England's Greatest-Chapter 89: Glaze

[Check out the Patreon, I think there's like 51 advance Chapters there with daily Chapters, and drop some power stones, comment and review if you guys want to, trying to hit 925 power stones this week.]

....

July 18th

United States—Los Angeles

The summer sun bathed the city in a golden glow, its rays kissing the streets and buildings, setting a warm, inviting tone across Los Angeles. The air carried that quintessential laid-back vibe, with palms swaying lazily in the breeze under the bright blue sky.

A sleek black BMW M3 convertible cruised effortlessly along Sunset Boulevard, its engine humming softly. Behind the wheel sat Sophia, her demeanor sharp yet composed as she navigated the bustling streets with ease. Tristan lounged in the passenger seat, dressed in a light floral shirt, a cap tilted slightly backward, and his signature sunglasses. The California sun gleamed off his lenses, reflecting the vibrant energy of the city as he watched the world go by—modern buildings, colorful street art, and the eclectic mix of locals and tourists filling the sidewalks.

His phone buzzed in his hand, the vibration cutting through the serene atmosphere of the drive. Glancing at the screen, Tristan's lips curled into a small smile. It was Mendes.

He swiped to answer, pressing the phone to his ear. "So, the club wants to renew my contract?" he asked, his tone effortlessly cool, though there was a subtle edge of curiosity beneath it.

"Yes, they're being quite sensible," Mendes replied, his smooth, measured voice coming through the line. "Saves us the trouble of putting our foot down."

Tristan leaned back in his seat, raising an eyebrow behind his sunglasses. "But it's true—Manchester City, Paris, and Monaco all want me. They're offering 30 million euros. The club's probably getting anxious."

Sophia shot him a quick glance, her brow arching as she listened in on his end of the conversation. "They'd be mad not to be," she quipped.

Mendes continued, unbothered. "Anxious, perhaps, but determined. This renewal is their way of asserting control. They want you to feel their commitment and ensure you don't start entertaining any of those offers too seriously."

The corners of Tristan's mouth twitched hearing that.

"Don't forget," Mendes added smoothly, "this isn't just about money or leverage. Leicester knows you're their golden ticket for the future. They'll do whatever it takes to keep you happy."

Tristan let out a low hum of acknowledgment, his gaze drifting back to the cityscape. The transfer rumors had been swirling like a storm ever since his breakout World Cup performances. Every major sports outlet seemed to have a new angle, a new headline speculating about his next move. Was he headed to one of Europe's elite clubs? Would he break Leicester's resolve?

The media frenzy had only intensified when Tristan seemingly disappeared from the public eye after the World Cup. No sightings in Leicester, no paparazzi shots in London, not even a whisper of him in England. The silence had driven fans and reporters alike into a frenzy of speculation. Some claimed he was in secret talks with top clubs.

The truth finally emerged when photos surfaced online, showing Tristan alongside his parents and Sophia at Heathrow Airport. The destination? Los Angeles. Suddenly, the attention shifted to California, where rumors of potential meetings with agents, sponsors, and even Hollywood connections began to swirl.

As for why he's in LA Just two days ago, Tristan had received a call from none other than David Beckham. Since obtaining Beckham's number, The only exchange they'd had was after England's heartbreaking loss to Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals, when Beckham had sent a thoughtful text with words of encouragement.

Then out of the blue, Beckham called and invited Tristan to take part in a charity football match.

Without hesitation, Tristan agreed. But it wasn't just the match that drew his focus. He wanted to spend time with his parents before the new season began. It had been months since he'd had a proper break with them, and with the relentless football schedule ahead, he knew these moments were rare and precious.

The charity match, organized by Beckham and hip-hop star Chris Brown, was set to raise funds for children in Africa. It promised a star-studded lineup, featuring celebrities, retired football legends, and even basketball greats. While Tristan wasn't particularly drawn to the social aspect, the chance to share the field with some of his idols was impossible to resist. Beckham had assured him that icons like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Figo, Scholes, and Giggs would all be playing. The opportunity to play alongside them was a dream he couldn't pass up.

Tristan booked the earliest flight to Los Angeles, excitement bubbling under his calm exterior. When he landed, he immediately headed to the hotel where he had arranged a suite for his parents. His mother, Julia, looked around with a mix of surprise and hesitation.

"Tristan, you didn't have to go all out," she protested softly.

He smiled, brushing off her concern. "It's nothing, Mom. I just want you and Dad to feel comfortable while you're here."

