THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Zachary immediately tapped his finger on the translucent crystal-like display to accept the system mission. He didn't even need to contemplate since he was confident in his ability to realize at least one milestone of the 2014/15 Italian Serie A Challenge.

He could at least start by focusing on keeping himself fit and playing more than 65% of the Serie A matches for Juventus. Then, he would meet the conditions for the first milestone and escape the system penalty even if he failed the rest of the mission.

As for the milestones that required him to score forty goals or help Juventus achieve an unbeaten run, he wasn't even five percent sure that he would be able to realize them. He knew that the Italian Serie A was a top football league in Europe, with very intense competition. He would find it a difficult task if he wished to constantly beat opposing defenders and score goals, week in, week out, as he did during his time in the Norwegian League. He was better off focusing on winning individual games rather than setting unrealistic goals like creating history by scoring more than forty goals in a single Serie A season.

"We're here," Angelo said after a few more minutes as he pulled up into one of the parking spaces in from of the J Hotel.

"Finally," Zachary said. "Thanks for taking care of me again today. I really appreciate the help you have afforded me over the past few days."

"Don't mention it," Angelo said, turning his head to glance at Zachary from the driver's seat. "It's my job to help you, and I enjoy it. But that aside, what about your appointment with the real estate agent? Can you get time soon and look at the houses he has arranged for you?"

Zachary sighed and shook his head. "I'm still busy training and trying to fit into the team. So, tell him to give me a few more weeks. When I settle down and achieve stability on the team, we can contact him and look at the houses."

"Okay, I understand where you're coming from," Angelo said with a smile. "I'll cancel the appointment until you're ready. When do you wish for me to pick you up tomorrow?"

"Pick me up at 10:00 AM," Zachary said. "I must be at the training center by at least eleven tomorrow. I don't wish to miss the team bus to Verona."

"Okay, I'll pick you up at ten," Angelo said, nodding. "Otherwise, have a goodnight."

"Thanks, and have a good night, too," Zachary said and immediately stepped out of the vehicle. After watching Angelo steer the car away from the hotel, he took a moment to admire the sights around him. He breathed in the fresh and natural autumn fragrances as his eyes took in all the infrastructure and green trees lining up the street in front of the J Hotel.

The next moment, a smile slowly outlined his facial features as he felt he was in the most optimum state, especially on the eve of his possible debut in the Italian Serie A. He couldn't explain why, but for the first time since he lost his grandma, he felt like he was alive, driven, and ready to face any challenge that came his way. He was in a good mood, and even the sunset reigning supreme on the western horizon of Turin seemed more beautiful in his eyes.

"Let's head into the hotel."

Zachary ignored the nearby people glancing at him with sparkling eyes and immediately walked into the hotel. He greeted the receptionist before taking the stairs to the third floor. He traversed the spotless clean hallways and arrived at the door leading into his room.

"Knock! Knock..." He knocked a couple of times before waiting.

A second or two elapsed, and then the door silently opened to reveal Camilla's captivating figure in its full splendor. God! She was as gorgeous as ever. She was really a beauty that could cause the downfall of nations with just a smile.

"Hey, stranger!" She said after a few seconds. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with warmth, and she immediately jumped into Zachary's arms. She was like a pretty bird that had just returned to its nest after a long journey across the world.

"Let's first enter the room," Zachary said, patting her back and glancing around. Since he was no longer in Norway, he was constantly on guard against the paparazzi. He didn't wish to see a picture of him being intimate with Camilla in the news the following day.

"Okay," Camilla readily agreed and led him by the arm into the room. What followed was only natural. After spending almost a month apart, the two love birds engaged in the age-old ritual of intimacy. There was a hunger in their actions as they embraced and immersed themselves in the sweet throes of passion on the giant bed in the hotel room. They forgot about everything else and didn't stop until they hit a couple of blissful and fulfilling zeniths in each other's arms.

"So, how was your day?" Camilla asked while resting in Zachary's arms an hour later.

"As good as it can be," Zachary responded, caressing her back. "I made the squad for the game tomorrow."

"Congratulations," Camilla said, smiling and shifting slightly within Zachary's embrace. "Are you among the starting eleven?"

"Unfortunately not," Zachary replied with a sigh. "I'm on the bench. But that's still a good start. As long as I get an opportunity to step on the pitch for a few minutes, I'm sure I'll be able to convince the coaches with my ability."

"I'm sure you will," Camilla agreed. "Continue working hard, and you'll eventually cement your rightful place in Juventus."

Zachary nodded. "Enough about me. When did you arrive?"

"At around three in the afternoon."

"Did the hotel staff give you a hard time?"

"Not at all," Camilla replied. "I was surprised when they readily allowed me into your room. They only asked for my ID, and that was it."

Zachary smiled. "I had given them your details and informed them to let you into the room. And before I forget, I'm really sorry about not picking you up from the airport."

"No problem," Camilla said. "I'm aware that you were busy preparing for the game tomorrow. Did you get me a ticket for the game?"

"Of course," Zachary responded. "How could I forget?"

"Thanks," Camilla said coyly and inched closer to Zachary. "I'm really looking forward to seeing you on the pitch tomorrow."

"Let's hope that the coach gives me an opportunity," Zachary intoned. "Have you eaten, by the way?"

"Not yet. I was waiting for you."

"You must be starving," Zachary said. "Let's head to the restaurant and eat something. Moreover, we need to go to bed early so that I can rest and be in optimum condition during tomorrow's game."

"Okay, let's clean up and head to the restaurant." Camilla readily agreed. "We'll talk about everything else later."

****  ****