18+ she/they. obsessed with all things women's sports
requests : closed (any requests sent in will be deleted)
what i write : whatever/whoever i want for women's basketball
what i wonโt write : players under the age of 21, cc, male!reader, pazzi, pazzi x reader, cheating, abuse, anything hateful/disrespectful, whatever i donโt feel like writing
if my post has anything that says โminors do not interactโ / โminors dniโ and you are a minor, please donโt interact or i will block you if i find out. no hesitation.
i do not do tag lists
tags used are tagged below โฌ๏ธ
ยฉ all rights reserved. any attempt to copy, reproduce, translate or steal my work will result in action.
as the year is about to end, iโve been sitting with a lot of feelings and i should be honest about it with you all.
i donโt really know how to properly thank you for the space youโve given me since iโve made this page almost a year ago. for reading, reblogging, sending messages that made me feel so much love, and for caring about words i wrote when i didnโt think anyone would be reading. these stories became something people turned into comfort, into escape, into something that mattered. thatโs not something i will ever take lightly.
this little corner of the internet has held so many versions of me. being here gave me back the joy i had with writing and the connection in a way i didnโt expect when i made this little blog. it taught me so much about myself.
and because of that, this is hard to say.
as the new year approaches, iโve realized itโs time for me to move on from writing stories. itโs not because i decided to just stop caring and abandon everything, but because i care enough to know when a chapter has reached its end.
this isnโt me forgetting this place. i will not be forgetting about you guys or the people iโve met because that would be impossible to do.
thank you for growing with me. thank you for trusting me with your time and your hearts (even if iโve broken it a few times with some of the stories i chose to write). thank you for making this feel like more than just another blog.
i hope the stories you loved here stay with you in the way good things do. i hope the new year is gentle with you. i hope you keep finding words and people that make you feel seen.
just wanted to say i appreciate you for all the love, support, and kindness you show me here. It means a lot. hope today brings you some peace and joy and yall get what you want and eat too much food. ๐ซถ
Uncured how u been? Itโs a minute since weโve talked. You know Iโve been good, decide to start reading again. (I say this as I probably wonโt read again for a while school and work been kicking me)
Now wtf Uncured โPs I Love youโ see I knew what was gonna happen and it still hit me.
Now I really could start with them strays again but you know who really need the strays Cathy because wtf is she on.
corey!! how you been?? iโve been alright but itโs good to hear from you!
โps i love youโ (the fic i wrote and not the movie) is very under appreciated i feel like but blame the tiktok editors for reminding me of that movie and decided it needed to be written with paige
tash always says what needs to be said and catherine needs to go
pairings โ leah williamson x baker!reader, single mom!leah
word count โ 7.9k
summary โ leahโs four year old daughter, juni, devises a plan to parent trap you and leah
notes โ if the first part is messed upโฆ no it isnโt. i changed it from past to present tense and it took all my brain power ๐ซฉalso i had to learn about the uk education system so if itโs wrong spare me ๐๐พ i had no idea this was still in my drafts omg.
read more masterlist
Itโs one of those rare London days where the clouds thinned enough to let sunlight pour down. Leah Williamson, against all odds, is having what she would almost classify as a peaceful day. That peace lasted exactly thirty seconds.
"Mummy, pleeease? Please please pleaseeee?" Juni begs dramatically, tugging on Leah's jacket sleeve with all the strength of a four year old on a mission. Her voice is loud enough to make passersby glance over.
Mario laughs so hard she nearly trips on the curb, while Lia just shakes her head, her lips twitching.
"Bubs," Leah sighs, adjusting the shopping bags in her arms. "I don't even know what you're begging me for. You just started pleading without context."
Juni's little shoulders slumps in exasperation, as if she was burdened with the weight of explaining obvious things to an adult. "We have to go to my bakery," she huffs. "My honored bakery! Tell them, Super Mario!"
Leah turns a sharp look on her teammate.
"What bakery?"
Mario winces and raises her hands in surrender. "Okay, don't get mad. I might have... taken her to my friend's place once. Or, uh, every day I babysat when you had physio. She got attached."
"Attached?" Leah echoed, narrowing her eyes.
"Obsessed," Lia supplies helpfully, her Swiss accent rolling smoothly. "She talks about it constantly. Honestly, I wouldnโt be surprised she dreams in pastries now."
Leah closes her eyes, calculating the cost of saying no. On one hand was sugar, chaos, and a wired four year old bouncing around her flat. On the other was Juni's wrath and inevitable tantrum, which was infinitely worse.
"Fine," she relents with a groan. "Is it even open right now?"
Mario shrugs, smirking. "Doesn't matter. Oni will be there."
"Oni?" Leah repeats, suspicious.
"Itโs a nickname,โ Mario explains. "My friend. Trust me, you'll like her."
Before Leah could question any further, Juni squeals, "Yes! Let's go, slowpokes!" And tugs them toward the direction of the bakery with surprising force for such tiny arms.
The bell above the door chimes as Mario pushes it open, and instead of the usual soft jazz, upbeat reggaeton pulses through the space. Mario grins knowingly.
"She's here," she singsongs. "Oni? Where are you? I've got a guest...or three."
From the back, you appear with your hair piled up in a claw clip, apron dusted with flour, your cheeks smudged white like battle paint. You smile warmly at the group before your gaze landed on Juni.
"La chipie is back," you laugh, bending down just in time to catch the little whirlwind as she launches herself into your arms.
"How's my troublemaker? Still causing chaos?"
"No!" Juni squeals with a grin, arms wrapping around your neck. "I've been good."