His father, Ling, always the practical one, gave Tristan a nod of gratitude. "This is quite the place," Ling joked, his tone light but appreciative.

"It's just for the trip, Dad," Tristan replied with a chuckle, placing a hand on his father's shoulder. Turning to his mother, he asked gently, "You okay with everything, Mom?"

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

Julia's eyes softened as she smiled. "We're fine, darling. But you—you've been working so hard. It's good to see you taking a little time for yourself."

"You've done enough for us already, Tristan," she added warmly. "Now enjoy this trip, and enjoy that match."

Once his parents were comfortably settled, Tristan headed straight to Beckham's Beverly Hills mansion.

Once his parents were comfortably settled, Tristan headed straight to Beckham's Beverly Hills mansion.

he pristine streets, towering palm trees, and sprawling estates were a world apart from anything he'd experienced growing up. When he arrived, David and Victoria Beckham greeted him warmly at the door.

"Welcome to LA, mate!" Beckham said with a grin, pulling Tristan into a firm, friendly hug. "Glad you could make it. Come on in, make yourself at home."

Victoria offered a warm smile. "It's great to finally meet you, Tristan. David's been so excited about the match."

Despite Beckham insisting he stay with the family, Tristan politely declined. The hotel he'd arranged for his parents was already more than comfortable, and he didn't want to impose. Still, David wouldn't let him leave without a parting gift.

"Take the Beemer," Beckham said, tossing him the keys to a sleek black BMW convertible. "You'll need something fun to get around while you're here."

"Thanks, David," Tristan replied with a chuckle. "Appreciate it."

Later, Tristan was on the road, but it was Sophia behind the wheel as she had a IDP.

"Where to next, boss?" Sophia asked, glancing over at Tristan as he studied the map on his phone.

"Let's head to the Avenue of Stars," Tristan replied, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

As they cruised through the lively streets of Los Angeles, Tristan's phone buzzed. It was Mendes, picking up the thread of their earlier conversation.

"What conditions did the club offer?" Tristan asked, his voice calm but focused.

"£30,000 a week and £60 million in severance pay," Mendes replied.

Tristan's brow furrowed slightly. While the offer was more than double his current wages, it didn't reflect his true value. He'd proven himself time and again for both Leicester and England, becoming a pivotal figure on and off the pitch.

"This is just their opener," Mendes reassured him. "They're testing the waters. Trust me, they'll come back with a better deal."

Tristan nodded, his expression steady. "I'm not asking to be the highest-paid player in the league, but I want at least £60,000 a week. If Leicester values me as much as they say, they'll step up."

Mendes paused, somewhat surprised. "So, you're serious about staying at Leicester? You know the bigger clubs—City, PSG, Monaco—they'd pay significantly more."

"It's not about the money," Tristan replied, his tone resolute. "Leicester gave me my chance. As long as they show me the respect I've earned, I'll stay."

"Fair enough," Mendes said. "I'll handle it. Expect an update soon."

Ending the call, Tristan slipped his phone into his pocket just as the car slowed to a stop.

"We've arrived, boss," Sophia announced, flashing him a grin.

Tristan stepped out, taking in the energy of the Avenue of Stars. It was a place where dreams were immortalized, and for a moment, he let himself bask in the excitement. They strolled along the bustling street, stopping occasionally to admire the handprints and names etched into the pavement.

After a while, hunger beckoned, and they found themselves at a renowned barbecue spot. The aroma of smoked ribs and grilled brisket was irresistible.

"This is the life," Tristan said, glancing around the lively restaurant. "I could definitely get used to this."

Later, his parents joined him for a quiet dinner back at the hotel.

After dinner, Tristan headed to the Home Depot Center, the iconic home of LA Galaxy. He was eager to take in the stadium ahead of the celebrity charity match the following day. The venue, with a capacity of 20,000, promised an electric atmosphere, and Tristan couldn't help but feel excited about playing in front of such a large crowd.

It wasn't until evening that he returned to the hotel with his parents and Sophia. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, he felt refreshed and ready to head to Beckham's villa for the night's party.

.....

I am cooking in Patreon right now; I just dropped 5 Chapters with 32k words combined. When we get to the Premier League, I can confidently say this story is mine. I am writing my own original Chapters instead of just translating. So by then, if that story is shit, that's on me, but that's not happening .Trust me, I am cooking right now, there's like 100 members on Patreon right now so I'm doing something right.