Being the niece of a football club owner wasn't terribly bad. I mean, I get to hang out with 'sexy' footballers everyday and being her personal assistant means I get paid pretty damn well. Although, the smell of the locker room and the general facility just stinks of… well lynx Africa and feet.
"Amy, when is Mr Lasso due to arrive?" My aunt asked down the telephone at 3am. I sighed, rubbing my eyes as I dragged my long ginger locks into a messy bun – the shadows beneath my eyes telling the story I refused to. The driver who she had originally booked was sick so now I'm responsible for picking up the two Americans. Not the best idea considering Im running on steam right now. And by steam I mean tea, coffee and a whole lot of red bulls.
"I'm going to pick him up now. I've said this a million times B."
"Hey, just because I'm your auntie doesn't mean you can give me attitude." Her tone was sincere but I knew she wouldn't ever fire me. She relies on me far too much. Plus it's too early to be civilized. Speaking of…
"I mean it kinda does…" I paused, shoving my toothbrush in my mouth and aggressively brushing while holding the phone close to my gob so she can hear the nail biting sound she absolutely hates. You can imagine she loves the quarterly trip to the hygienist.
"Oh Jesus, that's disgusting."
I chuckled, a piece of foaming toothpaste dribbling out of my mouth as I entertained myself as if I were a toddler.
"You love it really." I added before looking at the time. "I'll text you later okay." I mumbled with a mouthful of foam, quickly finishing up my brushing before spitting the excess into the sink. "I've gotta shoot or I'll be late."
"Drive safe. And don't forget that he has his friend too."
I paused, looking at myself in the mirror as my eyebrows raised. "I mean, he's the second coach B…"
"You know what I mean. See you soon."
She hung up as I used a face cloth to wipe my face, dragging the cold damp towel across my pale freckled skin as I attempt to make myself presentable. Unfortunately for me, my aunt is a bombshell of a woman and due to that I feel the need to make myself look incredibly… shitty because I have no motivation to do any different. Unless we have business meetings with a bunch of uptight assholes who completely ignore my existence anyway. That's only if I'm not bent over to rub my ankles because some demon invented high heels , or if they happen to be taller than me and choose to gaze directly at my chest even though I wear very modest clothing to prevent any drawing of the eye. I shuddered and walked into my bedroom, grabbing some navy blue joggers and the AFC Richmond hoodie, it was too early for anything other than comfy sweats. At least I'll look the part.
I stood outside arrivals for a very brief hour and a half because my stupid phone was acting up and didn't notify me of the planes late departure at the other end. I stood, turning to face the wall of arrivals as my eyes slowly blinked shut, a yawn escaping my lips loudly, which then set of the need to stretch, my arms raising above my head as I felt my muscles release.
"Well somebody sure is plum-tuckered."
Plum tuckered? I thought as I flinched at the male southern voice from behind me, my body turning to see two tall males casting shadows over me. It was like looking at the drama masks. One had a giant grin and a rather impressive mustache, the other? He had a heavy beard and looked… well expressionless. I could barely see his eyes from beneath his hat.
"Coach Lasso and coach uhm…" I looked at the man's name who I forgot.
"Beard."
"Beard..?"
He nodded and I chose not to go into that any further. I smiled at them both and gestured for them to follow me.
"I was going to make the first stop Café Nero, if either of you two fancied anything?"
Ted immediately fell into stride beside me as did Coach Beard.
"I'm not sure what that is but I would love a cup of coffee. I barely caught a damn wink on that flight." Lasso spoke, my ears listening, my eyes alert as they guided the rest of my body through the crowds.
"Yeah, I'm not one of the lucky few that can sleep on planes either."
"I was asleep the entire time." Beard added and I glanced at him for a brief moment and nodded.
"Congratulations."
I stopped outside Nero and took out my purse. "What do you both want?" I asked and Ted put his hand on my purse, his fingers brushing mine as he pushed it down.
"No Ma'am, it wouldn't be very gentleman like to have you buying our coffees."
I smiled, enjoying the fact he called me ma'am before shaking my head. "I insist. Think of it as a welcome gift."
"I'll take a black coffee." Beard spoke, straight to the point. He didn't need much convincing apparently.
I nodded in response. "Simple man, I like it. How about you Coach?" I gazed up at him and he contemplated for a moment before saying the same thing.
"Nice an easy, I'll be right back."
