After everyone had showered and gotten on the bus, Beth invited everyone out for drinks. "There are already a couple of us going, but all of you are invited out for drinks after we get back to St. Albans. We're just going to the place close by."
Cheers echoed through the bus, everyone making arrangements, and agreeing to go.
Once they arrived back at the Arsenal training grounds, the group made their way to a nearby bar, finding a corner to claim for themselves. Quickly, everyone had drinks and were talking among themselves. Liv and Eva found themselves gravitating towards each other, their hands brushing against one another as they settled into their seats.
"Cheers to a job well done!" Steph exclaimed, raising her glass in a toast. "And to our two newest gooners!"
The clink of glasses filled the air as the team cheered. Liv and Eva sat together, each sipping on their drink, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they exchanged stories and jokes.
"You really were on fire out there today, Liv," Eva complimented, her eyes shining with admiration. "It's no wonder you are constantly getting offers from other clubs."
Liv grinned, a warm feeling spreading through her chest at Eva's praise. "Thanks, Eva. You weren't too shabby yourself. Though, I'm not planning on taking any of those offers up anytime soon. This is where we belong"
Liv and Eva kept talking, and after a little while Beth and Katie strolled over, sliding into the seats across from them, their smiles wide.
"Hey, hey! Celebrating the big win?" Beth chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious.
Liv nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, it was an epic game."
Katie nodded in agreement. "Totally! You two were on fire out there."
The conversation flowed as they reminisced about the match and laughed about some of the more hilarious moments on the field. Liv found herself grinning at Katie's witty remarks and nodding along as Beth recounted her favourite goals.
As the conversation eased into a comfortable lull, Katie got a mischievous look in her eyes, her voice lowering slightly. "So, Liv, couldn't help but notice something during the game."
Liv's eyebrows raised in curiosity. "Oh? What's that?"
Katie shot a glance at Eva before turning back to Liv, a playful twinkle in her eye. "Well, let's just say, there seemed to be some serious chemistry between you two."
Liv's cheeks flushed pink as she glanced at Eva, who was watching her with a soft smile, obviously hearing everything that was being said. "Um, yeah, I suppose we do make a pretty good team."
Beth nudged Liv gently under the table, her grin widening. "More than just a team, I'd say. You two seem to click."
Liv's heart fluttered at Beth's words. "Yeah, Eva's been amazing to play alongside."
Eva reached out and squeezed Liv's hand under the table, her touch sending a thrill down Liv's spine. "Likewise, Liv. It's been awesome sharing the pitch with you."
Eva quickly intertwined their fingers, gently rubbing the back of Liv's hand with her thumb. Liv squeezed her hand gently.
"Yeah, it's been pretty great," Liv agreed, her eyes fixed on Eva's. "Hey, speaking of sharing... Have you found a place to stay yet?"
Eva shook her head, a hint of uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Not yet. I've been looking, but nothing's really caught my eye."
Katie perked up at the mention, her eyes bright with excitement. "Hey, why don't you two think about living together?"
Liv and Eva blinked in surprise, the idea catching her off guard. "Live together? That could actually work..." Eva said, a little uncertain
Liv's lips curled into a smile, her eyes alight with enthusiasm. "Yeah, it could be fun. Plus, it'd be nice to have some company. But, remember I have the twins, so there would be some crying and they would probably take over some of the house."
Beth nodded in agreement, her expression supportive. "Definitely worth considering. You two get along so well, it could be a perfect match."
Liv's mind raced with possibilities as she pictured living with Eva. It would definitely be a change, but Liv had lived with Lucy and Keira at Man City previously, and she couldn't deny the appeal of having her teammate as a roommate.
"Yeah, I think I'd like that," Liv admitted, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "What do you think, Eva?"
Eva squeezed Liv's hand gently, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I think it sounds like a great idea."
As Liv and Eva continued their conversation, Beth and Katie exchanged knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. It was clear to both of them that there was something special brewing between Liv and Eva, something that went beyond mere friendship.
"Well, looks like the lovebirds are getting along just fine," Katie teased, nudging Beth playfully.
Liv and Eva both blushed hearing Katie's comment, and Eva squeezed Liv's hand again.
Beth chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, they seem pretty cozy together. Guess we'll have to find someone else to dance with tonight!"
