It was a week after Richmond's match against Newcastle. After an intense 90 minutes, Alex witnessed her first tied game that didn't go into overtime. Tied games are as wrong to Americans as blowing out someone else's birthday cake.

Alex had the apartment to herself today - Uncle Ted was spending the day with Rebecca Welton. They were in the kitchen having breakfast when Rebecca called him in a frantic state. From what Alex was able to gather, there was a charity benefit happening tomorrow night and she was struggling to have everything ready in time. Ted volunteered to help Rebecca despite her clear protests on the other end of the phone. Alex didn't have time to ask any questions before he quickly made his way out the door. She still needed to ask Beard what was going on between them. Whatever relationship they had, it had to be healthier than the ones she was currently watching on tv.

Alex was on the couch and completely sucked into a reality show she found called Lust Conquers All. She decided it would be a great way to better understand British culture.

"I can't believe Jamie had jacuzzi sex with Janice. He asked me to marry him, not that hag!" The blonde on tv sobbed during her interview.

Alex blindly reached for another chip as she sympathized with Amy. "Poor thing. Who has sex in a jacuzzi? It sounds uncomfortable."

Alex couldn't decide if the producers were purposefully making Jamie Tartt the 'bad guy' on the show or if it was his own doing. Alex met Toby Maguire at a little diner in Witchita five years ago and he was not the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man she expected. Ever since then she wasn't so quick to believe everything she saw on tv. However, hooking up with all the women on the show wasn't a good look for Jamie. Maybe she shouldn't have shared her muffins with him.

As she watched poor Amy sniffle her way through her confessional, her phone started buzzing on the coffee table. The new contact on her phone lit up the screen.

"Hey, Keeley! What's up?"

"Hi, babe! Get your sexy self ready to go. I'll be knocking on Ted's flat in about 10 minutes."

"Wait, what?" She sat up on the couch. "What's going on?"

"A little birdy with a mustache and midwestern accent told me you'll be needing a dress for the charity benefit tomorrow night."

Her stomach did a flip as she realized what Keeley was saying to her. "I thought the guest list was already made before I came here."

"That's right," Keeley drawled out, "And you're Ted's plus one."

Alex groaned. "I'm no good at parties. I'll just end up sitting at the table trying not to embarrass myself."

Keeley tsked on her end of the phone. "Not on my watch, babe. When Keeley Jones and alcohol are together, everyone has a great time."

For her sake, she hoped Keeley was right. "I gotta go put on some pants, then." She hung up the phone and reluctantly turned off the tv.

When Keeley arrived, Alex awkwardly learned that pants in the UK meant underwear. She still had a lot of slang to learn.

The event was in full swing when Ted and Alex arrived the following evening. He was dressed in a new navy-blue suit with a light blue dress shirt and striped-blue tie. When she asked him to wear a charming bowtie, he was adamant against it saying, "This country already had one Winston Churchill." Whatever that meant. They sneaked past the photographers, as neither of them was a fan of having their pictures taken.

As they approached their table in the center of the room, everyone else was arriving as well. Keeley and Roy were hand in hand; Keeley wearing a fabulous red dress in a fit-and-flare cut, and Roy of course wearing an entirely black suit and a frown. Jamie strolled up with his hair pushed back without the hairband he usually wore, a black sheer dress shirt that was only buttoned half of the way, tucked into shiny black dress pants.

Nate looked dashing in his light grey suit, white dress shirt, and spotted blue tie. He pulled out Alex's chair for her to sit, setting off everyone to take their seats.

"Look at us." Ted said proudly at everyone around the table. "Keeley and Roy are going strong, Nate the Great got an even sharper suit, and Jamie actually found a shirt to wear this year."

Laughter erupted around the table as everyone examined Jamie's attire. He took the teasing with ease. "I just didn't want to distract from the big night, yeah? I'm growing as a person."

"I wouldn't actually call it a shirt. I've been losing a staring contest with his nipples for the past five minutes." Roy quipped, causing Jamie to send a glare his way.

"I admit it does look rather see-through in this lighting, but still an improvement." Ted said positively.

"I think you all look really nice." Alex piped up from her spot between Nate and Ted.

"You look lovely." Nate told her, looking at her with his usual kind eyes.

"Thank you, Nate." She blushed, "Keeley picked it out."

Yesterday they drove all the way to London to shop at the boutiques. It was quite the experience listening to Keeley rap along to Nicki Minaj for 40 minutes in the car.

They found a gorgeous green floor length satin gown at Suzannah London. Alex was nervous to try it on, but once she looked at herself in the mirror, all her nerves went away. She'd never had something fit so well and show off her curves in such a flattering way. Keeley insisted she get it. However, Alex almost passed out when she saw the price tag. They went back in forth for a while when Keeley generously offered to pay for the dress. "Babe, I'm fucking rich. Trust me, I can afford to pay for it." And that was the end of the discussion and here Alex sat, feeling so beautiful for the first time in a long time.

"Doesn't she look proper fit?" Keeley beamed, looking at Roy for his approval. "I wish I could have tits like that-"

Uncle Ted cleared his throat to cut Keeley off. "Let's not discuss Lexie's anatomy in front of me. As beautiful as she is, in my mind she doesn't have those parts."

