Chapter Twenty-Nine

C hapter Twenty-Nine

A ndy

Beyond the Sport: Unveiling the Humble Heart of Sydney's Captain – Andrew Gloss.

In the bustling city, betwixt the cheers of the crowds and the flash of cameras, there exists a side to Andrew Gloss, arguably the city's most celebrated sports star, that very few have been lucky enough to meet. A side revealing not just extraordinary talent but also humble, hardworking qualities and whose commitment to both his sport and his loved ones is as inspiring as his prowess on the field .

I locked my phone, throwing it into my locker before heading for the showers. No matter how many times I read the article, part of me was still searching for the hidden maliciousness which usually accompanied anything written about me. The mention of an underlying vanity or a comment on my inability to maintain a relationship despite having access to numerous women. Yet, there was nothing of the sort.

It was everything I secretly hoped for but didn't give myself the privilege to expect. And after a loss like the one we just copped, reading her heartfelt words eased the pain and disappointment. The weight of losing never got easier to carry, but when you were 900 kilometres from home with a group of men who looked to you to increase their spirits after having your tail handed to you, it was even worse.

He stands unmatched in his leadership – commanding respect and admiration. The epitome of sportsmanship and devotion, Gloss leaves an irreversible impact on the lives of fans and fellow athletes alike.

God, her words were intentionally kind. The irony that her feature humbled me in a way that I wouldn't share with anyone else, was not lost on me. It was also currently the most-read article in Australia, according to Pup, which delighted me – not for myself but for Arna and how this would elevate her career. My challenging relationship with the media always sat behind me like a shadow I couldn't quite escape. However, for the first time, a release written entirely about me, including details of my family, albeit subtly, didn't pitch me as a man with an arrogant streak who refused interviews. She spoke of me in the way that I hoped people saw me, yet rarely ever did.

As one delves deeper into the life of Mr. Gloss, it becomes an honour to uncover the layers of his character, and in doing so, one cannot help but be profoundly inspired by his unwavering work ethic , serving as a beacon of dedication and integrity both on and off the field . There is no denying, his team follows his lead - and rightfully so.

The responses from fellow journalists with much less probity were already commenting on the ‘cronyism' because of the connection between Arna and I and this was another stressor which was responsible for the ache in my muscles. But even that couldn't overshadow my adoration.

The warm water washed over me as I prolonged getting out. When the last of the crowd exited, I headed back out to the field, punishing myself with another thirty minutes of running, bouncing and kicking. I replayed every missed tackle, every lost goal and every turnover. Consequently, I was the last to leave the change room too and despite it being intentional, it was mainly due to my inability to stop reading her words. I had been in this weird headspace since it dropped two days ago and if one more person I knew sent it to me with a mock headline of their own, I was going to launch my phone. It was hard to stay well-below the radar when an article detailing my life was currently trending.

Turning the water off, I reached for my towel, drying and quickly dressing.

"Oi, Captain Humble, you coming or what?" Jay's head stuck through the change room door just as I was about to open my phone for the fifteenth time today and lose myself in her writing.

"Fuck off. Is Pup still here?" I packed the rest of my things, taking one last look around the room and following him out the door.

"Nah, he left. We are going to head out for a few drinks, you keen?" Jay was walking ahead, securing his watch on his wrist which he wore every time we went anywhere and I knew that I didn't really have a choice. This was also part of the role. You were the leader for the good times as well as the bad, and that meant putting on a brave face and showing them there was more to life than playing football.

We would bounce back. We always did.

"Ando, reckon we would have kicked a few more if you were handing out tackles rather than hugs?" Jay jested.

"Yeah, man, surprised you didn't lead us through a meditation session in the locker room, you know with that humble heart of yours." Jack added, before he and Jay both skolled their drinks to the sound of the rest of the team laughing. Despite being the butt of their jokes, I joined in, because for all the slack they were throwing my way, some of their quips were pretty good. I was also enjoying this because I knew I would repay them in training this week – my favourite form of retribution.

"How about you just worry about your own game, otherwise Coach is going to bench both your arses."

"Whatever, Romeo." Jay said as he stood and turned towards the bar. "Anyone want another?"

