Page 66 of My Spanish Love Affair

Later that evening, as I sit in my apartment, I replay the conversation in my head. I think about the lingering disappointment in Santi’s gaze when I hadn’t confirmed I’d goto his game, and Sarah’s firm but fair words of encouragement swirl around my mind.

Maybe she’s right. Maybe this is another one of those moments where I need to step outside of my comfort zone and take a chance, but also remember that I’ve dealt with far scarier things this year.

I pick up my phone and text him before I can overthink it.

I’ll come to your match.

Maybe it’s a little too harsh. Perhaps I should have said something else - thrown an emoji there, or something.

His reply comes almost instantly, though, so it’s too late to go back now.

You just made my week, mi cielo.

Chapter Twenty-One

“Remind me again why I’m going through with this?”

I stand in front of my open wardrobe, my hands on my hips and my stomach tying itself into knots. Santi’s match is in a few hours, and the thought of stepping into his world feels far more intimidating now than it did when I’d texted him myyes.

“Because you’re in lo-ove,” Laura says in a sing-song voice.

We’re on a video call, and my phone is propped up in the centre of my wardrobe, meaning she has a head-to-toe view of my body.

“What do you even wear to a rugby match?” I complain, pointedly ignoring her comment.

I’ve already pulled out a number of outfit options and have tossed them onto my bed, not satisfied with anything so far. I want to look nice, of course, but not like I’m trying too hard.

Casual chic, as Laura calls it.

Eventually, I settle on a pair of high-waisted jean shorts, a cropped cream blouse that’s pretty but flattering, and a pair of tan sandals that twist up around my mid-calf. The April weather is smouldering, but I drape a light cardigan over my arm anyway, just in case it’s a little chillier at the stadium. I addgold hoop earrings and a small necklace to finish off the look and sweep a tad more bronzer across my cheeks, trying to keep my makeup light but polished.

Laura wolf-whistles down the phone, and though the sound has me rolling my eyes, I can’t help but grin, too.

I wish she was here with me, though. I could really do with a hand to hold right now.

I glance in the mirror and catch myself fidgeting with the hem of my blouse. I force my hands to still, dropping them down by my sides.

Relax, Olivia. It’s just a match,I tell myself.No one’s going to be staring at you.

Except they might be.

The thought makes my chest tighten again, but I push it down, grabbing my bag and taking a deep breath.

Santi wants me there, and that’s what matters. Nothing - and nobody - else.

“You’ve got this, Liv,” Laura encourages. “You’re going to have the loveliest time. Try to relax, and more than anything, enjoy yourself!” she smiles. “Call me if you need me, OK? I’ll be right here.”

“Thank you,” I say sincerely. I don’t have it in me to tell her just how much I miss her right now, but somehow, I think she understands. “Miss you.”

“Miss you too,” she smiles softly. “Now, go and watch your man do his thing!”

∞∞∞

Exactly on time, a sleek black car pulls up outside my apartment building. The driver steps out and opens the door for me, offering a polite nod.

“Miss Bennett?” he asks.

“That’s me,” I reply in Spanish, stepping into the car.

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