Weekend Goal

Chapter 9: An Inconvenience

Maybe I'm walking into the lion's den and will be miserably chewed and discarded, but I know it's the right thing to do. I thought Rose would clean herself after the nasty ball hit, return and sit it out on the bench, but she never came back and I felt worried. Cooper was in a foul mood the rest of the match and even punched the drinks fridge. It wasn't strong enough to break it, but he did leave a dent on the side.

The atmosphere in the changing room was charged with negative energy when we entered. Willow didn't even ask me to go and have lunch with her. In fact, she seemed to even avoid me. Maybe she finally got the hint that I want to keep my distance.

It's a missed chance that Cooper didn't give us a pep talk after what was an excellent training session with the men's team. They had no pity on us and a few balls made it to the net behind me. I even stopped one right before it could hit me in the face, but the shock helped me to pay better attention, feel determined and predict the moves of my pitch enemies. A few guys even clapped me on my back after a few saves, which I assume means I earned some respect. One more week for the first real game and I feel as ready as I'll ever be.

I couldn't find a parking spot nearby the mall entrance, which is terribly irritating as it is only Monday evening, and all that was available was towards the end of the grounds. I'll consider it a workout and make peace with the situation. Inside, the colorful window displays try to distract me from my goal but I stride to my destination. I can always go shopping afterwards if I'm still in the mood.

I hesitate in front of the café entrance and can see her standing behind the counter, staring at the phone in her hand and sporting a concerned look.

"Hello, what will you have?" She places the phone in her pocket and lifts her head. "Oh..."

"A capuccino, please."

Rose regains her dignity, nods and enters the order. I hand her the money and after giving me the change, she goes to prepare my coffee while I sit at a nearby table. She didn't yell at me or kicked me out of the shop, and so to see she's fine. I will just finish my drink and head home.

Two young girls dressed in the café uniforms enter and head behind the counter. Rose talks with them in a low voice and they nod. She then walks around the counter holding not one, but two beverages that she places on the table where I sit. I was about to protest and say I didn't order two, and feel alarmed when she sits in front of me.

She stares at her cup and I feel lost about what to do or say next.

"Than-"

"-why do you hate me, Rose?"

"Are all Dutch so direct? I don't hate you. I only find you an inconvenience," she catches herself before rolling her eyes.

"I guess the Brits have no filter then."

"I like to call it honesty," she shrugs as she spoons some of the white foam.

"If you are concerned about Cooper, you should know I have no interest in him."

Rose snorts and smiles as she looks at the customers entering the café.

"I know. He has thrown himself at you more times that I can count since he met you. Proven he's still a man slut."

We drink our coffees in silence while I think about what to say next.

"Did you and him..."

"Take a toss on the sheets? We did, and it was bad judgment. He is okay-ish most of the time, can be a good friend when he wants, but is no boyfriend material. Cooper is only interested in himself and winning the cup. Where's your friend Willow?"

"We aren't friends, only teammates. Gossiping is not one of my strongest talents," I can't help the smile that forms on my lips.

"She does like to talk," Rose says while looking deep in thought.

"Well, I came to check if you were okay after your injury. You seem fine so I can go now," I grab my purse to stand up.

Rose looks at me and holds my arm firmly before I can take another step.

"Why? Do you really care?"

I watch her confused face.

"Because that is what teammates do."

The hold on my arm lessens and I walk outside without looking back. A deep breath leaves my chest. It wasn't altogether an unpleasant experience, but it's clear that becoming friends will be difficult.

After wandering around the mall and not being successful in shopping, I decide to grab dinner at the food court. The recent conversation replays in my head. Cooper and Willow seem to have hidden agendas that I don't intend to find out.

"Hi!"

The sudden voice startles me and the packet of soy sauce in my hand squirts all over my shirt.

"Ah, fuck! I'm so sorry Sanne," I lift my face from the mess in my shirt to see Lachlan walking away to one of the food counters.

What is he still doing in town? I thought he would be back in Amsterdam by now.

"Got a wet rag and some alcohol wipes for now. If you bring it to the dry cleaners, you can pass me the bill."

I'm too stunned by his presence that I can't talk. It's then when he tries to clean my shirt with the rag that I react and swat his hand before he reaches me.

"What are you doing? Why are you here?" I grab the cloth from his hand and rub on the brown spots.

"I was going to eat and then get some stuff for my studio," he points at the tray full of food he left on the table next to us.

"There are perfectly good items back home. Why bring them from here?"

"I got a job here Sanne."

"What? Why? Are you stalking me? First the flowers and now this."

"Flowers? I haven't sent you flowers. You only like tulips when they are in season and rather have truffles."

I can't let the warm feeling in my belly spread at the fact that he remembers that.

"How come you got a job here? Did your work visa get transferred?"

"No, that one expired while I was in Australia. The only good thing I got from my father was a double nationality," he slowly transfers his tray of food and sits in front of me. "Since I was here to see you and was jobless, I decided to try my luck."

"Doing what?" My voice comes rougher than intended.

"Restoring furniture. I have some experience with it besides paintings."

"Didn't know this town was large enough to need those services."

"Do you go out often besides work and the sport club?"

The forked piece of chicken hangs mid-air as I'm taken by surprise by his question.

"I have! To the cafe and the park-"

"-which most probably are within four blocks of your apartment. We were together a long time Sanne. This place is full of great experiences if you know where to look. Don't give me that stare," his hand comes closer to caress my face and I hold it before he can touch me.

"Don't be cheeky, Lachlan. That you will be around doesn't mean things are okay between us."

"I know I can't turn time back. I only hope we can be friendly again. You are after all the only person I know around here. How are things with... what's her name? Ruby?"

"Rose."

"That one. Any progress?"

"She finds me an inconvenience."

"Meaning she's jealous," he points at me with a French fry.

"Of what? We are not interested in the same man or have the same friends."

"Football... soccer like they call it around here."

"That's ridiculous Lachlan. Shove those fries in your mouth and shut up."

Lachlan laughs as he dunks some fries in sauce and I wonder if he's right.