From behind them, Leah snorts involuntarily. The sound catches your attention, and you look over at her with a smile that made Leah's breath hitch. Her face goes pink immediately, and Mario didn't even bother hiding her grin. Lia just smirks knowingly.
When Lia steps forward to hug you, Juni squawks indignantly and tightens her hold.
"No!" she pouts. "Mine.โ
"Juni," Leah warns softly.
But Lia only laughs, brushing it off. "It's fine. Honestly, it's adorable."
"What did you make me today?" Juni demands as you carry her toward a table.
After setting her down in a chair, you dust your hands and smile. "Well, chipie, last time you gave me two ingredients. Oreos and, very specifically, Ruffles Original Chips. So today..." You disappear briefly into the back, returning with a silver tray covered by a glass dome. With an exaggerated flair, you set it down. "I present to you, Madame Juniper," you say in your thickest French accent, "Oreo madeleines with a crushed potato chip garnish."
Juni gasps like you've handed her the crown jewels. "You're the best ever!" she declares, digging in immediately.
"Want to introduce me to your friend before Juni eats everything?" you tease Mario, wiping flour from your hands on your apron.
Mario stands, kisses your cheek, then gestures between you and Leah. "Oni, meet Leah. Leah, Oni. Don't be weird."
Leah stands quickly, sticking out her hand. "I'm Leah. UhโI know who you are. Not in a creepy way! Just... your dad. I'm a huge fan. He's the reason I became a defender." She cringes at herself. "Wow, that sounded cooler in my head."
You grin, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you, Leah, and relax. I promise I don't think you're a stalker."
Across the table, Juni was busy stuffing her cheeks and nodding sagely as though she'd orchestrated this exact moment.
"She talks about you all the time, you know," you add, still smiling. "Your biggest fan."
Juni, mouth full, nodded vigorously and mumbled, "It's true, Mummy."
Leah ducks her head, hiding her blush behind her hair.
"So, boss," you tap Juni's nose lightly, "what's the rating today?"
Juni chews thoughtfully, then looks to the ceiling. "Nine out of ten."
"Nine?" you gasp dramatically.
"Could be ten," she reasons. "If you have extras."
But you just laugh. "Don't worry. She has a great personality. Let her shine. Of course I made you extra, chipie, but you canโt eat it all before you get home.โ
Juni nods her head as her eyes lit up. โOkay!โ
โNo. Thatโs what you said last time and you ate them all before we left the door,โ Lia pipes up.
Juni shakes her head. โNo! I pinky promise!โ She shoved her pinky towards you and you wrap yours with her tiny one.
You kiss the back of your thumb, โNow you have to kiss your end, it locks in the promise.โ
Juni giggles before she kisses her end. You get up dramatically, entertaining the four year old. "See? Now it's official. Extra madeleines for the boss."
Juni squeals in triumph, while Lia and Mario exchange knowing looks as they watch Leahโs eyes follow you as you move to pack the madeleines. Juni hops out of her seat to lean over the counter and talk to you.
Leah rubs her temple. "You're both conspiring against me, aren't you?"
Mario smirks. "Not yet. But soon."
Lia leans closer to Leah, whispering, "You like her"
"What? No." Leah flushes. "She's just... very beautiful. And sweet. And.." She trails off, watching you laugh at something Juni says. "And she's... good with Juni."
Juni perks up at her name. It wasn't like sheโs difficult, sheโs just challenging. Sheโs hyperactive and her mouth talks before her brain most times. Leah has tried dating but most women react badly to Juni's personality or ignore her entire being.
Mario snorts. "That's Oni for you. I've never seen a kid that didn't like her. But, I will admit, she seems to favor Juni because she would never bake with potato chips. She just learned to like them last year."
โBesides we don't even know if she likes women," Leah shakes her head.
Lia canโt help but let out a laugh as Mario blinks at Leah. "She likes women, Leah.โ
Before Leah can argue, Juni, still chewing, mumbles, "Mummy and Oni."
The three women froze as you return with a prettily wrapped container of extra madeleines. You set it in front of Juniโs seat as she climbs back onto it, then slid into the seat right next to Leah this time.
"For you, ma chipie," you say warmly.
Juni grins, eyes darting between you and her mum. In her little head, the pieces were clicking perfectly into place.
โJuniper Kathrine, what has gotten into you?โ Leah groans as her daughter sobs in her car seat.
โI want my toy!โ Juni wails, face blotchy and red. Her little legs kick uselessly against the seat. โI left it at Oniโs bakery by accident when I went with Mario.โ
โOkay,โ Leah sighs, rubbing her forehead with one hand while the other grips the wheel. โLet me see if Mario can get it and give it to us on Monday.โ
โNo!โ Juni shrieks like the word personally offended her. โI need Bunny!โ
Leah winces. Of course it had to be Bunny, the stuffed elephant misnamed after a rabbit, the one Jacob brought the day Juni was born. Juni had never once slept without it. If she didnโt get it back, nobody in hundred mile radius would be sleeping peacefully this weekend.
What Leah didnโt know was that Juniโs meltdown was Oscar-worthy acting.
After watching you and Leah interact that first time, Juniper, wise beyond her four chaotic years, had decided the two of you belonged together. So she did what any self respecting toddler mastermind would do and sacrificed her Bunny at your bakery for the sake of love.
Step one of her plan, complete.
โAlright, alright,โ Leah caves, starting the car because the alternative is a weekend of mutual misery. โA quick in and out.โ
Juni sniffles dramatically, but sheโs suddenly very calm, too calm.
Leah drives with her heart thumping and her mind fried. Juni sniffles behind her, occasionally hiccuping, and every time Leah reaches back to pat her knee she has to remind herself not to crash the damn car.