"If you're buying, definitely." Jack and a couple of the other guys stood and followed, leaving me at the table reaching for my phone.

Andy: Hey you. What are you up to?

Arna: Hey! Still at Dad and Queeny's. They're asking when I'm bringing you home to meet them. Sorry about the game, I enjoyed watching you in those shorts though, so that's a win.

Andy: Ha. Well, I guess you've met my folks so fair's fair. Thanks, it was a tough one. They were just too good tonight.

Arna: I told Queeny what you said and she is making me get her old recipe books out immediately while yelling at Dad about her special cutlery set. *eyeroll*

I will cheer you up once you're home. I miss you.

Andy: Sounds good. Can't wait. Miss you too.

Searching my phone for something to keep me occupied, I did my best to think of anything other than how Arna might improve my mood once we landed tomorrow. The wicked thoughts racing through my mind were enough to tent my pants right here in this club and with the boys on their way back from the bar, that was the last thing I needed.

Refusing the offer to join them on the dance floor, I relaxed in my seat, secured in the VIP section of the bar and pondered the complete one-eighty my life had taken. Six months ago, I lived and breathed football. My schedule was tight and anyone close to me knew exactly where I was at any given time. On days training wasn't scheduled, I was at the club working with the younger recruits to improve a specific area of their game or I was watching hours of previous matches. It was why I was considered such a fierce player. I didn't rely purely on natural talent. I studied my opposition to the point of becoming them. At times I was so invested that I knew what they would do even before they did, an ability my teammates also relied upon. It was one of the reasons the Hearts were number one in the league for turnovers - capitalising on the errors of our foes.

Now my days were no longer governed by the rigidity of football, family, and small pockets of rest. Of a morning my first thought was Arna, my last thought was Arna and most thoughts in between consisted of the blonde bombshell who accidentally sauntered into my life in the most unexpected way. After our last conversation about exclusivity and seeing as I was apparently going to be meeting her family soon, it was not at all surprising that my world was now on a pivot. The gravitational pull towards her as the unintentional centre of my universe was both mind-boggling and terrifying.

I was in a relationship.

Fuck.

The thought simmered through me as my leg started to shake restlessly. In the past, thoughts like this would have been enough to throw me into a merciless panic, now though, I found the swirl coursing through me was one of excitement. And knowing I would be going back to Sydney where she was waiting, induced comfort. The comfort that only home – and anything associated with it – could bring.

In this nameless club, the music was loud and the drinks were flowing but I wasn't finding enjoyment in a scene that a year or two ago, I would have actively sought. There was no denying there were plenty of attractive women here, heck, there were at least half a dozen congregating around the boys on the dance floor now. Yet, I wasn't even remotely interested. Arna's vivacious laugh and the warmth of her smile was all I wanted. All I needed.

I closed my eyes, resting my head against the wall behind me, weariness taking over. A game always sent my body to shit. I mean, I wasn't getting any younger, but today was particularly rough. The fatigue of defeat was real, and it was going to take a few extra sessions with the post-match recovery team to loosen up the sore calves.

I wanted to get home, or at the very least, to my hotel room so I could sleep the night away before we boarded the early flight home.

Glancing at my watch I figured another twenty minutes would do and then I could leave without the boys giving me too much shit. I was by no means someone who was still at the bar on last call, but I usually put in a few good hours. Tonight, I hadn't left the table, barely spoken to anyone and thought about Arna the entire time. About the way her lower lip was slightly fuller than the top yet together they were perfect. About the way she smelt like a warm apple dessert and tasted divinely better. I missed her and I was desperate to get home to her and her quick wit and dramatic conversations.

The truth of the matter was that despite my previous and reasonable idea that given the nature of my lifestyle and career, I was better off without someone, she was the exception. Every time I thought something was going to happen to change my mind, case in point being her article, she proved that she was everything she claimed to be and more. The words she wrote about me for the world to see were genuine and thoughtful. Full of anecdotes I didn't even realise I shared with her, yet she heard all the same.

