Page 62 of My Italian Love Affair

"I was supposed to be interviewing Moretti."

"He’s not feeling great," Matteo says, dropping into the chair across from mine. "I told him I’d step in."

"You?” I narrow my eyes. “Volunteering formedia duties?"

"What can I say?” Matteo shrugs. “I’m a team player."

Ihighlydoubt that.

I want to question him further - want to call him out, tell him that I don’t buy it - but the camera crew are patiently waiting, and the last thing I need is to make a scene over this in front of people.

So I force a tight smile, push down the irritation curling in my stomach, and turn to the crew.

"Alright," I say, forcing a polite smile. "Change of plan, I suppose. Let’s get started."

The cameraman gives me a nod before starting the recording, while the crew moves around us, adjusting equipment, checking levels, and clipping Matteo’s mic securely into place.

One of them mutters something about a quick sound test, tapping his earpiece as Matteo absently rubs a hand over the small mic attached to his shirt.

I straighten in my chair, adjusting my posture like that might somehow make up for the fact that I’m already mentally strangling Matteo Rossi.

"Okay," I begin, glancing at my notes and willing myself to stay professional. "So,Matteo. Thank you for joining us this afternoon. We really appreciate it.”

“I’m sure you do.”

Ugh.

“With the team’s current winning streak, how are you and the squad staying motivated?"

Matteo leans back in his chair, stretching out his legs obnoxiously wide like he’s settling in for a nap rather than an interview.

"We train. We play. We win."

I wait for him to elaborate.

He does not.

"Okay,” I say, dragging out the word. “Very insightful."

Matteo just lifts a shoulder in a lazy half-shrug.

Behind the camera, one of the crew members suppresses a snort. I clear my throat, plastering on another polite smile.

"Well, let’s dig a little deeper. What would you say has been the biggest factor in the team’s success lately?"

Matteo tilts his head, thinking.

Then, with a completely straight face, he says -

"Scoring more goals than the other team."

I blink.

"Right," I inswardly seethe. "And what would you say has been the biggest challenge so far this season?"

"No challenges.”

A muscle twitches in my jaw.

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