Page 25 of Entangled With You

The store is a short walk away from our training complex and when I enter, I’m mesmerized at the sight. Every single soccer jersey under the horizon is here.

“Why have you guys been withholding this paradise from me?” I ask as I do a 360 scan of the store. The Argentina National team jersey with the three stars above the crest is the first to catch my eye. I quickly grab one in my size. Noelia is talking with the cashier and when I join them, I notice the girl is drawing a sketch.

“So what you want is twenty-eight shirts with the same design? By Friday, correct?” Noelia beams when she sees what the girl just drew.

“Yes, by Friday morning. Do you think it’s doable?”

The girl looks at her computer before saying, “For a rush fee, yes.”

The moment I see the design, I speak up. “Done, I’ll pay the fee.”

Noelia grins at me while she punches my arm gently. “I knew you had the spunk to be a Golden Warrior, Cardona.” I pat her back as I look for my wallet to pay. “Happy to see you finally caught up.” Noelia grabs her stomach as she dissolves into a fit of laughter. and I simply smile at the cashier and give her my card. This shirt is not a want, it’s a need. I love that my team has my back.

Chapter 11

Matías Moreno

Today was a full day at the construction site. After the initial model was approved, we needed to make all the adjustments to the calculations, design, and permits in order to fit the terrain we were going to use. The Golden Warriors’ owner decided to request some last-minute changes to the design. They want the stadium to be built with as many sustainable materials as possible, so I’ve been asking around to see what we can get made in Argentina for a reasonable price.

After discussing our options and strategies for optimizing the budget with the architect and other engineers to secure the best materials, I decide to call Dr. Sosa. I need a little break from work, and since today I almost blew it with Milena—this is a level of anxiety I’ve only experienced with one mina before, and I’m not sure what to make of it. I need to talk it out with my doc. As expected, Dr. Sosa is booked for the rest of the day, but she’ll be able to squeeze me in for a session tomorrow during lunch. I told her I’d bring lunch for the both of us. All she said was, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Matías. Don’t let your mind ruin your fun.”

Deciding to go for a run before heading back home, I put on the change of clothes I always keep in my desk. I’ve enjoyed chatting with Milena so much that the moment I thought she was ghosting me, I lost it. I let the anxiety take the driver's seat instead of controlling my emotions and hitting them with the facts. She has never given me a reason to believe she’s not interested in getting to know me better. On the contrary, I feel her warmth through her words. I wish I could speak with her on the phone, hear her voice, and learn if she gets nervous with the rush of a potential new relationship. Like I do. It would be even better to meet her in person. From the little I’ve seen, she’s stunning with a matching personality. Tonight, I just need to calm down and let it all out with Dr. Sosa. There’s not much else I can do at the moment. Once I’ve completed the loop I usually do around my office building, I climb on my baby. The purr of the engine immediately puts me in an even better mood after a great run.

After showering, I prepare something to eat, lay down on the couch, and as I check my phone, a huge fucking grin appears on my face.

Milena: Hola Matías, look what I found today. How do I look?

When I open the attachment, I see a picture of Milena sporting a Messi jersey. Holy shit, she looks hot as sin. Her back is to me, the jersey hugging her curves. The slope of her ass is caressed by a pair of black leggings, and she’s holding up her hair so I can see the full back of her jersey. She’s so sexy; it’s amazing how such a chaste picture can have my feelings going bonkers.

Dark angel: You look amazing, I’m a big Messi fan, too. But to be honest, who in their right mind isn’t?

I take a bite of my beef empanada while I wait for Milena’s response. I’m glad she’s the one who started the conversation tonight—I know it would have taken me most of the night to make up my mind about messaging her.

Milena: Right? He’s the best to ever play, in my humble opinion.

Milena: Did you have a good day?

Her question makes me smile, which isn’t something that comes naturally to me. When was the last time I had someone checking on me who wasn’t my parents? I might have always preferred hookups and no-strings-attached relationships, but I must admit this feels nice. Good job, asshole. You’re finally letting Cattleya go. The voice in my mind whispers, and I get goosebumps at the thought of her. I bet she has already met someone here, someone who can treat her the way she deserves and not leave her hanging. It’s better this way, right? Milena is a clean canvas, and I get to experience something new to me without guilt.

Dark angel: Yeah, my day was good. Lots of work but it’s something I actually enjoy so I’m not complaining. How about you?

Milena: I had a good day too. Now, I’m snuggled on my couch with Tinta and trying to find something to watch.

Dark angel: Do you have Netflix? Do you want to watch something “together”?

Milena: Oh fun. What do you have in mind? A movie? A show?

Dark angel: Not sure, I was actually just going to browse and see what catches my eye.

Milena: Oh! Do you have Disney+? I’ve been meaning to watch The Marvels but haven’t had the time.

Dark angel: Sounds good. I haven’t watched it either. So I take it, you’re a MARVEL fan?

Milena: Duh

Dark angel: lol fair enough.

We ended up chatting the entire time while watching the movie and then went on YouTube to find a Messi documentary. Where has this woman been my whole life? I hope this feeling keeps growing as I get to know her more. So far, I’m liking every single second of it.

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