One day I'll have it all. // Williamson

Brunch

The following day, I woke up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains. The quietude of my apartment contrasted with the vibrant energy of Meadow Park just a day ago. With no training scheduled, it was a day off for Arsenal, which gave me a chance to sleep in a little and relax.

I stretched in bed, reliving the game in my head, but my thoughts were soon interrupted by the sound of my phone buzzing on the bedside table.

It was a message from Leah.

Leah: Morning, California! Already up I hope?

I chuckled, replying,

Me: Morning! Just woke up, yeah. How about you? Feeling sore or anything?

Leah's response came swiftly,

Leah: Oh, you know, just the usual post-game aches. Nothing new. Don't worry about my knee, I know you are. I feel absolutely fine.

I grinned at Leah's reassurance, grateful for the update on her knee. I was definitely a bit worried about it. I guess she started to know me well.

Leah: Wanna grab brunch later? I could use some company.

Brunch with Leah sounded like the perfect way to spend the day off.

Me: Can't get enough of me, can you?

I sent the message jokingly, and awaited for her answer. But her answer didn't sound like a joke at all.

Leah: No, I can't.

I immediately blushed at her answer. Was she teasing me? Or did she actually mean that? We had known each other for less than a week, but we hadn't spent a single day without seeing each other yet. We were practically glued together.

I thought about the night three days ago, when I told her I was a lesbian. She had seemed unfazed when I told her she made me feel stuff. Maybe because I was drunk and I just didn't decipher anything, or maybe because I was drunk and she thought I didn't mean it. Maybe she simply didn't care about it. I had no idea.

My thoughts swirled as I considered Leah's straightforward response. The prospect of brunch together suddenly felt like it carried a weight beyond mere friendship. I couldn't deny the magnetic pull between us, but was Leah feeling the same undercurrents?

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. The truth felt heavy, but avoiding it wouldn't make things clearer. Maybe I was just being delusional. I decided to give her a simple monotonous answer.

Me: brunch sounds great. I'll come and pick you up.

Leah's quick reply appeared on my screen,

Leah: Sure. Looking forward to it. Be there by 11?

I looked at the time. I had a little less than an hour to get ready. I sent her a confirmation text, then got out of bed, torn between excitement and nervousness.

I opened my closet, and looked at my clothes. My fashion sense was close to non-existent. All I was always wearing was football clothes. It didn't seem appropriate for today, though.

I settled on something simple. Grey jeans, a white shirt, and my burgundy teddy jacket. I glanced at myself in the mirror. Couldn't be more casual, but I guess it would do the trick.

I then brushed my teeth, made my bed, and looked at the time again. It was 11:40. Leah lived 15 minutes away.

With that, I slipped into my sneakers, grabbed my keys, and headed out the door. The crisp air outside was still hard on my Californian skin, but it was warmer than yesterday.