Silence and patience, pining
Leah
Camp continues over the next 10 days as expected. Rotating between training, recovery, rest and evenings with the girls. Leah's always liked being at camp. Getting to see everyone that plays overseas all in one place and catching up.
On the second to last morning she sat in the dining room with Lucy. Bronze is on her third bowl of porridge.
‘So Lee,’ Lucy says in between mouthfuls, ‘anyone catch your eye?’
‘Well Keira is looking great recently nobody can get past her feet and Millie's has been a brick wall in training and Mearps has had a clean sheet the last three practice games so I think the team is looking really solid.’ Leah reals off her analysis of the players while Lucy just stares at her.
‘Yeah that's all great Lee but not what I meant at all.’
‘What do you mean then?’ Leah looks at her confused.
‘I meeeeaaannnn,’ Lucy draws out her words for emphasis, ‘have you got your eye on anyone.’ Lucy winks at her and laughs.
‘Oh? Oh god no.’ Leah stumbles through her words.
‘Hmm that's not what i have noticed’ Lucy chimes back.
‘I don’t know what you are talking about.’
‘I’m talking about a certain striker that you haven’t been able to peel your eyes away from for the last 10 days.’ Lucy finishes and takes the last bite of her breakfast.
‘And who would that be?’ Leah retorts.
Lucy puts down her spoon and wipes her mouth on a napkin. She looks around slowly and then nods her head over to the right.
‘Miss Alessia Russo over there.’
Leah doesn’t look. ‘I don’t know what you are talking about’
‘Surrreee Lee,’ Lucy laughs, ‘If it's any consolation I don't think anyone else has noticed and neither has Russo from the look of things.’
Leah starts to fidget her hands.
‘We are just friends.’
‘Oh yeah for sure and all friends eye-fuck each other while they play football.’
Leah splutters on her orange juice, ‘LUCY!’
Lucy throws her head back laughing.
‘Look I assume you just haven’t come to terms with what you are feeling so clearly yet but once you do you can give me a call.’
‘If I agree, does that mean this conversation will be over?’ Leah says harshly.
‘Ouch Lee, don’t shoot the messenger,’ Lucy says as she playfully clutches at her heart feigning hurt.
Leah rolls her eyes and stands up from the table to take her empty plate back.
As she walks she passes by Alessia's table. She is sitting, talking and laughing with Georgia and Mary. Leah’s eyes linger a little too long and Alessia notices. She gives the defender a small smile and then goes back to her conversation. Leah, heart humming, keeps walking.