Now, Lily seems to have everything she needs to cook a delicious meal, together with fresh berries, juice, and fresh bread, which she’s plating up as I watch her.
I’m excited for Lily to meet Harriet who works for me; an elderly woman who seemed very interested in meeting Lily when I called and asked her to help me get everything ready for her.
And her interest in my getting the apartment as prepared as possible for this “friend” of mine, as she put it, made her very curious.
Although I insisted we were just friends, Harriet wasn’t convinced, saying it seemed like a lot of effort for a “friend”.
When I told her that Lily is the sister of my best friend, she just shrugged her shoulders and said, “I’m just saying this is a lot of effort, Sebastian James. I like it.”
Harriet is the only one who uses both of my names, even though I’ve told her to keep to Sebastian.
She insists on calling me James as well, saying it’s more mature and that I should embrace it.
The only other person who occasionally uses my double name is my mother, and only when I’m in trouble. I’ve grown out of most lectures beginning with “Sebastian James Bennet.”
I’m curious to see how Lily and Harriet will get along. I have a feeling the women will become quick friends.
Harriet cooks great meals all the time, but it feels different, in a good way, to have Lily preparing something for us to enjoy together.
I look through Lily’s cabinets, setting the table whilst she finishes and plates the food before we sit down.
When I take the first bite my eyes roll back in my head as my taste buds go on a journey.
“That good, huh?” Lily asks me, clearly pleased with her cooking abilities.
She seemed to enjoy herself whilst cooking, humming along to the music from the speakers and moving around her new space effectively.
I’m glad to see her adapting quickly to her apartment.
“Yes, this is amazing, Lily. I might have to come down for breakfast often,” I say, looking forward to seeing what she’ll come up with next time.
“Great. I can cook a stellar dinner as well,” she says, and after this meal, I have no doubts.
It’s not just the food, but the company.
Even though I love Harriet and we often share meals, it’s not the same as having a meal with a friend or family member.
When I moved to Europe to pursue my football career, it felt like a dream come true.
My athletic dreams have come true ever since I took that step, but it also comes at a cost, in some ways.
Not having my family and friends as close as I used to is the top one.
Suddenly, everyday things like having a meal with family or friends became something I missed dearly.
I’ve made great friends on the team, and I invite them over to my condo once a week.
Sometimes we order takeout and play video games. Other times, we’ll enjoy a meal cooked by Harriet and play board games or poker.
Having breakfast with Lily is different, in a good way. It feels like a little bit of home wrapped up in a person whom I got to take with me from the US.
Even though the guys on the team are great, we’re still colleagues in a way.
And although Lily and I are as well, technically—or at least working partners for her project—we’re first and foremost friends.
“I’m so excited to see the stadium. Do you think I can watch the practice from the bench?”
Lily is eager to learn more about the sport, and I’m excited to teach her all about football.