She parks across from your bakery and hurriedly unbuckles her daughter.
โMummy?โ Juni asks, planting her feet stubbornly when Leah tries to guide her toward the crossing.
โYes, my Junebug?โ Leah follows where she points, and stops dead. A flower shop right across from your bakery.
โCan we get flowers for Oni?โ Juni asks sweetly.
Leah freezes, her soul leaving her body.
She mutters several sentences under her breath that if Juni heard, would definitely slip a few bills into the swear jar.
โโฆAlright,โ she finally says. โYou pick.โ
Juni smirks so slyly it should be criminal and marches inside like she owns the place.
She picks tulips, the soft pink ones, because Mario once mentioned you like the smell of them.
Leah pays, face burning, while the older florist beams at Juniโs enthusiastic โBUH-BYE!โ
Leah jogs to catch up with her daughter, taking her hand to cross the street safely.
โCome on, Mummy! You are so slow,โ Juni complains, tugging her forward with the force and confidence of a child who believes she can pull a car if she tried hard enough.
Leah just laughs under her breath and opens the bakery door. The little bell chimes.
โOni?โ Juniper calls immediately, barely audible over the French pop music thundering from your speakers.
You poke your head out from the kitchen and your whole face lights up.
โLeah! Chipie!โ You rush forward, turning down the music. You swoop Juni into your arms and she wraps herself around your neck like a koala. Then you look at Leah and smile brightly. Leah smiles back before she even realizes sheโs doing it.
โWhat do I owe this pleasure?โ
Leah opens her mouth, but Juni beats her to it.
โOni, do you have any treats?โ
You giggle, and Leah gently nudges her daughterโs shoulder in a half-hearted scold.
โI have some pain au chocolat.โ
Juni gasps as if you just promised her the moon. โChocolate?โ
โYeah, chipie, chocolate.โ You glance at Leah. โIs that alright? She was here earlier, but she only had a sandwich.โ
Leahโs mouth goes dry. โUmโyeah. She can have it. Itโs fine.โ
Your smile widens. โPerfect. One moment.โ
As you disappear, Leah kneels beside Juni.
โAlright, bug. Where is Bunny?โ
You reappear with a pastry in one hand and the stuffed elephant in the other.
โChipie,โ you say, raising an eyebrow. โDid you leave this here earlier?โ
Juni grins proudly. โI did!โ
Then she gestures toward the pastries and the table. โLetโs eat!โ
You laugh and, with a dramatic bow, say, โYes, boss.โ You take a seat. Leah follows, her heart beating too fast.
โSo,โ Leah says before she can stop herself, โwhy did you move to London?โ
You blink at her, pleasantly surprised. โTo open my bakery. I have one in France, one in New York, one in Barcelona. I was deciding on LA for the next one, love California, but Laia convinced me London needed one.โ
Leahโs mouth drops. โYou opened all of those? At your age?โ
You shrug, shy. โItโs my livelihood. And I like seeing people happy because of my treats.โ You glance at Juni, who is shoveling chocolate into her mouth like sheโs in training for the Olympics. โLike Chipie here.โ
Leah softens completely as she watches her kid beam at you.
โWhere did you learn to bake?โ Leah asks, voice lower now, genuinely interested.
โProfessionally? The Culinary Arts Academy. Bachelorโs and masterโs in Pastry and Culinary Arts.โ
โWow.โ
โUnofficially?โ you smile. โMy dad.โ
Leahโs eyebrows shoot up. โYour father? The Maestro? Le Roi? The most feared center back in football taught you to bake? Youโre taking the piss.โ
You throw your head back laughing. โIโm serious! I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies at age five. We had no recipe. My father told me: โMa princesse, baking is about your soul. Not measurements.โโ
Leah snorts. โHowโd that turn out?โ
You suck your teeth. โLetโs just say the 2004 Arsenal menโs team wereโฆ extremely polite about my rock-hard cookies. Surprised half the team wasnโt out with food poisoning.โ
Leah laughs so hard she wipes tears from her eyes. Juni watches the two of you like sheโs watching a very successful experiment.
โOni, can you teach me how to bake? Mummy canโt bake or cook,โ Juni announces.
Leahโs laugh freezes into an offended gape. You burst into giggles.
โMummy canโt cook?โ you tease, leaning forward, chin propped on your hand.
Leah blushes so deeply it reaches her ears. โI can cook.โ
Juni shakes her head solemnly. โNo, you canโt, Mummy. Itโs okay. I will learn to cook for both of us.โ
You nearly fall out of your chair laughing while Leah splutters.
โYou little monkey,โ Leah growls playfully, standing up to grab Juni and flip her upside down. Juni shrieks as her hair dangles toward the floor. โSay I can cook!โ
โNever!โ Juni cackles. โOni, save me!โ
You stand and gently pluck Juni from Leahโs arms. Leah lets you without hesitation. You set Juni on her feet, and she immediately hides behind you, clutching your legs like youโre her shield.
โSheโs evil,โ Juni whispers loudly into your jeans. โI tell you.โ
โIโll show you evil, missy,โ Leah says, narrowing her eyes theatrically.
All three of you burst into laughter, yours warm and melodic, Leahโs soft and breathless, Juniโs wild and delighted.
Juni watches the two of you closely and knows her plan is working perfectly.
The next couple of weeks fall into a rhythm that neither you nor Leah acknowledges out loud.
Juni arrives with Mario while Leah is at physio. Juni will โaccidentallyโ leaves something behind. Her bow, her sparkly water bottle, an entire Lego set that took her three days to build, and once, an actual framed picture she drew of you and Leah holding hands under a rainbow. Then Leah and Juni come back after closing, always with flowers, always with some excuse to linger, always staying long after the lights shouldโve been off.
