More than a match | Alexia Putellas

The day had been quietly perfect.

London was draped in the kind of soft golden light that made even the busiest streets look like something from an old photograph. They'd spent the morning wandering through Borough Market, sharing bites of pastries and laughing at the way Alexia wrinkled her nose at certain English cheeses. In the afternoon, they'd taken a slow stroll by the Thames, pausing to listen to a busker playing guitar, Gracie humming along under her breath.

But now, as evening settled in and the streetlights began to glow, the tone shifted. Tonight wasn't just another date. Tonight was the dinner Gracie had mentioned all week, the one with her parents.

They'd chosen a cozy little restaurant tucked into one of London's quieter streets. The kind with brick walls, warm lighting, and small vases of fresh flowers on each table. It wasn't flashy, but it felt intentional, somewhere you could actually hear each other talk without shouting over music.

Alexia smoothed her jacket as they walked in, her hand warm in Gracie's. "You're sure they're okay with this?" she asked quietly, as if suddenly hit with the reality of meeting them in such an intimate setting.

Gracie gave her a look, equal parts amused and affectionate. "You've met them before, babe. This isn't some interrogation. They like you."

"Liking me when I'm waving from the pitch is different than liking me over dinner." Alexia said, her voice low, though the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her nerves.

"They'll love you." Gracie promised, giving her hand a squeeze before spotting a familiar pair of faces near the back of the restaurant. "Come on."

"Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad." Gracie leaned in to hug both of them. Her mum, Georgia, wore a soft cream sweater and had that same mischievous glint in her eyes as her daughter. Her dad, Keith, looked sharp in a navy shirt, his expression instantly warm as he pulled Gracie in for a squeeze.

Then both turned to Alexia.

"It's lovely to see you again." Georgia said, stepping forward to hug her without hesitation.

"And you." Alexia replied, returning it easily. Keith shook her hand firmly, his smile genuine.

Once seated, menus in hand, the conversation started light, about the restaurant, the weather, the planeride Gracie and Alexia had taken earlier in the week. Alexia listened more than she spoke at first, letting the three Smiths fall into their familiar rhythm, but it didn't take long before she was chiming in with her own stories from Spain, making Keith chuckle at her impression of one of Barça's more eccentric physios.

Over starters, a shared plate of olives, bread, and dips Keith asked, "So, Alexia, have you been enjoying your time in London?"

"I have." Alexia said, her Spanish accent curling softly around the words. "It's... different from Barcelona, but in a good way. I like how walkable it is. And Gracie has been showing me all her old spots."

Georgia smiled knowingly. "I imagine she's been dragging you to a lot of coffee places?"

Alexia's lips curved. "Too many. I think I've had more flat whites this week than in the last year."

Gracie grinned, unapologetic. "It's part of the tour. You can't experience London without coffee."

Keith leaned back in his chair, watching the way they glanced at each other, how easily their hands brushed when they reached for the bread. "And what's next for you both now the season's done?"

Alexia and Gracie exchanged a quick look. "We're taking a trip to Greece with Leah and Elle." Alexia said. "A bit of a celebration before pre-season starts again."