Jamie shot up from the table, "I need a fucking drink. Anyone else?"

Everyone's hands raised.

Rebecca was making her rounds interacting with all the guests. The fake smile she learned years ago was starting to wear off. All she wanted to do was slip out of this entirely too expensive dress and take a hot bath. Knowing Rupert wasn't going to show up this time took some of the stress off her shoulders, but there was still so much left that could easily go wrong tonight. She looked down at her gold watch. Fucking hell, there was still three hours to go.

"Well take my breath away," The charming American drawl had Rebecca turning her head. "Boss, you look…" Ted was speechless for a moment as he looked at her. "You look incredible."

A genuine smiled graced her face for the first time that evening. "Thank you, Ted. You look so handsome."

They stared at each other for a moment before Rebecca broke the silence, "I um, was able to find the performer, Cam Cole, from last year to play for us again."

"Oh, that's fantastic!" Ted grinned. "That fella is so talented. If Dave Grohl and Kurt Cobain were able to conceive, he would be their baby."

After a year of knowing him, she still didn't know how to respond when Ted said strange things like that. She'd never admit it to a single soul, but that was a part of his personality Rebecca adored. Ted Lasso was unapologetically himself in every situation. Oh god, stop thinking about him like that, she thought. Clearly, she didn't have enough alcohol in her system.

"Would you like another drink, Ted?"

Meanwhile, Jamie watched from the bar as Alexandra laughed at something Nate said to her. He'd struggled not to look at her all night. The bashful smile she wore when she first got there told him she didn't dress up much. And what a shame that was. She looked gorgeous in her form-fitting green dress that enhanced the streaks of red in her hair and made her pale skin glow. Her skin looked so soft.

"Don't even think about it." The deep baritone voice snapped Jamie out of his stare. He shifted his gaze to a pair of dark, knowing eyes.

"What are you on about, old man?"

"Ted will kill you if you fuck his niece." Roy stated bluntly, signaling to the bartender for a beer of his own.

Jamie shifted away in annoyance. "Don't you think I know that? I'm staying away from her."

Roy didn't know why he was trying to help the twat. The more he thought about Ted Lasso punching Tartt in the face, the more joy he felt in his heart. "Just picture an angry mustache coming at you. It's hilarious for me but bad news for you."

So far Jamie thought he was doing a good job of keeping her at a distance. He'd realized the mistake he made flirting with her the day they met. Lasso had just taken him back as a member of the team. He couldn't afford to risk losing his trust again.

"It's bad enough that I ate her muffin." He took a swig of his beer.

"Oh my god, Jamie! You already slept with her?!" The wild accusation came from behind him in the form of a tiny, angry Keeley Jones.

Jamie needed more alcohol. "I didn't fuck her! She gave me a muffin and I couldn't resist. First time I've had sugar in bloody ages."

"To be fair, they were fucking delicious." Roy slid an arm around Keeley's waist as she drew closer. She kept her eyes trained on Jamie in suspicion.

"She's too sweet to be one of your one-night stands, Jamie."

Keeley felt protective of the redhead. They spent a lovely day together yesterday. Alex confided in Keeley about her insecurities and struggles, and it broke Keeley's heart that she had such a low opinion of herself. She hoped Alex would start to see herself for what she was- a strong and beautiful young woman. Keeley understood better than anyone what an egotistical man could do to a girl's self-esteem. No, Jamie was not what Alex needed right now.

"Did you not hear what I just said? I'm not interested in Lasso's niece, alright?" Jamie hissed, grabbing his beer and taking off towards the restroom.

Roy gave Keeley a reassuring squeeze, "Don't worry, babe. The prick can't be that stupid."

Keeley was not convinced.

"This is my niece and I at the zoo last spring." Nate was showing Alex pictures of his family as they sat together.

They'd been at the benefit for an hour and everyone else had gotten up to wander. Alex preferred people watching instead of mingling, and it seemed Nate did as well.

"She's so cute!" She gushed as she looked at his niece's gap-toothed smile an adorable curly hair. "You two have the same eyes."

Nate blushed nervously, "Really? No one has said that before."

She nodded confidently, "You both have warm and kind brown eyes."

Alex took a long sip of her champagne and she sensed Nate staring at her while she did so.

Oh boy this champagne is strong, Alex thought as she used her best poker face to mask her grimace. She had only drank alcohol a few times in her life. Alex preferred spending money on beverages that actually taste good. She had to admit, the champagne was helping her anxiety tonight and, more importantly, it was free.

Her eyes wandered around the room trying to spot familiar faces. Roy and Jamie were at the bar together, which was odd seeing them willingly close to each other. According to her uncle, the two fought like cats and dogs. She started to giggle to herself as she pictured Roy as a sophisticated, pompous cat and Jamie as a wild, energetic dog chasing each other around the football pitch.

"What's so funny?" Nate inquired, wanting in on the joke.

Alex shook her head, "I think the champagne might be starting to go to my head."

Her eyes caught onto the powerful yet graceful form of Rebecca Welton. That woman sure knew how to command a room. Rebecca wore an impeccable vintage gown made of golden silk. She was ravishing.