Each time, Juni gets her odd dessert combination: sour gummy bears tartelettes, Nutella and marshmallow cinnamon rolls, cookie lasagna (not bad), and cotton candy flavored popcorn (Leah almost barfed).
Tonight, Juni left her boots, she had started playing at some camps Arsenal put on for younger kids, and when they come in, she is vibrating with pride.
โOni!โ Juni cheers as she bursts through the door and barrels into your legs for a hug. โWe got you dahlias!โ
You press your hand to your heart, smiling as you take them. โMerci, ma chipie. You always bring me the prettiest ones.โ You lean down and kiss her forehead. โYour treat is on the table.โ
Leah raises an eyebrow as she steps inside, closing the door behind her. โWhatโs the crazy combo today?โ
โYouโre going to love this one,โ you tease, tugging her into a hug she returns without hesitation. Her face ends up tucked into your neck for a second too long, her breath warm on your collarbone. You pretend you donโt feel your pulse jump.
When you pull away, you lean close and whisper, โHam and cheese.โ
Leah snorts. โThatโs not crazy.โ
โThatโs because she said,โ you pitch your voice up in an exaggerated toddler imitation, โโI need to eat like Mummy now that Iโm a footballer.โโ
Leahโs face softens instantly. Her whole expression glows.
You nudge her. โAdorable, no?โ
โA bitโฆ dangerously so,โ Leah murmurs, unable to hide her smile.
You slide into your usual seats. The routine is instinct by now. You sit across from each other, Juni in the middle on her special little chair, kicking her feet.
โHow was practice?โ you ask, voice dropping into that automatic affection you donโt notice anymore.
Leah steals a bite of Juniโs sandwich.
โMummy!โ Juni whines, scandalized.
Leah shrugs unapologetically. โI told you, itโs training, not practice. And it was good. Light day.โ
Juni opens her mouth, lets out a massive burp, and giggles.
โJuniper Kathrine,โ Leah warns, rubbing her temples.
โโSorry,โ Juni mumbles, unbothered as she keeps eating.
You raise an eyebrow at Leah. โYou know thereโs a stereotype with you center backs.โ
Leah blinks. โWhat stereotype?โ
โYou and my father are basically clones,โ you say bluntly. โSingle parents, played for Arsenal, captained national teams, and both of you managed to name your daughters after yourselves. Thatโs suspicious.โ
โClearly.โ You jab a finger at her. โMy father and I literally have the same name. I just have an an extra E and the accent. And then you gave Juni your middle name but with a K instead of a C. Subtle.โ
โMummy is conceited,โ Juni announces proudly.
Leahโs head snaps toward her. โWhere did you even learn that word?โ
โKei and G,โ Juni singsongs. โThey said youโre conceited.โ
Leah scoffs. โWhat do they know?โ
You raise a hand. โObviously enough to clock you.โ
Leahโs eyes narrow in playful offense. โOh, you think youโre funny?โ
โHilarious,โ you correct, standing when you notice Juni is done. โCome on, Chipie.โ
Juni hops down immediately, following you with pure devotion.
Leah blinks. โWhere are you going?โ
โChipie requested baking time,โ you say simply, tying Juniโs tiny apron.
When you plop an oversized, dramatic chefโs hat onto Juniโs head, Leah wheezes.
โWhere did you get that?โ
โMy graduation hat,โ you say proudly, adjusting it. It droops over Juniโs eyes, making her laugh.
Leah lifts her phone, capturing the moment, smiling so softly you feel it like a hand on your ribs.
โAll right,โ you clap. โLetโs begin.โ
โChocolate chips!โ Juni beams.
Leahโs eyes widen. โYouโre making cookies?โ
You nod. โWhat Chipie wants, she gets.โ
โYeah, Mummy,โ Juni echoes smugly.
Leah lifts her hands. โMy apologies, your highnesses. Continue.โ
The kitchen fills with the warm sound of mixing, the hum of French pop, the smell of brown sugar melting.
โGentle,โ you guide, holding Juniโs hand as she cracks an egg. โVoilร . Now add the butter.โ
You switch to French automatically, โCโest du sucreโฆ รงa cโest la vanilleโฆโ and Juni parrots each word back, proud of herself with every syllable. The four year old is determined to learn French so she can talk with you in your first language.
Leah watches from the stool, her face softening with every passing minute.
She doesnโt blink when flour dusts your hair.
She doesnโt move when Juni shrieks with laughter after turning the mixer too high.
She just watches the two of you, like she wants to burn the memory into her brain.
At some point, she realizesโthis what she used to imagine home would feel like.
โWhat do you rate them?โ your accented English snaps her out of her head.
Juni munches loudly, thinking hard. โHmmโฆ a thousand out of ten!โ
Her cookie is chaos with marshmallows, Twix, Oreos, pretzels. Obviously, you have a problem saying no to the girl.
โA thousand?โ you gasp dramatically. โI must put it on the menu. Chef Juni, will you allow it?โ
Juni nods so intensely her hat slips sideways. โYes! And call itโฆ Chef Chipieโs Princesse Footballer Cookies.โ
Leah grins at the name.
โPerfect.โ You write it down. โIโll text my team. Chef Chipie, can you pack the cookies?โ
Juni begins shoving cookies into the box, humming loudly.
You step away and tap out a message to your staff.
Behind you, Leah comes close. Close enough you feel her before you hear her.
โHey,โ she says softly. โThank you.โ
You turn. โFor what?โ
Leah glances at Juni, who is eating another cookie behind your back. Then she meets your eyes.
