Page 115 of The One That Got Away

Once we got to Victoria train station, we got the Tube whichwould take us directly to Kew Gardens. But when we pulled into the station, Mum didn’t move.

‘We’re here.’ I got up.

‘Sit down a moment,’ she said. ‘We’re taking a little detour. We’re getting off at the next stop instead.’

‘What? Why are we going to Richmond? I thought you wanted to visit Kew Gardens?’

Whilst my face was more creased than a pug’s forehead, Mum was as cool as a cucumber and didn’t say a word until the Tube pulled into Richmond station.

‘Follow me,’ she said.

I trailed behind her, wondering where we could be going. A few minutes later, I stopped in my tracks.

‘Oh my God!’ I gasped. ‘This is so cool! This is where they filmTed Lasso. It’s a TV show. I was watching it with Max…’ My voice trailed off.

Shamefully I’d checked my phone throughout our journey here and there was still no reply from him.

My stomach twisted. I hated that I missed him so much.

‘Really?’ Mum said. ‘Where did they film?’

‘Look – over there!’ I jumped up and down on the spot like I’d just been offered a giant slice of chocolate fudge cake. ‘It’s the pub! That’s where Ted, the main character, and all the football fans go in the show. I didn’t realise it was real!’

The name was different. This was called The Prince’s Head whereas in the programme it was called The Crown & Anchor.

‘Thatisvery cool. Want me to take a photo of you in front of it?’

‘Yes!’ I replied.

As I stood in front of it and Mum snapped away, excitement flooded my veins. I couldn’t wait to tell Max that I’d been here.

Then I remembered. I might not ever speak to him again. My stomach sank.

‘We can go inside if you want?’

‘I don’t know.’ My shoulders slumped.

‘Come on.’ Mum ushered me in. ‘I need to use the loo.’

‘Okay.’ I followed Mum inside, dragging my feet, wondering if I should just send Max the photo anyway.

Mum stepped aside and when I looked straight ahead, I gasped.

No way.

It couldn’t be.

If Jason Sudeikis aka Ted Lasso himself was here, I would’ve been less shocked.

But it wasn’t an actor that had caused my jaw to crash to the floor.

It was the man I knew and loved.

Sitting at the bar was Max.

Flashing me that gorgeous smile that made my heart race and my knees weak.

I wouldn’t have to send photos or message him because he was right here.

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