Uncle Ted was standing to her right, talking closely in her ear. There was a happy gleam in his eye as his words made Rebecca throw her head back delicately to laugh. They looked so natural with each other. Alex eyed them over the rim of her glass. God, they were so obvious. Where was Keeley when she needed her? Coach Beard was off somewhere with Jane, so she couldn't pester him with her questions.

"Nate," Alex spoke, dragging his attention away from his own glass. "Is there something going on between Rebecca and my uncle?"

He sputtered his champagne onto the table. "I um… It's not my business-"

Alex turned in her chair to look at him straight on. "Nate, gossip with me please?! I have to talk about them. It's been driving me crazy!"

Nate looked at her pleading face and his resistance started to crumble. "I totally ship them." He blurted out in relief.

"Oh my god, I knew it wasn't just me!"

"Their chemistry is obvious," Nate's eyes lit up animatedly. "I mean, the sexual tension is just-"

"Ewe, too far! He's still my uncle!" Alex wrinkled her nose, feeling disgusted as an unwanted, intimate image flashed in her mind.

"Sorry," Nate said sheepishly. "Would you like some more champagne?"

Alex politely declined, already feeling tingly from the two glasses she'd had. If she drank any more things might get a bit sloppy.

"I think I'm going to head outside for a minute to get some air.

Jamie saw brilliant red hair passing through the crowd of people out of the corner of his eye. Coach's niece was making her way to the exit, stumbling as she went.

She was clearly a bit drunk and going outside alone. Jamie cursed and finished off his beer before following her. He wouldn't feel right letting her drunkenly wander outside by herself.

Once he was outside, Jamie's eyes swept the area rapidly until they landed on her dark green dress. She was sitting on the front steps, looking up at the sky.

He shifted awkwardly, debating if he should let her know he was there or stand back until she went inside again. Unfortunately, the universe decided for him when a drunken twat wearing a Richmond scarf started screaming, "Oi! It's Jamie Tartt! Jamie Tartt doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo!"

The prat stumbled over, and Jamie cringed as he looped on arm around his shoulder for a picture. The drunken idiot could have picked a better smelling liquor to get shit faced from. "Alright, you got your photo now piss off!"

"Classic Jamie Tartt!" The lad didn't even care he'd just been barked at by the footballer as he stared at his phone screen. "When are you twats gonna actually win a game? Maybe it's time to fire that fucking yank and send him back to the States? He's fucking pathetic!"

Jamie felt the anger start to rise in his chest. No one was allowed to disrespect Coach Lasso and get away with it. "You fucking prick-"

"Maybe it's time for you to learn some manners." The soft yet angry voice behind them had both men turning their heads.

The redhead had fire in her eyes as she stood with her hands defensively on her generous hips. "Ted Lasso is a better man than you could ever hope to be. Now get out of here before both of my 4-inch heels find a new home in your ass! They're uncomfortable as hell, I'd be happy to get rid of them."

The coward quickly scurried off, mumbling his apology as he went. Jamie watched the girl as she angrily raked a hand through her hair. How was this the same stuttering girl who made the team muffins a few days ago?

"I'm not an angry person, but if you mess with my family – it's fucking on." She huffed, tucking her hair behind her ears.

Jamie looked down at her with amusement dancing in his blue eyes. "Easy, firecracker. The wanker's gone now, and I'm on your side. Lasso is a good man."

"Sorry, I think the champagne also played a part in that. I'm usually not so…"

"Feisteh?"

It took Alex a second to understand his pronunciation. His Manchester accent must get thicker when he drinks. The way he was smirking at her right now also slowed down her brain a bit. She flushed under his gaze.

"You can definitely take care of yourself."

She blinked in surprise. "I can?" Alex paused before standing taller and speaking more confidently. "I mean, yes I can."

Jamie regarded her with one last amused look before turning his head towards the entrance. "I've got to head back in." His tone implied his displeasure. "They're going to start the auction soon."

"Auction?" She asked curiously, still standing in the same spot even though her feet were screaming at her to sit down.

"Yeah," He sighed with disdain. "Us fit athletes stand on stage and get sold like cattle to horny old women. It's a great fucking time."

She concealed a giggle as she replied sympathetically, "Well good luck in there." Alex turned back around to plop down on the steps.

"You're not comin'?" He gestured to the doors behind him, slight concern passing over his face.

Alex shrugged, "I just need some air for a while. Parties like this aren't really my thing."

Jamie nodded understandingly before heading for the entrance. He turned around right before he reached it to say, "I'll see you around, Alexandra."

Oh, she liked the way he said her name. Alex had to admit, his Manchester accent did fuzzy things to her insides. Or maybe that was just the alcohol talking. Wait, he does know my name.

By the time she realized what he'd said he was already back inside the building. She looked around the busy street for a moment, watching people holding hands and laughing together. A pang of loneliness struck her. After digging through her clutch for a moment to retrieve her phone, she did what she should've done days ago and pressed the phone to her ear as it rang.

"Hi, mom." Alex smiled, already feeling her eyes getting misty. "I miss you."