Raul is their bullfighting coach
Julio: 1/3 of El Niño's
James: 1/3 of El Niño's (had a quick thing with Mariela)
Hector is Esteban's manager (notes for me)

Anais

"Good morning everyone! Thank you for coming to the Copa de Toreo press conference"

The room burst into an eager applause as Hector introduced the event through his microphone. The loud flashing and loading of the cameras sounded every other minute in the silence of the room.

"And now! The moment you all have been waiting for, Esteban la Renta, Julio Del Mooves and James Reyes!
El Niño's!!!"

More applause erupted through the conference room until the crowds stood to their feet. I didn't realize how big of a deal they were but seeing the reaction of the crowd clued me in.

The three men came in from behind the doors of the room and made their way to the stage, clapping, waving and smiling at the crowds.

"Thank you!"
Thank you"
"Gracias. Gracias!" The three ninos repeated, lifting their hands in thanks. There were a few screams from the younger women in the crowd and a few hoots from the men.

Esteban searched for me in the crowds and smirked, winking at me before taking his seat near his teammates. Hector waited for the crowd to quiet before standing up again.

"The first sponsor is Coca Cola. They have sponsored every torero fight since the beginning.
It's an hour panel. Any and all questions are welcome but the ninos can refuse to decline any question so be wise." Hector warned, inviting the soft chuckles of the crowds.

The paparazzi snap a few more pictures before the first reporter comes to the microphone that was erected in the middle of the room.

"My question is for all you boys. It is rumored that your total sponsorships amount to quite a hefty sum. What is a the first splurge you will do with the money?"

The men laugh, looking at each other before leaning foward to speak into their microphones. "A big sandwich from Fez's. He makes the best pork marinade" James grins with pride.

"That's it James?" The reporter asked, skeptical at his modest reply.

"I'm a simple guy. Maybe I'll get some fries on the side and splurge" he teases. The crowd chuckled again before taking some notes.

"Julio?" The same report asked.

"Maybe a new car? I don't know? I don't like parting with my money go so I'll put it away in the bank"

The reporter nodded and turned his attention to Esteban.

"And the famous el Jefe? What will you do with your share?"

"I'll treat my mom of course but knowing her, she would refuse any gift I bought her" Esteban explained.

"Awwww" the crowd cooed.

"So, I would take mi amor to dinner then buy her anything her heart desires"

The people cooed and awed. I blushed but smiled looking at him with care. He looked over at me through the corner of his eye but tried not to make it obvious. The reporters would have a field day or put me on the spot if they knew where I was in the crowd.

"Wow! Seems like someone has finally tamed the wild el Jefe!" The same report teased. Esteban rolled his eyes but laughed.

"Hector said one question per reporter. Next!!"

The same reporter thanked them and retreated back to his seat.

And the day continued on like this. About 7 reporters tried to pry and gossip about our relationship but Esteban refused to entertain it.

They had some questions for Raul about his coaching style and a few for Hector as well.

"We have time for one last question!" Hector announced, looking down at his watch. It had been a pretty good press conference so far but then? That pit it my stomach started brewing again as I watched the final reporter saunter to the microphone stand.

He was a shady looking guy, dressed in a dark black pant suit suit with a cigarette lazily propped against his bottom lip. He held the center of the microphone while the three men whispered and drank from their bottles of water.

"This question is for James and Julio.?" The man smiled.

"Go on" they smiled charmingly.

"We got a report from an anonymous source that you two had a meeting with the presidente? It was confirmed by our sources. They said it was a business opportunity? One that didn't involve Esteban?" The man took a long puff from his cigarette before tapping it to the ground.

Their were some audible gasps and whispers as the question unfolded. James and Julio looked at each other before staring at Esteban. They look just as confused as Esteban.

"Excuse me sir, but that is false! A silly and false rumor" James clarifies.

"Is it? We just got news from the Presidente of a new super team involving you two" the sleazy man continued.

"What?" Esteban cursed, leaning away from the microphone.

"Esteban this man is a mentiroso (liar)!" James refuted.

"Is it not true that you two had a meeting with the Presidente on September 26?" He pulled out a small notepad to confirm the date.

"Yes ...but—"

"Yes?!!" Esteban interrupted Julio, standing from his chair.

"Esteban come on. You know we would never do that to you. I can't believe you are listening to this bull!" Julio cursed.

Esteban stood from his chair, knocking it to the floor before standing up to leave the stage. Hector sensed the unease if the crowd and quickly stood to diffuse the silence.

"Okay! Okay! Thé hour is up! Thank you all for coming. We will have a 30 minute break then reconvene at 12:30 pm" Hector announced before running after Esteban. James and Julio grabbed their waters before standing and walking off the stage.

I was unsure what to do. I knew I needed to see Esteban but I could not ignore the fact of how convenient the whole situation was. Was that man even a reporter. I bent to gather my bag and stood up to find Esteban. My heart raced as I caught the gaze of the same sleazy reporter. He was staring at me from across the room, watching me before winking and turning to leave.

———

Author note:

Sorry it was short but I rather update more often and it be short then make you guys wait! (I'll update when the chapter gets to 100 reads 🥰)
What do you think the Presidente has up his sleeve? It goes down in the next chapter
👀👀