Dropping the two of them off was the easy part. Driving myself home when I was barely conscious was the hard part. Unlike my aunt I drive myself places, because I'm independent and not at all because I'm no where near as rich as she is. I yawned as I unlocked the door of my flat, the keys fumbling in my hands as I kicked it open with my foot.

It was only 6pm but I didn't care, I was going straight to sleep. Bypassing dinner and a shower because I really don't have the energy left to do anything other than dragging my body to my bed and collapsing. I slipped out of my shoes and slumped my way to my bedroom, my body falling forward as I submerged myself in my soft mattress and duvet – my hand extending to grab my pillow as I curled around it like an armadillo.

"Finally…" I let out a sigh of content, my eyes flickering shut as I let the exhaustion consume me, the darkness of sleep cradling my tired body within seconds.

Waking up to my phone vibrating beneath my stomach was not the way I wanted to start my day. I groaned, my body stretching itself out like a starfish as I released my muscles from being stuck in one position the entire night.

I slid my hand underneath my belly, gripping my still buzzing phone before dragging it out and putting it to my ear.

"Hello…?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake ya."

Teds voice echoed down the phone and I checked the time, it was 5:30am.

"I'm going to let you off because of the jet lag and time difference…" I mumbled, sour that I was awake this early.

"I just wanted to know if you'd like to get breakfast with me? I'd like to ask you some questions about the team, if that's alright?"

I paused, contemplating the thought of food and my stomach grumbled loudly in response.

"I believe your stomach just agreed for you there."

He commented, my eyes narrowing at my stomach as i mimed the word 'traitor.'

"Give me half an hour and I'll meet you outside your place."

"Okie dokie, see you soon."

I hung up and grabbed the pillow beside me, screaming into it for a few seconds before I dragged myself up and into the bathroom for a shower. Today is going to be another long ass day.

I was walking towards Teds place before I noticed he was already standing outside waiting with two coffees in his hands.

"Well well, no sweat pants today?"

I shrugged, looking down at my loose blue mom jeans and my tucked dark green baggy jumper.

"I thought I'd make the effort for you Ted." I smiled playfully and he grinned, nodding slowly as he handed me a coffee.

"Caramel latte right?"

I was surprised he remembered that piece of information. "Yeah, good memory." I took the cup and immediately sipped it, my body shivering with satisfaction.

"That good huh?"

"Very much so. Thank you." My eyes warmed to him and he smiled, adjusting the collar of the shirt he was wearing beneath his jacket.

"Where is good for breakfast?"

"I got some stuff in my bag that I picked up on the way. We can eat at work. Nobody will be in for another few hours."

"An organized woman, I like that." He smiled. "Lead the way."

I chuckled before turning around, grabbing my keys from my pocket and heading back to my car.

"So what's up with Roy Kent?"

Ted asked as he added ketchup to has bacon sandwich. Absolute monster. Brown sauce is the only acceptable accompaniment.

"He is, uh…" I paused, licking my lips as I thought about the best way to describe him. "A great footballer but an absolute grumpy bastard."

"Uh-huh…" he paused and took a bite, finishing his food before talking again. "And Jamie?"

I scoffed at his name. "Jamie is extremely self obsessed, is not a team player and in his world, Jamie is the only one who exists."

"Interesting."

"He's a fantastic footballer though, he just knows it."

He nodded and finished his sandwich, wiping his fingers on the napkins I provided.

"That was probably the best bacon sandwich I've ever had."

"You should try it with brown sauce next time. It'll blow your mind."

"I'll be sure to do that."

I balled up my rubbish and threw it across the room, straight into the bin.

"Well, someone's got a good arm." Ted said playfully, a smile on his face.

"I'm actually shocked that went in but sure. Let's go with what you said."

I let out a little laugh and Ted's gaze didn't leave my face, which obviously made me blush because nobody ever looks at me for too long, they know better than that.

"Uhm… The team should be in now so you should probably head down there."