The small kernels of doubt still sporadically popped up, which when left unattended usually ended in worry over whether she was only interested in me because it was good for her career – but deep down I knew that was crap. I recognised the self-sabotaging behaviour and I wasn't prepared to give it air-time. There were subtleties I noticed when we were alone which weren't there if we were at the clubhouse or with others. Outside of our own bubble, her smile didn't come as easy and her posture was always a little tense. Serving as reassurance that my feelings were reciprocated. The more I came to terms with the reality of everything she was, the more I realised her wit, intelligence and animated ingenuity were a warmth which seeped through the empty pockets of my soul and filled me from the inside out.

Deciding enough was enough and I was ready to call it quits for the night, I opened my eyes to leave. I was startled to find a woman shifting into the seat next to me, her eyes dazed from what I assumed were far too many drinks, one of which she was currently spilling over both her hand and the table.

I froze, not at all interested in her or in trying to extricate myself from a conversation. She laughed, reaching across me to grab a handful of napkins.

"Oops." She said as I pressed myself further into the seat, careful not to touch her in any way. She wiped her hand and lifted the drink, taking a sip while looking at me with a smirk. I peered over her head wondering how the hell she even got to the table when this was supposed to be a private section. If a woman wasn't escorted personally by one of the players, it was supposed to be team only and it was one of the only reasons I came tonight. This one was alone and I had no energy for small talk with anyone, let alone a drunk ball chaser . Once upon a time, I may have been keen for her and for a night of fun while on the road, but not anymore.

When I still didn't say anything and again glanced at my watch she reached over and put her hand on my arm, squeezing. "Ooooh, you are much hotter in person."

I removed her arm and subtly slid further along the seat. The dress she wore barely covered anything and the only thing I could think of while taking in her obvious invitation was, I couldn't believe a year ago I would have accepted her silent offer.

"Sorry, I was actually just leaving." I said, pointing towards the boys, hoping she would take the hint so I could stand. I inwardly groaned when not only did she ignore my obvious rejection but moved in closer.

"I'm Gina." She said, leaning towards me. Spilling her drink again, I sighed, reaching for the napkins to clean the mess before it dripped over the edge and onto me or the seats. "I saw your game tonight. I bet you'd like someone to take your mind off things?"

She was right about that, but the implication that she could be the one I wanted to do so was not even close to accurate. With the amount of alcohol she'd had, based on her glazed eyes and the effort it was taking her to remain upright, I knew she likely wouldn't recall this interaction in the morning, however, I still didn't want to be rude.

"Gina, do you mind letting me pass?" I gestured to the end of the bench seat where she had me blocked in as she rubbed her thigh in an inviting manner.

"You want to dance?" She asked, "I love dancing." She added, smiling as she closed her eyes, taking far too long to open them again considering our dynamic. Where were her friends? She shouldn't even be alone when she was this trashed.

"Um, sure." I said, knowing it was going to be the only way to get her to let me out. I was starting to feel claustrophobic at the thought of not being free to leave and how being stuck with her could be perceived. Plus, the club was warm as it was and this wasn't helping with my need to get some fresh air and space.

She smiled and stood, holding onto the table as she swayed unsteadily on her feet and I followed quickly before she could change her mind.

"Gina, it was nice meeting you." I stepped away just as she lost her fight to remain upright and fell into me. Instinctively my hands shot out and I caught her by the upper arms as she glanced up at me and giggled. I directed her onto the seat we both just exited and while I wanted to hightail it out of there, I wasn't a total dick.

"I'm going to have security call you a cab, Gina." I said loudly over the music.

She reached her hand up and grabbed onto my shirt pulling me towards her. My hands again reached out, one grabbing hold of the table and the other on the chair, preventing her from what I think was an attempt to kiss me. In what was a far gentler move than she deserved, given I had been, until this point, patiently polite, I extricated her hand from my shirt.

"Like I said, I will have them call you a ride." I remarked, my tone now abrupt.

Why did people feel they could do whatever they liked just because they knew my face or name?

Turning, I didn't even bother hollering to the boys that I was leaving, instead telling the guard at the VIP entrance to get her water and a taxi before grabbing one of my own.

The flight home the next day was absolute hell.

