GRAVITY | R. DIAS

• 21 •

jackgrealish sent you a message

hi martha 😁
we're having a party this saturday
for the bdays of some teammates
and i'd like to invite u
as friends ofc 😉

Hello Jack
Thanks for the invite 😊
I'll check my schedule and let you know

👍

•••

January 24, 2024

"She's going to say no, I'm sure,"

Rúben walks inside the dressing room with John beside him to see Jack and Phil already there chatting amongst themselves.

"Who's going to say no?" John asks, catching the words leaving Phil's mouth, and goes to sit with the others.

The Portuguese man follows and takes a seat next to John, but instead of getting involved in the conversation, he focuses on untying his boots.

"Jack asked Martha Olsen to Joško's and Julián's party saturday," Phil explains. At the mention of the name Rúben instantly loses focus of what he was doing just seconds ago. He knows he has no right to be, but can't help but feel a bit jealous.

He's jealous of the fact that she seems to keep contact with Jack. When he sends a message to ask her to walk their dogs, she just leaves him on read. Rúben thought she was too busy to answer. Clearly not. Has he done something wrong? He's always been friendly to the girl, no?

A loud laugh escapes John's throat. "Jack man, why do you keep going for the women that aren't interested?"

"Fuck off Stonesy," Jack says offended. "It isn't like that, we're just friends,"

"You can not be just friend with a woman like that Jack," Phil says. "She's drop dead gorgeous, good with kids and definitely knows how to stand up for herself,"

John chuckles. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're in love with her Philipa,"

"If I were still single and a few years older, I'd definitely would," the younger grins. "I think you would too,"

John nods and Rúben feels another sting of jealousy. Why does everyone on his team like the blonde woman so much? Yes of course she's absolutely gorgeous, but she isn't so friendly as everyone seems to think. She fucking ignores him!

"Well Dele can be friends with her, so can I," the Brummie defends himself, interrupting Rúben's thoughts.

Phil starts laughing, "They aren't just friends Grealo, I bet they have or had something going on," he says and Rúben feels a third sting of jealousy at the mention of the other footballer's name. He has also noticed the way the blonde and the Everton footballer act on instagram.

"They're friends! I asked him myself," Jack almost yells out frustrated. "Well they did kiss once, but they're nothing more than friends,"

A fourth sting.

In the meantime Bernardo has also entered the dressing room and taken a seat next to Rúben. When he hears the topic of the conversation, he gives his fellow Portuguese teammate a knowing look.

The boys keep teasing Jack about his relationship or friendship with the half Norwegian girl, who knows what it is. Rúben hopes it's the latter of course. While they're still discussing, the Portuguese man searches for his water bottle and takes a sip.

Just at the moment Jack receives a message and calls out, "She's coming! I told you innit," making Rúben choke on his drink. He can't believe she said yes. Martha doesn't seem like the type involve herself with people like Jack. Who is he to judge though? He's seen the girl 5 times and the last time she couldn't get away from him fast enough.

"I know Rúben, I also can't believe she said yes," John pats him on the back. "Does she at least know it's a date?"

Jack groans frustrated. "It isn't a fucking date Stones. We're just friends,"

They start teasing Jack again. Telling him friends with benefits also exist and to make sure his apartment is clean this Saturday.

Bernardo in the meantime whispers in Rúben's ear, "Maybe it's for the best she's going out with Jack, Rúben. You have Emma remember,"

That's right he has Emma and he loves her. He shouldn't be mad at Jack for taking interest in the blonde woman.