Page 57 of Rivals and Liars

"I need you to tell me first whether it would bother you if I did."

"As long as you don't get into the details of what we got up to in your room, I don't mind," the redhead says, trying to ease the tension she can feel in her girl's voice.

Leire lets out a small laugh.

"You know I wouldn't. But the rest of it — would you be comfortable with that?"

"I don't have a problem with it, sweetheart. But I need to understand why you want to do this. You've always been so private about these things, Leire. And if you're doing it for me—"

"I want to do it for me, Kate. I need to. But I won't do anything if it makes you uncomfortable."

"Then go for it," the Australian says.

"Thank you. I love you," Leire says before hanging up.

She keeps walking for another hour before heading toward a cab stand, using the time to turn over what Kate said — that so much has changed in her life all at once — and she's right. Everything came at the same time, but she doesn't regret a single decision she's made, because ever since she went public about being in love with Kate, she goes to bed every night without that flash of guilt lodged in her chest that used to suffocate her every day. She feels free, and happy, and all she wants is for the Australian to come back so she can show her, every single day, that she was right to give her a chance.

Chapter 27

"Thank you for coming," Leire says, stepping aside to let Candela Valle in.

"Thank you for calling me," the woman replies.

Leire closes the door and stands still for a few seconds, not quite sure how to keep going.

"Are you nervous?" the journalist asks.

"A little—actually, quite a lot," the player admits.

"Why don't you start by telling me how things are going with Brogan? That'll help you relax. And if you could get me a glass of water, I'd really appreciate it—my throat's a little scratchy."

"Of course."

Leire's whole expression changes when she hears Kate's name. She asks Candela to follow her to the kitchen and pours her a glass from the pitcher.

"We're doing well," she answers, tugging at the elastic on her ponytail. "Kate spent a few weeks with her family, but she's coming back tonight."

"You look happy," Candela observes. "Nothing like the day we talked. I'm really glad."

"Thank you. I also want to thank you for what you did—coming to warn me, and especially not publishing the photos. That was… I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for it."

"Don't thank me. It was the right thing to do, period. And I'm glad you decided to take legal action. These things should never go unpunished. I told your agent, but I'll tell you too: count on me for whatever you need."

"Probably your phone," Leire says, scratching her head, a little embarrassed. "When we file the complaint, they'll most likely ask for it."

"No problem, but it's good you're giving me a heads-up. I'll get another one in the meantime." Candela smiles. "Should we get started? I'm meeting my sister for dinner and I don't want to be late."

"Sure. Here at the table, if that works?" the player suggests.

"Perfect."

They both sit down across from each other, and Leire watches her take out a recorder along with a notepad and a pen.

"Do you mind if I record the interview? It'll go faster and I can review it at home."

"Go ahead."

"Great. When did you know you were a lesbian?"