Page 5 of Entangled With You

My gasp is loud. Holy shit. This is happening. I’m never going to beat the witch allegations. Everything I’ve manifested so far has become reality.

“Oh, hi. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?” I ask so fast that I don’t think he understood what I said.

He surprises me when he keeps the conversation flowing. “Well, your agent sent us your stats package, and I must say we are impressed. I wanted to touch base and see if you’d be interested in possibly moving to Buenos Aires and signing with the best and biggest women’s soccer team in South America.”

I hit mute on the phone and start screaming and fist-pumping the air. This has been my dream since the very first time I kicked a soccer ball! I can’t believe it’s finally happening. A few seconds later, my mom rushes into my room, her gaze filled with worry.

“Mija, what is it?” she asks, hand on her chest.

Oh, my sweet mami.

“I’ll tell you in a second,” I reply as I go back to the phone call. “Mr. Montes? I’d love to explore the possibility of joining the Golden Warriors,” I say ecstatically, unable to hide my happiness.

“Excellent, do you want to plan this right away?”

As happy as I am, I need to think this through. Even though there’s nothing I want more in this world, I know jack shit about contracts. I need Santiago, my manager, to handle this. “Would it be okay if my manager gets in contact with you to handle this?”

The moment my mom realizes what I just said, her eyes grow big and immediately fill with unshed tears. Yeah, mi mami is way too sentimental.

After hanging up with Mr. Montes, I embrace my mom.

“Ay mija, was that what I think it was?” she asks, and my reply comes out in a squeal.

“Yes, Mami, the Golden Warriors want to sign me. I don’t know the details yet because I told them to contact Santiago.”

My mom squeals in excitement as she hugs me. “Ay mi amor, the news you’ve been waiting for.” My mom’s voice breaks, and when I detangle from her embrace to check on her, she flashes a crooked smile my way. “Ay mija, don’t pay me any mind. You know I cry for everything, but these are happy tears. I promise.”

I chuckle because, yeah, I know my mom. She’s a crier. I’m about to text Santiago when I hear my mom gasp. I look at her, expecting what she’s going to say next. “This means you’re moving to Argentina, right?”

I simply smile and nod at her because I know where she’s going with this.

“Oh, my babies will be living in the same country. I need to call your dad. Keep me posted.”

I don’t tell her anything. I know she’s already planning to move to Argentina, even though I haven't even seen the contract nor agreed to it. My sister, Sofi, moved to Argentina four years ago after meeting Franco while visiting her bestie, Dani. They’re still living in bliss after all this time. I just hope I find that kind of love someday.

My mind immediately goes to him: Matías. One of Franco’s best friends and the man I shared one idyllic night with. I’m still not sure what happened, but after that night, I never saw him again. I hear about him, of course, but we haven’t crossed paths ever since. Maybe when I move to Argentina, I’ll reach out. I mean, I’m twenty-two now—almost twenty-three—I’m not the girl with eyes full of wonder and innocence anymore.

A text alert brings me out of my thoughts, and when I look at my phone, it’s from Santiago.

Santiago

Give me a call when you get a chance. I have VERY good news.

I squeal, happiness bursting out of me in waves. I’ve worked my ass off for this opportunity, going to school full-time while playing for the women’s green team in Medellín. I can’t believe it. I’m about to sign with the Golden Warriors.

“Santi? Hola,” I say and hear him chuckle.

“Hi, Cata. It didn’t take you long to call me. I take it you know what this is about?”

“Yes, of course,” I say, too excited, then I pause and continue speaking. “At least I think I know what this is about.”

“Mr. Montes called and mentioned he spoke briefly with you. He said they are very eager to have you over in their facilities and see you run some drills. They also sent along a proposed contract which includes salary and a signing bonus.”

I squeal in excitement again. I feel like a kid in a candy store, and I just can’t help it. Sure, I’ll pull myself together and play the professional part when I’m in front of the officials, but I’m soaking it in for now.

“You know money is not my main motivator, even though hearing your excitement makes me giddy. But the real question is, when do they want me in Buenos Aires?”

I hear Santi chuckling on the other end of the line, and I start to get impatient. I want to know everything immediately.

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