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“I’ll be here through it all,” I promise her. “We’ll get you back.”

CHAPTER 31 – Lexa

Monday, December 8

Life has a way of kicking you when you’re already down, and this time, it kicked me good. Or at least, it felt that way when my knee blew up and my season vanished into thin air.

I’ve spent the last two weeks in a fog of painkillers, but I refuse to wallow in self-pity.

“Move it to the left a bit,” I say into the phone. “I want to see Rebecca’s free kicks.”

Rosario grumbles, but she does as I ask. I can’t blame her. I’m not making it easy for her, but I want to see how the team’s doing. I need to be on top of everything if I’m to return to the field.

Raul reluctantly agreed to Rosario setting up the video call to stream the training to me. There were, however, certain conditions. One of them being that I can’t speak directly to the girls or try to coach them from my sofa.

I watch them on the screen, jealous of every one of them.

I miss the smell of grass and sweat. I miss the touch of the ball, the sound of the whistle, and the rush of adrenaline. But at least I can still be their captain from a distance.

I’m still waiting for the surgery date. They want my knee less swollen, so the doctors gave me a timeframe of two to four weeks before they go in there and fix me up.

They also put my knee in a brace and told me to rest, to keep my leg elevated. I have, but it’s driving me crazy.

I’m used to being active and busy. Now I have nothing to do but watch TV and mope on the sofa.

Valentina has been a saint. She’s helping me with everything, from getting me food and water, to helping me shower and dress. She’s patient even when I get frustrated with my crutches.

We haven’t really talked about the injury. I prefer to focus on recovery and she’s a great listener. Whenever I need to run my plan by someone, she’s there listening, nodding, and making sounds at all the right moments.

My plan has me back on the field by April. She hasn’t once told me it’s stupid, which is how I know she loves me.

Sometimes I catch her staring at the brace when she thinks I’m not looking. When I ask, she says it’s nothing.

The doorbell rings. I’ve no idea who it could be.

Valentina is at the club, and so is my mom. Alycia is supposed to be at home with her feet up, which means she’s answering emails with her feet up.

The doorbell rings again.

“I’m coming,” I say loudly and hang up the call. “Fuck.”

I grab my crutches and slowly make my way to the door. I open it and frown. Esme.

“If you’re here for an interview—”

“I’m here as a friend,” she says and holds up a bag of snacks. “Thought you might need something to make you feel better.”

I smile. “I really appreciate it. Come in.”

She walks in and looks around. “Nice place. Is Valentina not home?”

“She’s at the stadium. Training with the girls.”

Esme nods and sits down on the sofa. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit,” I admit. “I’m bored and in pain. I hate this.”

“I can imagine,” she says. “But you’re handling it well. You’re staying positive and focused. That’s impressive.”