The drive to training was a masterclass in controlled paranoia.
Every time Leon saw a car that remotely resembled Coach Chivu's, his heart did a little jump-kick in his chest.
He spent the entire journey practicing his "normal face" in the rearview mirror, trying to find a look that said, "I am a dedicated professional footballer who is definitely not having heart palpitations about the fact that I just had lunch with our terrifying coach's wonderful daughter."
He wasn't sure he was succeeding. It mostly looked like he was trying to solve a complex math problem while also smelling something bad.
The 'Observing' status on Chivu's profile felt like a giant, invisible spotlight following him. It was unnerving.
Did Chivu know? W
as this some kind of sixth sense that all scary, overprotective fathers possessed?
He finally pulled into the training ground, took a deep, steadying breath, and put on his best "normal face." Time to act natural.
