Extra Time
"She manages a youth football club in Tower Hamlets—keeping Somali boys off the streets and on the pitch. He's the former professional player who volunteers as coach. Between drills and matches, they score something unexpected."
"These boys need discipline."
The new volunteer coach—Bile, former Arsenal academy, still moves like a player—surveys my ragged team.
"They need someone who believes in them."
"I can do both."
He transforms them.
Tactics, technique, the hunger to win. The boys worship him.
"Where'd you learn this?" I ask after practice.
"Failed dreams." He kicks a ball absently. "I know what it takes and what it costs."
"What happened?"
"Injury. Wrong place, wrong time." He looks at me. "Now I make sure these kids get the chances I didn't."
We work late.
Planning sessions, organizing matches, building something together.
"You care about them," he observes.
"They're my community."
"You're their mother, sister, and manager rolled into one." He steps closer. "Who takes care of you?"
"I don't need—"
"Everyone needs someone."
He kisses me after a victory.
The boys chanting, parents celebrating, and us in the chaos of triumph.
"Sorry," he says. "Caught up in the moment."
"Don't apologize." I pull him back. "Do it again."
We make love in the equipment room.
Footballs and cones and the smell of grass and victory.
"Bile—"
"I've wanted this since tryouts."
"That was your first day."
"I knew then." He pushes into me. "Some things you just know."
We become the club's power couple.
Running practices, winning tournaments, building futures.
"The boys asked about us," he says.
"What'd you tell them?"
"That we're a team." He produces a ring. "But I want to make it official. Captain and manager. Forever."
"Is this a proposal or a contract?"
"Both." He grins. "Marry me. Let's win everything together."
I say yes.
Best signing of the season.