It was already late in the morning when Marina called. Thiago had been lying on the couch half-watching some old football highlights when his phone buzzed. He answered without even checking the screen, figuring it was probably João again.
"Thiago," Marina said right away, her tone more serious than usual. "Are you free this afternoon?"
He sat up a little. "Yeah. Why?"
"A scout from Ajax is in town. They want to meet. Not just talk—they're bringing a full offer this time."
Thiago blinked. "Wait, already? Like, a proper contract?"
"Yes," she said. "And they want to hand it to you in person."
That snapped him out of his daze.
"Okay," he said. "Where?"
"Hotel Fasano, 4 p.m. Dress decent," she added, as if already imagining him showing up in flip-flops and a training tee.
⸻