โFor making her this happy. For giving her something to look forward to every week. Forโฆโ She exhales, lips curling. โFor being you.โ
You open your mouth, but nothing comes out. Because sheโs looking at you like she means it. Like sheโs been meaning it for a while.
โLeahโฆโ you start.
But Juni runs up, tugging on Leahโs jeans, chocolate on her chin.
โMummy, Oni says Iโm a real chef!โ
Leah lifts her daughter, kissing her cheek. โYou are, bug.โ
It was your usual Saturday morning at the farmers market, your favorite ritual of the week. Fresh air plus fresh produce equals fresh inspiration. You moved with practiced ease down the row of stalls, dropping bright yellow lemons into your tote bag with satisfaction. Their scent already had you imagining lemon curd with something tamarind in it.
You were reaching for a bunch of mint when a familiar shriek cracked through the quiet bustle.
โONI!โ
You barely had time to brace yourself before a small body slammed into your legs. You stumbled back, laughing as you caught your balance.
โBonjour, mon aim-ee!โ Juni beams up at you, absolutely butchering the word amie and somehow making it sound like the cutest thing in existence.
โOh! Bonjour, ma chipie,โ you say, crouching down to hug her. She clings to your neck like she hasnโt seen you in years. You take her little hand automatically, scanning the crowd. โWhere is your mum? Who are you here with?โ
โThat would be us,โ a warm voice says.
You straighten and find an older woman and man approaching, both smiling like they already know you.
โIโm Amanda, Leahโs mum,โ the woman says. โThey both talk about you all the time.โ
โDavid,โ the man says with a firm handshake. โLeahโs father.โ
You smile politely. โHi! Wonderful to meet you. Iโmโโ
โSheโs my Oni!โ Juni declares proudly, hugging your leg like sheโs claiming you.
Amanda and David share a knowing look.
Juni had told them her โget Mummy and Oni marriedโ plan. She gives them consistent updates, but the two assumed it was just Juni being Juni. Now, seeing you? They understand why Juni is working so hard on the project.
It takes about thirty seconds of Juni tugging your hand with those deadly puppy eyes before you fall in line and join the Williamson family on their market run. Amanda bites back a laugh every time you fold instantly.
David walks beside you. โI had no idea The Minister of Defense was your father,โ he says enthusiastically. โHe was a nightmare when Arsenal played Tottenham. An even bigger nightmare when England played France.โ
You snort, amused that Leah grew up a Gunner in a Spurs household. You could only imagine the arguments during face offs.
โOh, here we go,โ Amanda sighs. โEnough football talk. I want to hear about your bakery.โ
โOh! It just opened a couple months ago,โ you say quickly.
โFourth location, right?โ Amanda adds casually. โAnd one of them has a star?โ
You blink, surprised Leah mentioned all of that.
โYes,โ you admit softly. โParis was my first. My grandparents live there and I wanted to stay close. Then New York after Paris earned its Michelin. I figured if I can bag New York I can do whatever I wanted. Then Barcelona shortly after New York. Barcelona is the longest place Iโve lived so I was a bitโฆ homesick. And now, Iโm conquering London.โ
โThatโs incredible.โ David whistles. โYou must be stupidly talented.โ
Juni nods aggressively. โSheโs magic, Nana,
Grandpa. Iโm getting a cookie named after me!โ
โOh?โ Amanda raises her eyebrows. โAre you now? Youโre practically as famous as your mother.โ
โI AM.โ Juni places her hands on her hips. โItโs called the Chef Chipie Princess Footballer Cookie!โ
Amanda and David glance at you for confirmation.
โItโs true,โ you laugh. โCome Monday morning, it will debut to all of London.โ
โAll. Of. London,โ Juni repeats dramatically. A couple of people passing give judging looks at the sheer volume.
Before Amanda can scold her, you crouch and conspiratorially whisper, โRight, Chipie, all of London. But we mustnโt yell. Too many old people here.โ You widen your eyes. โIt hurts their ears, you know. It gets so sensitive when they are so old.โ
Juni giggles behind her hands. โLike Nana and Grandpa?โ
โNo, no,โ you whisper back. โTheyโre the good ones.โ
Juni beamsโฆ then brightens even more. โOni! Will you come to Mummyโs game with us?โ
Your stomach drops. โWhat?โ
โOh, thatโs a wonderful idea!โ Amanda gasps. โWe have an extra ticket. Jacob got sick.โ
โIโIโm not sureโโ
โDear, I insist,โ Amanda says.
Juni tugs your hand, looking up at you with those damn puppy eyes. โPlease oh pleeeeease?โ
You sigh, trying to resist the power of the pout. You were doomed from the start.
Which is why an hour later youโre in the Williamson family box at the Emirates, wearing one of your fatherโs old Arsenal jerseys.
Juni bounces beside you so hard the seats shake. โOni! LOOK. THERE THEY ARE!โ
The players walk out of the tunnel.
โMummy! Look! THEREโS MUMMY!โ Juni screams, waving wildly.
Leah looks up and sees Juni tucked into your side. The both you wave to her with bright smiles. She freezes for a second then her entire face breaks into the most helpless, wide, incandescent smile. Like she couldnโt stop it if she tried.
On the pitch, Mariona nudges Lia. The two have a bet going on when the two of you get together. From the looks of it, Liaโs going to win.
โThatโs it,โ Lia murmurs smugly. โYou owe me dinner.โ
Steph and Beth, further down the line, stare.
โWhen the hell did she smile?โ Beth mutters.
โMate, I didnโt know her face could do that.โ Steph replies.