"Yeah… Fancy accompanying me?" He stood and I looked at my calendar. I didn't have anything on right now.

"Sure. I can make sure the boys behave for you."

Was I telling the truth? Absolutely not but he doesn't know that. I mean I have some sway with them but when it comes to them listening or doing what I say, that all depends on the what and the why.

I got up and dusted any remaining crumbs off my jumper, walking around my desk to see Ted smiling at me with ketchup on his upper lip and

mustache.

"You have a little something?" I pointed to his lip and he completely missed, I shook my head and he tried again but managed to completely avoid the area in question.

"Allow me." I licked my thumb and brushed it across his upper lip, the bristles tickling the tip of my thumb. "Can't give the boys any more ammunition now, can we?"

"No Ma'am.." he said softly as I wiped the ketchup off my finger with a tissue. "Thank you."

"Any time." I stepped away from him and walked out my office, heading down the corridor towards the loud arguing in the locker room. "Ah shit." I started to jog and I pushed open the door quickly, Ted right behind me as I see Coach Beard just standing there as Jamie and Roy hash it out.

"Fuck sake guys, can we not do this today?" I moved forward, my hands gripping the top of Roy's shoulders as I pull him back, unknowingly allowing Jamie's fist to hum past his face and collide with my cheekbone, causing me to stumble backwards, falling straight onto the ground – the slap of my body loud in the now deadly silent locker room.

"Holy shit Amy, I'm so fucking sorry." Jamie was at my side and trying to help me but I was a little dazed, I'm not gonna lie. I didn't think the guy could throw a punch like that.

"Everybody, on the field, now." Teds voice was loud and commanding, the team slowly filtering out one by one as they looked at me in shock.

"Jamie go, I'm fine."

"Fuck off are you fine, the little prick just clocked you." Roy was standing behind Jamie and I held up my hand to shut him up.

"And he punches as hard as my 95 year old grandma, so both of you fuck off and get to practice."

I shoved Jamie and he got up and left the room, Roy looking at me and at him repeatedly before I glared at him. Beard was already out with them as Ted shuffled toward me, clutching an ice pack in his hand.

"Are you alright?" He crouched down beside me as I adjusted my position, sitting up slowly as I pressed my back against the locker behind me, my legs crossed beneath me.

"I wasn't kidding about his punch Ted." I said jokingly, trying not to let how much it hurt me show.

"We'll hold this on there for a while." He pressed the ice pack against my cheek, a small wince escaping my lips as I lifted my hand to hold it myself.

"Yes Coach." I smiled at him in thanks as I looked at the clock. "Best get out there, make them run a bunch a laps for me would you."

"You sure you're gonna be okay?"

I lifted my eyes to see him gazing at me, worry in his eyes.

"Of course I will, don't worry about me. Now go, before they give you more shit than yesterday."

"If you're sure…?

"Yes Ted, I'm quite sure."

I forced a big smile even though it hurt my cheek to do so. I knew he didn't quite believe what I was saying but hey, he had a job to do. I remained on the floor as he left and I leaned my hair back, closing my eyes as I let out a deep sign. Jamie is a prick, yes. However we get on quite well and he wouldn't do anything to harm me. Roy is the same, he's like a big brother to me so I'm surprised he didn't break Jamie's neck for punching me. Honestly, they say us women cause drama but they clearly haven't been in a men's football locker room.

"What the hell happened to you?" My aunt was standing in the door way and I looked up, extending my hand out so she could help me up. She rolled her eyes and walked towards me, her heels clicking loudly in the room as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet.

"The usual, the ladies we're arguing and I got in the way."

"I've told you not to get close when they get like that." Her voice softened and she looked at my cheek, a fresh purple bruise starting to peel through.

"Do you want a drink?" She asked and I nodded sternly.

"It's 10am?"

"So?"

"Hard to argue with that."

She laughed and we walked out, at least from her office I could keep an eye on the team practicing. This really is going to be a long day.