Finding the Way Back (gxg)

Chapter 5

That Saturday, I woke to a message on my phone, one that caught me off guard, yet was a welcome sight to wake up to.

Emily: Sorry for not checking in sooner, been busy spending time with my family. Speaking of which, we just arrived in Charleston, and I know you said you lived here, so do me a solid and tell me where you live so I can kidnap you and have an excuse to get away from my family for a while.

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips, happy to see that she was checking in. It filled my heart with a warm energy, and I found it humorous that she wanted to get away from her family so desperately. I knew Mom would be working today, so the thought of having someone to spend my day with was appealing.

Liv: All good. Hope you have been enjoying your time with them, but if you really want a reason to escape them, I guess I can entertain you as long as you are willing to sit through watching the Euros with me.

The three typing dots appeared instantly, as if she had been desperately waiting for my response.

Emily: Of course I will watch the Euros. Beth would kill me if I told her I didn't watch England play. Now hand over that address so I can enjoy some peace away from my parents' nagging questions about when I will find someone to marry.

I chuckle reading her response.

Liz: Fine, but I am also making you go to this little bakery I found with me, as I have something to celebrate. And you are paying since you are rudely interrupting my day.

Emily: Fine. I'll buy you whatever you want while we celebrate whatever it is you are happy about.

I sent Emily the address for the apartment before slipping out of my bed to get ready for the day ahead.

Normally I would have worn one of my Arsenal jerseys to support the England girls, but given that they were all still tied up in trash bags, they weren't an option for this outing. Still, I wanted to go with something soccer related, so I grabbed the RB Leipzig jersey that had been custom made for me as part of a promotional event that Red Bull did with the American members of its youth academy program.

While it wasn't a display of support for any of the England girls, I also wasn't tainting myself with anything Arsenal related given what happened. It would be good enough for today as I didn't feel like wearing my national team kit, nor having Fox's name on my back as I went places with her. I didn't need unnecessary speculation being spread on the internet, especially when I am ten years younger than her and still a minor. After all, there are some crazy people on the internet, and I wasn't about to do anything that might jeopardize her career.

So this felt like the safe option. The one that wouldn't attract much attention out in the streets of Charleston, and wouldn't raise any unnecessary or harmful questions.

Plus, the whole reason I wanted to go out today in the first place was to celebrate signing the papers solidifying my new sponsorship, which had happened electronically last night. That alone made my choice of apparel fitting for today, even if I wasn't wearing the name of one of the England girls on my back.

As if arriving with perfect timing, I hear a knock on the front door just as I finish pulling my hair up into my iconic high ponytail. The same one I always pull my hair into before every game I play in.

With a smile, I grab my purse and phone off my bed and head for the door as fast as my injured leg allows me. Which, let's be honest, isn't that fast.

When I open the door, there is none other than Emily Fox waiting to greet me with a smile, wearing a Leah Williamson England jersey. A very authentic one that she could have only gotten from Williamson herself.