Chapter 3

Amelia's POV

When I arrived at the Apex clubhouse, it was nothing like I had imagined. Compared to the Vanguard Strikers FC's facilities this looked like it was about to fall apart, even if they had only just moved up in the National League, it was just a sad sight.

I couldn't help but question my choice, was this right for me?

There didn't seem to be anyone around, so I had no idea where I needed to go, so I wandered around for a bit, while I looked through every open door I passed by until someone suddenly spoke.

"Can I help you?" A man who looked to be in his early thirties asked, as I turned to him with an awkward smile. He was around 5'10" with dirty blond hair and green eyes, and damn he really looked good, almost like a younger version of David Beckham.

'Is he maybe one of the players?' I wondered before I finally answered.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I think I might be lost, I was looking for the assistant coach's office?" I spoke as he observed me for a minute.

"Then you're probably looking for me, I'm the assistant coach, how can I help you?" He asked as I couldn't believe he was the assistant coach, I thought he would've been some old man, but here he was.

"So, you're Charles? I believe I talked to you on the phone yesterday," I replied as I extended my hand and smiled.

"I am, then you must be Amelia. Sorry, I should have realized it, but I didn't really expect you to be here, before in another half hour," Charles replied as he took my hand and glanced shortly at his watch on the other wrist, as he looked at me again.

"I know, I was just excited so I left a little earlier to make sure I'd arrive at the right place at the right time, sorry if I interrupted you in something important," I excused, as he started to shake his head.

"Not at all, it's nice to finally meet you in person, come on in, just sit wherever you like," he assured me as he opened the door to his office for me.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," I spoke before I took a seat.

"I must admit, I was surprised that someone as young as you has that much experience," he spoke as he sat down opposite me.

"Yeah, I was lucky enough to know some people in another club and I got the chance to work there part-time, while I took my degree in sports management at the University of London, so becoming a team manager has been a dream of mine for a long time," I replied, as I placed my hands in my lap.

"That's impressive, not everyone is that lucky, what club was that if I may ask?"

"The Vanguard Strikers FC," I replied.

"Wow, I guess I have to step up my game then, I'm sure you're curious to know what this place has to offer, so how about we take a little tour?" He asked me.

"Sure, I'd love that," I replied as he stood up and opened the door before we continued down the hall.

"As you probably have noticed, our Club doesn't have the newest facilities as the Vanguard Strikers does, but we are a hardworking and dedicated club, both players and the staff do their very best to stay ahead of things, and that's why we wanna make sure a new potential Team manager knows that we expect punctuality and the ability to schedule everything on time, we have had a bit of a problem with that in the past and I don't want the story to repeat itself," he explained as I nodded.

"I understand,"

"Maybe you already know this but our club has only recently moved up from the National League North, and despite missing our chance to get promoted last season, we ended in 5th place, which is in the top, so I can say with confidence, that this team is working hard for their spot, I have confidence that these players can get far with the right motivation and support," Charles explained making me smile.

"It sounds like you really care a lot about this place," I spoke, as he nodded his head.

"I do, this Club is like a second family to me, so I wanna protect it," he explained, and I couldn't help but admire his dedication and love for the place, and what it was standing for.

Maybe this was exactly what I had been looking for after all.

"But, what about you? You mentioned you used to work for the Vanguard strikers, what made you change your mind and go for a humble club like ours?" He asked as I turned my attention back to him.

"I guess I just wanted to try to work my way up with a team, that is new to this, so I get a chance to show off my talent," I stated confidently.

"Someone has a lot of confidence, I see, I like that! You will need that, in this kind of business," Charles spoke with a genuine smile.

"So I've heard, I actually already have an idea for this season, if you wanna take a look?" I stated, as I picked up my tablet from my bag and held it out for him, he nodded and took it before he started looking it over.

"Wow, this is actually pretty impressive, and you made this yourself?" He asked as I nodded.

"Yes, of course, I'll have to make some modifications as soon as the dates for all the kick-off matches arrive, but this is just an idea I had, that is of course if I get the job."

"If this is what we can expect from you, then I don't think anyone will disagree, but there will of course be a trying period," he replied as he handed back my tablet.

"Of course, I completely understand," I added, as I placed it back in my bag.

"Now, why don't we go and meet the players? They are having a training session right now, but I'm sure they won't mind a little interruption."

"Sure, if you're sure they won't mind," I replied, as I suddenly saw two men, one was significantly higher than the other and for some reason, they looked like they were arguing.

"Oh, great timing, I guess you can meet at least two of our players, this is Archie Thomson, who is our right winger," Charles started to explain, as I nodded before I made eye contact with him, which made my jaw almost drop when I realized who it was.

It was the guy I had spent the other night with!