Page 69 of Winning Match
I ignore the voice in my mind and clasp Luca’s shoulder instead. “Thanks. I’ll take care of it.”
“Message B if you need any help. She lives for these things,” Luca adds as I move toward the gym.
“I will!” I call over my shoulder.
Then, I hit the gym for another hour. As my body burns off the extra energy coursing through my veins, my mind spins. What the hell am I going to do for Marlowe’s birthday? And how am I going to pull it off in such a short time frame?
After my workout and shower, I take Luca’s advice and call Bianca.
The following night, on my drive home from the stadium, I dial Abuela.
“Alejandro!” She answers on the first ring, blurting out in excited Spanish, “Did you see the last episode? Madre mía, I’m not sure if my favorite couple is going to last!”
I chuckle. “You know, Marlowe is now obsessed with this show, too.”
Abuela gasps. “You didn’t tell her I watch it, did you?”
“Abuelita, her Sewing Circle is older than you and much more scandalous. Trust me, she’s not judging you.”
Abuela harrumphs.
“I’m calling to invite you to Marlowe’s birthday party.”
“Ooh, really? When is it? I’ll be there.”
I give her the details for Wednesday night’s party.
“At a bar?” she repeats and I can hear the judgment in her tone.
“Sí, Marlowe is turning twenty-seven,” I remind her.
“That’s true. Did you arrange for a cake?”
“Of course.” I try not to sound offended. Especially considering I didn’t even know it’s my girlfriend’s birthday! “Also, I have a favor to ask you.”
“Anything.”
God, I love Abuela. The world is a better place because of grandmothers.
I explain to Abuela what I’m thinking, and she remains silent until I finish.
“You’re a good boy, Alejandro,” she murmurs.
I bite the corner of my mouth because while Abuela and Abuelo always told me as much, my papá has never agreed.
“Gracias,” I murmur, before changing the subject. “So, you’ll come on Wednesday?”
“Cuenta conmigo.” Count on me.
On Wednesday, I kiss Marlowe’s cheeks goodbye and wish her luck on her meeting with José Costa. Then, I head to practice and spend my day at the stadium. I’m about to leave to meet Bianca at Corcho when Coach pulls me aside.
“It will just take a minute,” Javi says, flipping through papers on his desk. “League Valencia is hosting a charity event to raise funds for the families affected by last year’s floods.”
I drop my head. Those floods decimated entire communities and gutted the neighborhoods around Valencia.
“It will comprise a series of games,” Javi continues, explaining the breakdown and structure of the event. He glances up from the paperwork. “And we’d like you to be one of the team captains.”
My eyebrows lift as I stare at him. “Vale. Okay. I’d love to.”
