Unexpected Love

Chapter 25

Cristiano.

"Hey man you busy?" Marcelo called calmly over the din of the locker room.

I looked away from the conversation I was in with Karim and took a swig of water. I glanced at his face and a frown settled on mine. He seemed on edge, agitated and slightly disheveled, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, really straying away from his normal carefree look.

"What's up? You okay man?" I replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Could you please give me a ride to pick up Enzo from school and then home? My car won't start, tow truck is coming in half and hour. I can't leave him there any longer and it's on your route." He asked, subconsciously playing with his fingers.

"Sure thing," I said,"Just let me get my stuff and we'll go,"

"Thanks dude," He replied with a huff of gratitude.

"It's no problem really," I said truthfully.

I stuffed my shoes and sweaty training kit into the duffle bag on the ground and slung it over my shoulder, gesturing towards the doors.

"See you later guys," Karim called.

"Bye," Marcelo and I said at the same time.

We walked silently across the Valdebebas as the scorching Madrid sun took its toll on us and the poor pitch. The sky was so clear and blue, not a wisp of a cloud nor bird in sight

"You know I can't get over the fact that Catalina let's you drive her Audi," Marcelo laughed as we approached the sleek car in the training ground parking lot.

In the corner of my eye I could spot numerous paps whose cameras were flashing like mad. I tried to be discreet as possible and slipped on my sunglasses while Marcelo did so as well.

"I asked her because it was looking too good in all it's black glory. I think I had to beg for about an hour and threw in some cheesecake along with it but she eventually gave in. So she took my Aston Martin in an exchange. Well she said if I scratch it, she'll...and I quote...have my balls for it." I admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of my head.

Marcelo burst into a fit of laughter which made him struggle to buckle himself in. Once he finally was buckled in after what seemed like an eternity, I reversed out of my spot and through the training grounds gates.

"How is she doing though?" Marcelo continued.

"She's well. I don't see her as much as I would want to lately because she had to be in between here and Poland for the past two weeks. But she said next week everything will get back to normal." I said

"I thought she brought her office out here?" He replied.

"She did but this was an entirely different situation. And I guess they love seeing her face there in Poland," I chuckled.

Marcelo laughed at that.

"How's Clarice?" I asked as we cruised through the streets.

"Well she was really sick the past few days. She had a doctor's appoinment today so that's why she couldn't pick up Enzo either." Marcelo explained, tapping on his knee in a nervous fashion.

"Is that the reason why you look so on edge right now?"

"Yeah not being able to be there with her really hurts. She wasn't looking too good this morning." He admitted with a sigh, looking out of the window at the passing buildings whose windows gleamed in the sunlight.

Suddenly his phone blared to life and Clarice's face flashed across the screen.

"Guess her appointment is over." He said before answering.