Page 86 of The Sky Between Us

I lifted a brow and leaned back to my hands. “I want to get my name out there and play a lot during the next season. I want to seize this opportunity and use it as a jumping board.”

Jeremy nodded. “That’s what I expect from you. Whatever you choose you need to make the most of it to get recognized by bigger and better teams in Spain. Sevilla already had its eyes on you, can you make Atletico, Real Madrid or even Barcelona turn their heads? That’s the question. Can you break into that circle and which team is going to give you the tools for that?”

My eyes travelled to the big window overlooking the rooftops of Amsterdam. It was a grey and ugly day, much like every day in the UK, which was a huge change from California. But it was time for me to get uncomfortable. It was time to grit my teeth and grind harder than I ever did before.

“What about college?” I asked, before announcing my decision. “I still want to graduate; I have like four classes left.”

“Baywater said if you can do it online, they are happy to supply your material,” he replied without missing a beat. “Come on, give it to me, I have phone calls to make to the clubs you don’t choose.”

“Ajax,” I said with a small smile and Jeremy matched it.

“Good. Their forward just got sold for 9 million euros, so you seized the best window of opportunity.”

I shrugged, acting unbothered, as my inside shook from nervousness. Was this really happening?

“Let me make the calls and you sign the contract on your table and read through it. I’ll make sure they arrange accommodations for you as well This is going to be a quick transfer. Do you have everything or do you need a trip back to America?”

Shaking my head, I dug my nails into my knee. It was better not to go home. The farther I was from her, the less chances I had to change my mind and make the biggest mistake of my life.

This was what I always wanted. Not a relationship. I never wanted a relationship.

Until her.

Shaking my head again, to clear my roaming thought I glanced up at Jeremy.

“Whatever I need can be posted or bought here,” I said at last and walking to the desk I picked up the contract. “I’ll read it through one more time and sign it.”

But Jeremy was already on the phone, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I dropped back onto the bed and unlocking my phone I sent a message to my parents and Elliot informing them I will be signing with Ajax. Once I hit send, my thumb paused over Hazel’s name and I ended up forwarding her the message as well. She had the right to know as she asked her father to help me. Her efforts paid off.

Aiden: I’m signing with Ajax Amsterdam.

Three dots appeared as soon as she read it.

Hazel: Congratulations! I’m so proud of you! :)

I stared at her message for several moments trying to guess her tone or find the meaning behind her words. But there was nothing. Her message seemed sincere, which only made my heart ache more. Where on Earth was this girl, and why haven’t we met before?

Closing my eyes for a split second, I took a deep, calming breath, before opening them again. My gaze landed on the contract and without any second thoughts, I signed my name at the end of the last page together with the date.

It was decided.

I was officially the newest signing of Ajax Amsterdam and there was no going back anymore.

Chapter 20

JANUARY

“We won!”

Euphoric happiness ran through me as they announced us as UDA/UCA National Champions. It was one of the first times I felt the icy grip on my insides get loose. Ever since that text from Aiden, I was happy for him, really happy, but at the same time, a part of me had held on to hope that maybe he will end up returning and everything will go back to how it was before the Harvard game. But that childish hope got busted and I lost the little smile. If it wasn’t for my team and Sarah, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the last two weeks in preparation for our competition. But the long hours of practice helped me refocus my mind and close off Aiden. I even put a thirty-minute Instagram limit on my phone to stop myself from checking in on him. It was clear I had to build my own future for myself.

Kelly allowed me to keep teaching with her, and I was completely in love with the minis. They were determined and hardworking, and the happiness radiating from them when they got something right melted my heart. Teaching turns and tricks to them didn’t even feel like a job, rather it was fun. And I still got paid for it.

Giselle hung onto me as she laughed. “We only won once before!”

“Well, now we did,” I smiled looking over her shoulder and my eyes meeting Claire’s, who was hugging the big trophy and posing for pictures. When I joined the team, I promised her a win and delivering on that made me feel good. I wasn’t part of the team for that long, but they made me feel like family. Especially since we beat the University of Kentucky who won nationals 25 times. It was a huge win.

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