were from fans. None from Avery, though. She hadn't come home with me and Sarah so she must have gone home with Harry. I was definitely happy for her. Harry seemed like a nice guy so I hoped this one would last. At the same time, I was a little jealous of her, but she didn't have to know that.
It was warm out, so I sat in the garden and tried to keep my mind off Heungmin as much as possible. There were so many things about him: the way his canine teeth would catch on his bottom lip, the way he would shake when he laughed, the little freckle on his lower eyelid. I read the latest copy of Vogue and blasted Ariana Grande, not caring what the neighbours thought. I felt the warm sun envelope me, making me feel safe. I thought about the future: we had games against London Bees and Aston Villa in sight, and about the new friends I'd made so quickly. Cutting out last night, my life was perfect and I wasn't about to let some man ruin it for me.
🌙🌙🌙 Later, Avery resurfaced and I was weirdly relieved. She had posted something that made me smile a little:
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@averytaylor don't threaten me with a good time 567 likes • 230 comments
I guessed that it was Harry's car. Lucky thing. I thought about calling her, but decided she'd be having too much fun without me.
I went to bed early that night, something I was grateful for when I woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed. I got myself ready for training and left earlier than usual. I felt so strangely motivated but I wasn't going to complain. My teammates noticed my sudden energy and it felt good to receive recognition from people I'd put on a pedestal for so long. We spent the day doing demanding cardio and leg strengthening exercises. This would help a lot with my stamina, which I knew needed a lot of work. It would be a while before I could play the full 90 minutes. It was hot out anyway, but the exercises left me literally dripping with sweat. During the rest period, I dabbed my face with my towel and tried to focus on breathing normally. Coral came over to me and sat down next to me on the bench. "Are you okay?" She asked. "You seem a little off." "What do you mean?" "I don't know, you just look distracted." "It's nothing, honest." She looked at the floor. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be so intrusive. You can always talk to me if you need." Coral stood up and went to leave, but I stopped her. "Actually, there is something." "Well my advice is pretty decent," she laughed. "I'm all ears."
I told her everything. I told her about Avery and Harry and about Heungmin and Lloris' apparent drunkenness. She noodles slowly with her eyes closed. "Okay. I've met him a few times before and trust me, he's a real sweetheart. Whatever his reason, he's not doing it it out of spite so don't worry. And as for your friend, I-" she rubbed my arm gently. "Don't let anything so simple ruin such a strong friendship. Because she'll be there longer than any lad will." "Thank you, Haines, really." She smiled warmly. "No problem." She slapped her knees and stood up. "I'll be off. But if you need me, I'm always ready to listen."
