"Heat transfers from hot to cold," Alex whispered, rubbing his temples. "Entropy always increases."
"Unless you are Arsenal," a voice said. "Then entropy decreases. You are becoming very organized."
Alex looked up.
Maya was sitting across from him. She was wearing a oversized wool sweater and reading a book about black holes.
"Hi, Maya," Alex smiled. "I am trying to understand engines. Not the football kind."
"It is the same principle," Maya said, pushing her glasses up her nose. "Efficiency. Input versus output. You run 12 kilometers, you output one goal. Efficient."
"I didn't score on Wednesday," Alex said. "I hit the post."
"Variance," Maya shrugged. "Statistically, you were due a miss. It keeps you humble."
Alex laughed. He liked Maya. She treated him like a data point, not a celebrity.
"Are you coming tomorrow?" Alex asked. "Newcastle. At home."