After the match, you stay in the box, holding Juni in your lap while Amanda and David chat with other parents.
โIโm tired, Oniโฆโ Juni mumbles, curling into your chest.
โI know, Chipie,โ you murmur, smoothing her hair. โYouโll be home soon.โ
โJunebug?โ Leahโs voice calls from the doorway.
Sheโs damp-haired, glowing from the win, cheeks still flushed from adrenaline.
Juni perks up instantly. โMUMMY! YOU WON!โ
Leah scoops her up, spinning her before planting a kiss to her head. โThanks, bug.โ
When Leah looks at you, something in her gaze softens even more. She opens one arm and you step forward without thinking. She pulls you into the hug with her and Juni. The little girl burrows deeper, enjoy the warmth she felt.
Amanda sneakily takes a video while David takes a photo.
Leah murmurs near your ear, โI didnโt know you were comingโฆ or that you met my parents.โ
โJuni spotted me at the market,โ you shrug. โAnd they insisted.โ
Leah smiles softly, still on an adrenaline high, but she looks a little stunned by it.
Amanda gestures that theyโre leaving, and you all head out. Juni insists on holding both your hands, swinging between you and Leah.
โIโm glad you came,โ Leah says quietly.
โMe too,โ you admit.
โMe three,โ Juni adds proudly.
Out of nowhereโ โOni!โ someone yells behind you. Before you can turn, arms wrap around you and lift you off the ground.
โLaia!โ you laugh breathlessly.
โEt trobava a faltar.โ She mumbles. โFa temps que no et veig, com estร s?โ [I missed you. I havenโt seen you in a while, how have you been?โ]
โHe estat bรฉ, he estat bรฉ,โ you reply, laughing. โPosaโm!โ [Iโve been fine, Iโve been fine. Put me down!]
Laia finally sets you down just as Mariona appears, pulling you into a quick, affectionate hug and a kiss to your crown. โVaig veure on estaves assegut, pel camรญ.โ [I saw where you were sitting, by the way.]
Your cheeks burn. โVa ser dโรบltima hora i la Juni em volia aquรญ.โ [It was last minute and Juni wanted me here.]
Leah blinks. โWas that Catalan? You speak Catalan?โ
You shrug. โI lived in Catalonia for ten years off and on.โ
Before she can respond, you three get another interruption.
โArenโt you going to introduce us?โ a northern accent cuts in. You meet Beth Meadโs smirk and Stephโs welcoming smile.
Steph waves, also nosy. โWe just want to meet your friend.โ
Juni takes control. โBeth, Stephy, this is my Oni!โ
You reach out and shake their hands. โNice to meet you both.โ
โThatโs enough,โ Leah mutters, dragging you away.
โSheโs so rude,โ Beth stage whispers.
Leah rolls her eyes so hard you snort. โWhereโs your car?โ she asks you once youโre out of earshot.
โOhโyour parents brought me. I was going to take the bus.โ
Leah stops in her tracks. โAbsolutely not. Iโll drive you.โ
โLeah, no, I can justโโ
โNo.โ Her tone is final. โI insist. Juni insists. Get in.โ
The ride is quiet only because Juni is asleep, but you and Leah talk the entire time. Albeit, softly like youโre sharing secrets, only so the child didnโt stir.
The car ride also consists of you two playing music. You introduce her to French rap and she introduces you to whatever chaotic mix she listens to. You judge her taste and she laughs at you for judging.
By the time she pulls into your apartment complex, neither of you wants the night to end.
Leah walks you to your door, shifting shyly, hands in her pockets. โOkay, Iโm not the best at this butโฆโ she exhales, trying again. โI like you. A lot. And Iโd like to take you out. This Saturday? If you want?โ
You donโt hesitate and a smile blooms across your face. โI would love to, Leah.โ
Leah breaks into the softest, purest grin youโve ever seen. And if Juni werenโt asleep in her car seat, you swear sheโd be cheering.
โOh fuck me,โ Leah mutters, pacing the living room with one shoe on and one shoe in her hand. Her first babysitter canceled earlier in the week, the second canceled yesterday, and now the third one canceled exactly an hour before sheโs supposed to pick you up.
Juni sits on the sofa, legs swinging, watching her mother unravel.
โMummy,โ she says softly, โyou said a bad word.โ
โI know, baby,โ Leah groans, raking a hand through her hair. โMummyโsโฆ frustrated.โ
Juni nods sagely like a tiny CEO. โCall Oni.โ
Right. Leah grabs her phone immediately. You answer in three seconds, your voice warm enough to melt metal.
โLeah?โ your voice echoes through the speaker, soft and bright, instantly making Leahโs breath hitch. โWhatโs up?โ
โUm,โ Leah exhales, squeezing her eyes shut, โJuniโs sitter just canceled on meโฆ again. Iโm so sorry.โ
You giggle and Leah swears her heart skips a beat. โItโs no problem. Just bring her along.โ
โItโs an upscale restaurant,โ Leah argues, pinching the bridge of her nose. โIโm not even sure they allow kids.โ
โDoesnโt matter,โ you say easily. โI know the owner and Iโll call her after this. Just bring her. It will be fun.โ
You say it so gently, so naturally, that Leah has to blink rapidly to keep her eyes from glossing over.
โSheโll be excited,โ she manages. โAndโฆ thank you.โ
โLeah, itโs not anything really,โ you say. โI canโt wait. See you soon.โ
You hang up and Leah stares at her phone like sheโs just been blessed by a deity.
โJuni?โ she breathes. โWhat dress do you want to wear, baby?โ
Juni gasps dramatically. โThe pink one! The sparkly one!โ
โOf course itโs the sparkly one,โ Leah mutters with a smile.