Not only could I not use my phone, but as we boarded Jack had sheepishly shown me the latest headlines which were circulating across the web. I was again the most wanted celebrity in the country for photos and scoops, and it seemed there were plenty of journos who were willing to follow me at any opportunity to get whatever they could to fabricate a story.

There were images of Arna and I from the fundraiser last week, which in isolation, were the only good part about the entire fucking thing. Yet when these were contrasted with images of myself and bloody Gina with the caption - The Two-Timing Tales of Andy Gloss and his Double Play While on the Road - my blood boiled.

None of the boys had even tried to make a joke which told me they either realised it wouldn't have gone down well, or they were also annoyed with the constant media attention we faced. The two-hour flight was normally no big deal but the fact I hadn't heard from Arna made it feel like a lifetime. I wasn't fussed when she didn't reply to my good morning text, knowing she would still be asleep, but after finding out about how my night was misconstrued, my frantic texts and missed calls before the plane took off left me uncharacteristically apprehensive.

Did she believe their words? Was she angry, upset, or did she expect this from me?

Had I unintentionally fucked up whatever this was with her. Already.

Turning on the flight map to see how much longer we had, I sighed. Forty minutes of over-thinking. Would she even take my calls to let me explain or would she be the same as the millions before who took the photos as gospel.

I wouldn't blame her if she did because things didn't look good, but this was why I fucking hated those pricks who felt zero remorse when publishing total lies about someone they didn't even know.

The slimy prick had gotten a photo just as Gina fell onto me so it appeared as though I was about to hug her. The other picture captured was when she reached up to grab my shirt, my face blurred so it was with the reader to determine my interest. Within the space of eight days, I was photographed with two blondes and from photos alone it wasn't good. I couldn't have given a flying fuck about the way they described me as a playboy player or flirtatious footballer . My only care was for the way this made Arna seem as though she were one of many and that was the last thing I wanted. Because it couldn't have been further from the truth.

Lifting my hat, I ran my hands through my hair and rested my face in my palms. Wi-Fi on planes needed to be mandatory because this waiting game was excruciating. Lifting my face, I turned as someone plopped themselves into the empty seat next to me just before the blinding light from outside blasted into my eyes.

Jay sat back, moving into his own space after raising the window shade next to me.

"No use hiding in the dark, brother. What's done is done." His brows arched as if it was no big deal and I had no right to be wallowing. His headphones sat around his neck, as always, with not a care in the world and I vaguely remembered a time when that was me.

"Did you need something?" I mumbled, my head still resting in my hands.

"You to stop being a fucking sook." He hit my forearms causing me to sit up as he locked my tray table into place. "You can't be this upset over the loss yesterday so I'm going to say the sour look on your face is because Arna is squeezing your balls over the photos of you and that blonde chick."

"Jay, I'm doing my best not to lose my shit, so get to the point or piss off."

"Cap." He sighed and I looked over at him properly, squinting as the light reflected off the glass of his watch. He was always the first to pull a prank, make the team laugh or piss you the hell off but for once, he looked genuinely concerned. "Do I think you are already pussy whipped and lame as fuck? Yes."

I glared at him and he held his hands up, a grin lining his face. There was the Jay I knew.

"Sorry, you're making it too easy with a face like that. My point is you have half the team who saw what really happened last night. We have your back, brother. When we land, go and speak to that hot arse woman of yours and explain. She's not an idiot. You might find you're not giving her enough credit." Before I could respond, he put his headphones on, stood and danced his way back to his seat.

I turned to look out the window, puffs of cloud sitting below an otherwise breathtakingly beautiful blue sky. Looking down, the water appeared closer than it was, subtly moving as we soared by and I replayed what Jay said as I again looked at the images on my phone. At no point in time had Arna given me the impression she wouldn't believe me. That she was anything like the scumbags who printed the deceptive lies about me. She was the most intelligent person I knew, and as much as it pained me to even think, Jay was right. I wasn't giving her enough credit. As soon as the plane landed I needed to speak to her because I was quickly realising she wasn't someone I wanted to give up nor was she someone who deserved the rubbish the media pulled. And it was suddenly essential for her to know just how much I needed her in my life because I was a better person with her by my side.