Martin Taylor:

Even though this was an engagement party, John was forced to invite everybody who's anyone in the 'soccer world' and that is why I found myself surrounded by executives from various teams and as much as I didn't want to have to talk, I couldn't be rude.

The questions went from "Are you planning on staying on this team" to "Are you single?" and what I hated most about these types of events was the prying into your life and not just your personal life, but every single aspect of myself.

After a bit of mingling around, talking to executives and directors I decided to find a few friends and order something to drink, so I headed over to the bar.

There a couple of my friends and teammates, Ashton, Nate, and Chris, were seated talking or flirting with Leila's friends.

I had a charity event the following morning so there was no way I was going to drink, but I decided to dance some.

Everyone in the party was well known and the press wasn't allowed in here, so technically, we could go crazy. But the press and paps always ha a way of getting pictures, either way i found myself to be one of the few sober people in the sea of drunks, which was fine with me, over the loud music they cracked jokes and we fooled around.

I ordered another sprite and then decided to take a break from everything and went outside. Truth was, I was getting anxious. The familiar burn in my throat was asking for a drop of something, anything and it made me feel desperate.

In times like this, I could go home and take a cold shower, but that wasn't an option right now. For emergncies like these, I always kept a cigarette or two in my pocket, so I took one out and lit it up. Despite all the health problems thi could bring, a kick of nicotene would help calm down the unquenchable thirst I felt. 

It was something that started not long after I stopped drinking and over time this feeling became bearable, but sometimes I couldn't handle it.

So when Zoella, who was also outside (something I had failed to notice) walked up to me and said "With every packet of smokes you buy you are giving money to a killing factory but by smoking them you are also killing yourself," I was shocked, and then angry because who was she to judge?

Luckily I was refrained from responding as Chris came outside calling us over. Talk about timing, I had promised John to behave and little miss perfect was making it a bit hard.

Leila and John were about to make an announcement. But of course that announcement started with the slow dancing where John danced with Leila, and then slowly couples started going onto the dance flooor, and since I was best man, I was obluged to go. 

Of course, as best ma I would have to dance with the maid of honor, who to my luck, was Zoella.

She was a great dancer and I wondered why she hadn't been on the dance floor, I looked like a fool dancing with her, I was concentrating hard on not trying to step on her which isn't as easy as it sounds.

"Hey thanks for not stepping on me" Zoella joked and I cracked a small smile because despite that comment she made outside she looked radiant in the crimson dress she wore which she had pointed out earlier matched my tie.

It then occurred to me that Leila was trying to pair us up, doing some match making and I honestly had no idea how to feel because while Zoella was a beautiful women, she was infuriating

Once the dancing was done, Leila's father started off with a heartwarming speech about John and how he was welcomed to the family. When he finished everyone clapped (or intended to, most of them were drunk anyways).

It was then my turn to talk and I had no idea what I was going to say, so like everything in life I decided to wing it.

I took the microphone from him and cleared my throat.

"John "the rocket" O'Neill, damn I've known you for years, and stuck with you through all your shit and I'm honestly happy that I've passed that job onto Leila, I can finally take a break from babysitting" I joked and everyone chuckled. "Congratulations man, enjoy the ride to the rest of your life"

It was short a and simple, and in my opinion pretty good for something that wasn't rehearsed.

Next was Zoella, she was maid of honor and Leila's best friend, she walked glamorously in front of the table and took the mic from the table where I had left it.

"Leila has been my best friend since forever and I promised to always support her. So here I am supporting her as she gets married to an arrogant soccer player" everyone chuckled and so did I, but what made me laugh was the look she shot at me when she mentioned arrogant.

"But John is an exception, he treats Leila exactly how a girl is supposed to be treated, with respect, so treasure each other, and thank you for letting me a part of your lives." She then smiled at the couple and we all clapped.

John and Leila kissed and he said " I feel at peace with myself. I have the women that I love, amazing friends, I'm living the dream. Thank you so much"

Leila cut the cake and gave everyone a piece, grabbing a plate I almost moaned at the deliciousness, chocolate with caramel sauce on top.

"God this cake is amazing, give me a piece to take home so I can have breakfast with this" I told John who was standing next to me with a plate of his own.

"Anything for you Marty" John said teasingly.

"I'm going to head home once I say goodbye to Leila" I informed him and he put his plate down, I did as well and we hugged. It was short and simple but we both knew we were grateful for the friendship we had.

I went to say goodbye to Leila and then I was going to sneak out but before I finished reaching her she said "Can you so me a favor? I know you're leaving John told me, and we have to stay and clean up. Do you mind taking Zoe, home?"

I groaned internally because I couldn't say no, what type of asshole would that make me out to be?

"Of course, I'll wait outside. See you later, Leila" I told her and gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek.

I grabbed my plate with the cake and waited for her outside the car.

I saw her coming up to the car a minute later and I went over to the passenger side and opened the door for her.

'Thank you, but you don't really have to do this, I know Leila put you up to this, I'll take a cab"

Even though I could have not given her the ride and as much as I wanted to go home and get some rest I found myself saying "Get in the car, don't worry I offered"

She shook her head, "No really, its fine, my apartment isn't far from here" 

 "Just climb inside," I said rolling my eyes.

 and surprisingly she did. I shut her door and climbed on the the driver's side. 

"Do you mind putting on your seat belt?" I asked her and to that she nodded again.

"Are you even sober enough to drive?" she asked.

I chuckled at that, the last time I got wasted was a year ago.

"Not an ounce of alcohol in me, sweetheart" I told her smirking knowing that that question was running deep and if I didn't make an arrogant comment she was going to keep on asking.

"Don't call me sweetheart." She said and my comment had gotten the desired effect.

Deciding to stop the teasing I put on my All time low Cd which did't allow a chance for talking. We sat in a comfortable silence enjoying the music and the light breeze that came in through the open window. I then realized that Zoella was actually singing along.

"You like All Time Low?" I asked her and she actually cracked a smile at me.

"Ever since I was a teenager, they're so great. I'm dying to see them live" She told me.

The rest of the trip we spent talking about music and I was glad we had something in common and that the ride wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be.

We then arrived at the house she shared with Leila and she climbed off.

"Thanks so much" She said as she got off the Audi and waved.

I waited until she reached the door and honked two or three times to annoy her.