Within the hour, Leah manages to get Juni dressed in the expensive designer dress she got from a campaign and get out the door.
And then, there you are. Standing outside your apartment building, coat draped elegantly, hair styled perfectly, looking like the reason half of London goes to that restaurant in the first place.
Leahโs breath catches. โYou lookโwow.โ
Juni elbows her mother. โSay pretty, Mummy.โ
โYou look pretty,โ Leah corrects, cheeks pink. โVeryโฆ very pretty.โ
You grin. โYou donโt look so bad yourself, Williamson.โ
Juni throws her hands up. โLetโs go to dinner!โ
The restaurant was beautiful, with ambient lighting and live jazz softly playing.
โTable for Williamson?โ Leah tells the hostess when you arrive.
You stand slightly behind her, greeting the familiar hostess with a smile as you hold Juniโs hand.
The hostess smiles back warmly. โRight this way.โ
She leads the three of you to a quiet corner of the restaurant near the window overlooking the Thames River. The city lights reflect on the water in patches of gold and silver, romantic enough to make Leah swallow hard.
The hostess sets the menus down, then slips a couple of coloring sheets and crayons to Juni. She winks at you before walking away.
Leah stares at you, scandalized. โYou did that?โ
You shrug and sip your complimentary wine. โI donโt know what youโre talking about.โ
โYou are something else.โ Leah leans closer, voice low, eyes lingering on your lips longer than she should. โI donโt know what, exactly. But something.โ
Your cheeks warm. โDangerous thing to tell me on a first date, Leah.โ
Juni, meanwhile, is on her absolute best behavior. Too good, actuallyโฆitโs suspicious.
โMore water, Oni?โ she offers in the poshest British accent possible.
โOh please, Miss Chipie,โ you reply, playing along.
You and Leah assume Juni is going to pour imaginary water. But instead the four-year-old raises her tiny hand and waves down the waitress.
โExcuse me?โ Juni calls sweetly. โCan my Oni get more water, please?โ
The waitress giggles, pours water in your glass.
โThank you, maโam,โ Juni says primly.
โMy pleasure, Miss,โ the waitress smiles.
Leahโs jaw drops. โHow cheeky,โ she mutters, poking her daughterโs cheeks.
Juni giggles. โIโm fancy.โ
โYouโre four,โ Leah deadpans.
โAnd fancy,โ Juni insists.
Leah looks back at you, something softens in her chest.
Youโre watching mother and daughter with the fondest expression, like youโve been folded into this moment without even trying.
Your finger grazes your wine glass. Leah watches it, eyes tracing the movement, then your wrist, then your neckline. When she looks up, youโre already watching her.
โSoโฆโ you begin softly. โYou were really going to cancel the date?โ
Leah shifts, embarrassed. โI didnโt want toโฆ but I didnโt want Juni to ruin it.โ
โJuni doesnโt ruin anything,โ you say. โShe makes everything sweeter.โ
Leahโs eyes widen when she realizes youโre being a hundred percent serious.
You continue, softer, โBesidesโฆ I wasnโt going to let you cancel on me.โ
Leah swallows. โI didnโt want to,โ she admits. โHonestly? Iโve been looking forward to this all week.โ
โMe too,โ you confess.
Your foot brushes hers under the table, accidentally at first but you let it linger making Leahโs breath catches.
โCareful,โ she murmurs. โI might fall for you faster than I planned.โ
You tilt your head, dangerously charming.
โWho says I donโt want that?โ
Halfway through dinner, Juni reaches for your hand while coloring. You lace your fingers with hers naturally.
โSheโs obsessed with you,โ Leah says, smiling. โCompletely.โ
You glance at her. โI wonder where she gets it from.โ
Leah looks down at her plate, trying to hide her blush. โYou canโt just say things like that.โ
โAnd yet I keep doing it,โ you tease.
Juni looks up innocently. โAre you flirting again?โ
Leah chokes. You bite your lip to keep from laughing.
โWho keeps teaching you these things?โ Leah asks her daughter.
โKyra and Lessi told me when two people like each other, they flirt. Like Super Mario and Lia,โ Juni explains without lifter her head from her paper.
You let out a bubble of laughter at Leahโs exasperated expression.
โI need to monitor who you talk to.โ
After dessert, Juni yawns so dramatically the whole restaurant could hear her.
โTime for bed, Junebug,โ Leah says.
โNoooooo,โ Juni says tiredly, collapsing onto you instead of her mum. She curls into your side like it was first nature to her.
Leah watches, heart softening and breaking at the same time.
โYouโre good with her,โ she says quietly.
You lift Juni into your lap. โShe makes it easy.โ
The bill comes and Leah reaches for it but you place your hand over hers. โIโm paying.โ
โNo, noโthis is our date,โ Leah protests. โI asked you out.โ
โAnd I suggested this place,โ you remind her. โSo let me take care of it. Do you get actually sick at the thought of me paying? Cause you did this last time at the grocery storeโฆโ
Leah goes still with your hand is still on hers.
โOkay,โ she whispers. โYou can payโฆthis time.โ
You smile. โI like when you listen.โ
Leah tries not to show the full body shiver that gives her but fails as a wicked smirk appears on your face.
Outside, the air is cool and smells faintly of riverwater and jasmine. Juni sleeps in Leahโs arms, one hand still loosely curled around your sleeve. You walk beside them, close enough your coat brushes Leahโs arm. At your apartment door, Leah pauses as you both linger.
โCan I see you again?โ Leah asks quietly, voice low, hopeful, almost shy.