Before either of them could respond, Viv and Caitlin appeared, their arms linked as they pulled Beth and Katie away to join them on the dance floor. Liv and Eva watched them go with amused smiles, their hands still intertwined as they continued their conversation.
"So, about the living situation," Liv began, turning her attention back to Eva. "I was thinking we would need to find a place with enough bedrooms so that the twins have their own room. Also, are you sure? 9-month-olds are a lot, and I wouldn't want you to feel like you have to take care of them."
Eva nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, definitely. I'll start looking for listings with enough bedrooms for all of us. And I know I don't have to take care of the twins, I want to. We'll make it work, Liv, I promise."
Eva's words helped Olivia put some of the worries out of her head. They continued to talk for a bit, but after a little while, and a couple more drinks, they found themselves out on the dance floor.
As they swayed to the rhythm of the music, Eva pulled Liv closer to her chest, her eyes shining with a hint of mischief. "You know, Liv, I've got something I've been meaning to tell you."
Liv raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh? What's that, E?"
Eva's cheeks flushed pink as she met Liv's gaze, her voice gentle and kind. "You know I've always admired your skills on the field, Liv. But it's not just your playing that I'm drawn to. It's... it's you. You as a person. You're so kind, funny, and incredibly talented."
Liv's heart skipped a beat at Eva's confession, her own cheeks flushing with warmth. "Eva, I... I feel the same way. You're not just a teammate to me. You're someone special."
Their eyes locked, and Liv paused for a second. They shared a look of understanding, and Liv rested her head on Eva's chest and Eva went to gently rub Liv's back, as they kept on swaying to the music.
Meanwhile, across the room, Beth and Viv watched the scene unfold with soft smiles, their fingers intertwined as they sat together.
"Looks like Liv and Eva have finally caught on, don't you think?" Beth said, barely above a whisper.
Viv nodded. "About time. They've been dancing around each other for ages. I'm happy for them though, they would be excellent together."
Beth squeezed Viv's hand gently, a fond smile playing at her lips. "Me too. They deserve all the happiness in the world."
After dancing for a while, Liv pulled Eva outside, their breath dancing in the cool night air, the sound of music fading into the background. Liv's heart thumped in her chest as she took Eva's hand.
"I've had the best time tonight," Liv confessed, her voice tinged with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
"Me too," Eva replied softly, her gaze locking with Liv's as a tender smile spread across her lips. She hesitated for a moment, her heart racing with anticipation, before leaning in slowly, her lips meeting Liv's in a gentle kiss.
Liv's heart soared as she melted into the kiss, her senses overwhelmed by the warmth and sweetness of Eva's lips against hers. It was a moment of pure bliss.
When they finally pulled away, Liv's cheeks flushed with warmth as she looked into Eva's eyes, a shy smile playing at her lips. "That was..." she trailed off, lost for words.
"Amazing," Eva finished for her, her voice soft and filled with affection. She reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from Liv's face, her touch sending shivers down Liv's spine.
With a soft chuckle, Eva pulled Olivia close, embracing her in a warm hug before leaning in to whisper, "We should probably get back inside, or the girls are going to tease us like crazy."
"You're right," Olivia conceded with a sigh, reluctantly pulling away from Eva's embrace. She interlocked their fingers, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her as she led Eva back inside the bustling bar.
They rejoined the group, and the night continued on, filled with laughter, chatter, and the occasional impromptu dance. But eventually everyone began to say good bye and head home. As Liv and Eva prepared to part ways for the night, they exchanged a lingering glance, the unspoken promise of their connection hanging in the air between them.
"See you tomorrow, Liv," Eva said softly, a hint of warmth in her voice.
"Yeah, see you," Liv replied, her heart fluttering at the thought of their next meeting.
With one last smile, they went their separate ways, Liv joining Beth and Viv in the car while Eva walked off with Laura and Vic. As they drove home, Beth couldn't resist teasing Liv about her blossoming relationship with Eva.
"So, Liv, looks like you and Eva were getting pretty cosy on the dance floor," Beth teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Liv felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but she couldn't deny the truth of Beth's words. "Oh, come on, Beth, it was just a bit of fun," she replied, trying to play it off coolly.
Viv chimed in from the drivers seat, her voice filled with amusement. "Oh, Liv, don't be shy! We all saw the way you two were looking at each other. It's cute!"
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This is my first book, so an suggestions are welcome.