Alex stood by the window, looking out at the shimmering Lake Como. The Champions League trophy sat on his desk, draped in a blue and white scarf.
"We did it," Alex said softly. "We actually did it."
Mark stopped crunching. "We conquered Europe! We are like Napoleon, but taller and with better hair."
"And better snacks," Alex added.
"Much better snacks," Mark agreed, reaching for another breadstick.
Rico walked in, holding a newspaper. "Have you seen this?"
He slapped the paper onto the desk. The headline screamed in bold Italian: IL MIRACOLO DI COMO! FINCH IL MAGO! (The Miracle of Como! Finch the Wizard!)
"They call you a wizard," Rico laughed. "Where is your wand?"
"My wand is my brain," Alex tapped his temple. "And my spell is hard work."
"Boring spell," Mark mumbled. "My spell would be 'Accio Pizza'."
The door opened again, and Cesc Fabregas walked in. He looked impeccable in a tailored suit, but his smile was wide and genuine.