You smile, slow and warm. โIโd be disappointed if you didnโt.โ
Leah exhales like sheโs been underwater for a week. โGood,โ she whispers. โGood.โ
She starts to turn when you gently touch her wrist, light but intentional. โLeah.โ
You lean in, not enough to kiss, but close enough she forgets how breathing works.
โI had a wonderful time,โ you say.
Leah smiles so softly it could break something inside you. โMe too.โ
She walks away, carrying Juni, but she keeps looking back over her shoulder. And for the rest of the night, Leah just cannot stop smiling like an idiot.
โOni!โ Juni breaks into a full sprint across the small school courtyard straight into your awaiting arms.
You barely have time to brace yourself before she jumps, wrapping her arms around your neck. You laugh, lifting her easily.
โHi, Chipie,โ you greet, peppering her cheek with a quick kiss. โYou ready to go?โ
โAlways,โ she beams.
Many things have changed in the span of two weeks. You spend more time with Juni and Leah than with anyone else. Your lives have folded into each other with surprising ease.
Instead of Mariona picking Juni up from Reception while Leah is at the physioโs, you get her and bring her straight to the bakery. Juniโs joy brings a wave of light to your staff and customers. She drew a picture last week of you, Leah, Bunny, and herself standing in front of the bakery. You framed it right on the main wall and customers now point at it daily, asking who the tiny footballer artist is.
And the Chef Chipie Princess Footballer Cookies are such a hit that your staff jokes you need to pay Juni royalties.
Leahโs physio ends around the same time the bakery closes, so she always rushes over with a small bouquet from the flower shop next door. After some hours of you testing recipes, Leah distracting you, Juni dancing around the kitchen, the three of you leave together like a tiny found family. It feels normal, almost too normal. It felt comfortable in a way that scares you, because it feels like something you have known for years and not just two weeks.
So when you pick Juni up from her after school football club today, you expect nothing out of the ordinary.
โSay bye to your friends, Chipie,โ you tell her, waving to her teacher.
โBye!โ Juni shouts. You begin the ten minute walk toward the bakery.
โHow was your day?โ you ask as Juni methodically skips every single crack on the pavement like touching one will summon immediate doom.
โIt was good! We had music class. And at recess I played Bakery with my friends and I was like you.โ
โLike me?โ you laugh.
โYep. And everyone was mad because I made the best mud pie.โ
You cringe. โJuni. Please tell me you washed your hands.โ
โTeacher made me,โ Juni nods solemnly as if she has suffered greatly.
You shake your head fondly. Silence falls between you, warm and comfortable. The bakery storefront comes into view when Juni suddenly speaks again.
โDo you think Mummy will let me get a puppy?โ
You bark a laugh. โWhere did that come from?โ
โSophie E. and Sophie B. have dogs. And lots and lots of people have pets. But we have none.โ Juni pouts. โMaybe I will ask for a bunny. A little fluffy bunny.โ
You open the bakery door and hold it for her. โYou know what? I would really, really love to see that.โ
You look around. The bakery is quiet with only a few customers linger, finishing their pastries. The warm smell of vanilla and caramel fills the air.
โHave a great day!โ Juni says brightly to a customer leaving.
โYou too, Juni,โ the customer replies.
You shake your head with a smile and start helping your staff with closing tasks, checking on Juni periodically. She is sitting at the front window, drawing with intense focus.
โYou all good there, Chipie?โ you ask, waving goodbye to the last staff member.
Juni quickly hides her paper behind her back. โYep. All good.โ
You raise an eyebrow suspiciously. โMhm. If you say so.โ You wipe down the counter, still watching her with narrowed eyes. She gives an exaggerated innocent smile.
You let it go. โI was thinking pasta for dinner today. Any ideas?โ
โI want meatballs,โ Juni says decisively.
You shrug. โSpaghetti and meatballs it is.โ
You head to the back to gather your bag. The door chimes a moment later, followed by Leahโs voice. โHi. Sorry I am late. I got held up.โ
There is the sound of hushed whispers from the front. You approach slowly. โWhat are you two whispering about?โ you ask.
โNothing,โ they say in unison much too fast.
You narrow your eyes. โUh huh.โ
You turn your back to lock the door. โSo, Juni and I decided on spaghetti and meatballs for dinner so we might have to stop at the store if you do not have theโฆโ
You turn around and freeze. Juni stands holding a bouquet of pink tulips almost as tall as she is, and the drawing she made earlier now clearly visible. It reads โMummy + Oniโ in giant crayon letters with a wobbly heart drawn around the two stick figures.
Your lips part wordlessly. โWhat is going on?โ
Before you can fully process, Leah steps forward and pulls out a much larger bouquet made of white roses and sea lavender, the two flowers you love most. You gasp softly.
Leahโs cheeks are flushed pink. She is nervous. Vulnerable in a way you have never seen. โObviously I am not as cute as her when I ask this,โ she says quietly. โBut will you be mine?โ
Your breath catches. Your heart pounds so loudly you feel it in your throat. You do not even hear what comes out of your mouth. It is something like yes or maybe just a small broken sound of joy, but Leah understands.
You throw yourself into her arms. Leah catches you instantly, burying her face in your neck. Her hands slide to your waist, tugging you closer as you pull her down into a kiss. It is slow at first, surprised and sweet, then deeper as the truth sinks in. She is yours. You are hers.
โMummy and Oni,โ Juni cheers triumphantly as she wraps her arms around both your legs. โI am so happy!โ
You laugh against Leahโs shoulder before pulling away slightly to pick Juni up. โMe too, Chipie. Me too.โ
Leah kisses your forehead gently. โCome on,โ she whispers. โLetโs go home.โ