I disappeared into a group of people and ordered our drinks, two large Americanos and a triple shot caramel latte for myself. I needed the caffeine and the caramel just added a sugar boast to top it all off. I paid for our drinks and as I walked away, holding onto the burning hot cups I regretted my decision in turning down the holder, my fingers were stinging like crazy and I swear my eyes were starting to water as I fought through the discomfort – breaking back in to the line of sight of the two men – Ted, like the gentleman he is, immediately saw my discomfort and pushed gently through a couple and grabbed the drinks from me.
"Thank you, I'm not quite sure how many fingerprints left after that."
"Well hey, look on the bright side. You'd be the perfect assassin." He chuckled at his own joke and I smirked, my eyes rolling before I checked my watch.
"Let's get going. I wanted to show you some spots before I take you to the club."
Beard was already gulping at his caffeinated lava and Ted just smiled down at me. "We were hoping to make some stops too."
"I gathered as much. May as well show you the sights before you're thrown in with the lads."
"The lads?"
"The footballers. They can be…" I paused, bringing the delicious nectar to my lips as I took a sip. "Rowdy at times."
"Any other things we should know?"
I scoffed and nodded. "I'll tell you on the ride there."
"Well alright, I look forward to it."
I took the two of them to Tower Bridge and the London Eye. They didn't need much time there so we made our way back to the club and I guided them through the halls.
"They your boyfriends clothes, Amy?!" One of the younger footballers shouted out and I grinned in passing before responding.
"Yeah they're your dads. Tell him thanks for the good night!"
The young lads face dropped and I chuckled as I walked to the staircase.
"Are they really his dads?" Ted asked and I let out a loud laugh, my hand reaching out and grabbing the banister.
"God no! It's just banter. Gotta give it back to survive with this lot."
"I see." Beard spoke to me for the first time in an hour and I turned and walked up the stairs, walking straight into the Rebecca's office.
"Oh you survived then?" She muttered and I sneakily flipped her off before stepping to the side.
"This is Coach Ted Lasso and this is Coach Beard…" I looked behind Ted and noticed his friend wasn't behind him. "Never mind… Just Lasso." I moved to the couch and collapsed onto it, my face pressing into the velvet cushion.
"Ah yes, so happy to have you." She glanced at me for a moment before greeting Ted. I could hear them chatting but I completely zoned out, I was literally on the cusp of sleep before Rebecca yelled my name and shocked me awake.
"Will you introduce him to everyone and set him up at his flat please?"
"Are you paying me overtime?"
"No…"
"Are you sure?"
I peeled my face off the pillow, my eyes starting to become red from the lack of sleep.
"Fine. Off you go."
She walked off and I sat up, my hair falling free from my bun as the broken elastic fell into my lap, just what I needed to look more crappy. I groaned through my copper waves and stood, tripping over my own feet and into Ted. Thankfully he is more alert than I am and he remained standing, his arms wrapping around my waist as he pulled me to my feet.
"Not an early bird are ya?"
"What gave it away?" I joked, my fingers brushing my hair back off my face. Ted holding on until he was certain I wasn't going to fall over again. "I'm okay… thank you Coach…"
"Please, call me Ted."
I nodded and gave him a tired smile.
"Thank you, Ted."
He smiled brightly and released his grip so I could lead the way to the locker room. Thankfully it was a short walk and I was able to grab Coach Beard on the way.
"Don't let them smell your fear."
"They can't be that bad."
I remained silent as I walked into the locker room, whistling loudly for their attention.
"Eyes up!"
The entire team turned and I smiled, I love it when they actually listen to me. Even if their arses are hanging out their shorts.
"This here is Coach Lasso and this is Coach Beard." They all looked at each other a moment with confusion. "Roll with it gents. You are going to be on your best behavior alright?"
"Fuck off Amy!"
"Eat Glass!" I yelled back, leaning over to catch a hair tie Jamie pinged at me. I mimed my thanks before I turned and tapped Ted on the chest, giving him my best smile. "Your office is just through that door and uh, I'll be around if you need me."
"I'm sure we will be just fine." He smiled brightly again and my heart melted a little bit. The poor guy was going to be eaten alive.
"I admire your optimism. I'll see you in an hour or so."
I was dosing in my office as a loud bang on the door woke me up, nearly knocking me off my chair.
"I didn't mean to wake you ma'am."
"Don't apologize Ted. I shouldn't have been sleeping on the job." I yawned, standing up before walking over to him. "How did it go?"
"It went well, I think we will be just fine."
"So They mocked your accent and ignored your authority then?"
"Yep."
I tapped his chest again and stepped out the hall way, seeing Beard waiting patiently.
"Let's get you two settled in to your new flats and start again tomorrow shall we?"
"That sounds like a great plan."
