Page 66 of Falling Fast
‘The trophy!’ I yelp. ‘It’s still in my car!’
‘On it.’ Dan holds a hand out for my keys. ‘Where are you parked?’
‘Next to the clubhouse.’
‘Give me five minutes.’
‘Don’t worry, I’ll stall with a speech.’ Hazel chuckles at my panic-stricken expression. ‘Now, let’s go and congratulate them.’
THE TROPHY-GIVING CEREMONY INVOLVES almost as much running around as the game. Hazel awards the cup to Corey, who celebrates like he’s just won the world championship, handing out bottles of fizzy water to the kids, who charge about, spraying them all over the crowd.
Leif, the gallant loser, is on his way over to me when a local TV crew intercepts him so I move to one side and post a few shots to his Instagram account instead. The video I posted at half-time already has four-figure likes, which is great for the charity and good publicity for Rask too, but that’s not why we’re here.
By the time I look up again, he’s finished with the TV crew and is crouching down for a picture with his teammates. Opposite him, Corey is doing the same thing, before they all gather together for one big group photo.
I’m so busy watching I don’t notice the person coming towards me until he’s only a metre away, and then I’m so surprised I have to blink a few times to make sure I’m not hallucinating.
‘Mr Ramirez?’
‘Hello again, Ava.’ Jasper smiles at me.
‘Hi.’ I have to shake my head to clear it. ‘Sorry, I just didn’t expect to see you here.’
‘Leif’s manager told me you were organizing a game so I thought I’d come and offer my support.’ He gestures around the pitch. ‘I hear this is all your work.’
‘Not entirely. I mean, the charity helped out too, so it’s really been a team effort, all for a good cause.’
‘It’s certainly that. Speaking of which …’ He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a cheque. ‘This is on behalf of Quezada. I hope it helps with your fundraising.’
I look down and gasp at the amount. Ten thousand pounds. ‘Thank you! I’ll be sure to mention you in the press release.’
‘I appreciate that.’ His smile widens. ‘You know, Ava, I’ve been paying attention to your work for Rask and I think after today I can safely say you’ve already aced the interview. In fact, you might want to start brushing up on your Spanish. One of my content managers in our other office in Barcelona is leaving at the end of the season and I’m looking for a replacement.’ He tips his head towards mine. ‘I’ll be in touch closer to the time to formalize things, but I look forward to working together next year.’
My mouth is still hanging open as he turns and walks away. I can’t believe he just offered me a job at Quezada. Just like that, without any interview! It’s incredible – phenomenal – everything I’ve ever wanted. I might actually achieve all of life my goals before I turn twenty-two. At this rate I’m going to have to set some new ones or I’ll peak before I’m thirty.
But looking around the pitch, at Emika and Yuto and Charlotte, my enthusiasm dims slightly. Part of me doesn’t want to leave Rask. I love the people and I love working there. But if Leif is going to Quezada too … Well, maybe Spain could be even better?
A huge thank you to Ava Yearwood, who arranged today’s event with charity director Hazel Muir. I don’t know what Rask would do without her!
@RealLeifOlsen, 2 August
TWENTY-ONE
‘DID YOU POST THIS?’ I look up from my phone in surprise as Leif drives me back through Cambridge. I was so exhausted by the end of the day I decided to leave my car at the football club overnight. By the time all the equipment had been collected and the field was back to normal, only Leif, Hazel and I were left. She was the one who took this photo of us, standing side by side in front of the clubhouse.
‘Yes. It’s the first thing I’ve posted myself.’ He looks proud of himself and then worried. ‘Does it bother you? I wanted to say thank you somehow, but if you want me to take it down –’
‘I don’t want you to take it down,’ I say quickly. I probably should, but it’s a nice photo. We both look happy and relaxed, and it’s not like we’re holding hands or anything incriminating. People at Rask will just take it at face value.
‘Good.’ He throws me a smile. ‘I feel like I owe you a holiday for all your hard work.’
‘No time.’ I yawn. ‘Communications don’t get an official summer break. Although Vienna’s promised we can all have a few days off.’
‘Then maybe we can spend some time together?’
‘I’d like that.’ I sit up straighter as we turn on to my street. Despite my exhaustion, I don’t want today to be over quite yet. I don’t want Leif to drop me off and leave either. ‘Maybe we could start with you staying here tonight?’
He doesn’t answer at first, manoeuvring into a parking space and turning the engine off before twisting in his seat to look at me. ‘Are you sure?’ His voice sounds husky.
