‘Don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it,’ said Mama, who looked as if she’d surprised herself with such an emotional departure.
Once we were in the car, I realised I didn’t even know where we were heading first. ‘Mama, where are we going, Milano or Lake Como?’
‘First stop is Milano. Papa is at the Milanello training grounds preparing for a game, although he’ll be able to join us at home for the first week. That’s when we’ll work on the Love Lucy photoshoot.’
‘Great, it’ll be so much fun.’ I tried to inject some enthusiasm into my voice.
Mama, on the other hand, couldn’t contain herself. ‘It’s so exciting, my daughter the face of our teen label. I can’t wait to get to the studio and see you work your magic in front of the camera again. It’s been a while.’
Yeah … I couldn’t wait!
‘And if you like, Papa said you can watch him in the local derby on the following Sunday. This time I’ll come with you. I haven’t seen him play for a while. I should show my face! And we’ll make sure that we spend some time relaxing at Lake Como. And of course we must go shopping …’ By this stage Mama was on a roll. ‘I miss the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Via Della Spica, and I can’t wait to dine at Cracco Peck again. We’re also going to catch up with Giorgio. I need a new gown for a ball we’re attending. I can’t wait to get back home,’ she announced with a huge smile.
Never mind the shoot, I was bubbling with excitement about the game. Watching the local derby between AC Milan and Inter was my favourite thing, besides actually playing.
We arrived at the waiting jet without a minute to spare. Our passports were checked while another officer combed over our things with a metal detector. The flight attendant greeted us warmly.
‘Good afternoon, Signora and Signorina Zoffi, welcome aboard. Please take your seats for immediate take-off.’
I hadn’t realised quite how much I’d missed Papa until he entered the room. His thick brown hair was swept back and his green eyes crinkled up with his huge smile. You couldn’t help but love him.
I greeted him with a matching smile, knowing that I had him all to myself while Mama dolled herself up to make her grand entrance. I ran into his arms, hugging him tightly. I couldn’t contain my excitement.
‘Papa, I missed you so much. Did you beat Roma? What was the score? I’m coming to your next game.’
‘That’s what I love about you, Lucia, your lust for life. Of course I missed you, my darling girl. And yes, we did win – but more importantly, look at you,’ he said dotingly, caressing my cheek. ‘I’m so proud that you’re going to be the face of Love Lucy.’
‘I love the sound of it, Papa. It’s an honour’, I said, trying to hide my disappointment that he wanted to talk about that straight away. Oh well, I wasn’t into the fashion thing, but I was extremely touched that he and Mama had named the label after me.
‘We’ve organised your favourite photographer, Enzo, for the shoot, so it will be lots of fun. And this time, since it’s featuring you, I’ve asked him to mix fashion with sport. It’s more suited to the youth market. I haven’t told your mama about that yet … let’s surprise her. We may even use a football in the shoot. What do you think, gorgeous?’
I was completely taken by surprise. Did Papa know that I’d been playing football again, or was this some lucky coincidence? Finally, I could really enjoy a photoshoot.
‘Yes, I think it’s a great idea, Papa,’ I responded carefully. ‘I’m sure kids my age will love it. And I promise I’ll do my best at the shoot and make you proud.’
‘I’m already proud of you Lucia, I mean, Lucy. Mama told me you are doing very well at your new school and your dancing classes. She mentioned something about a dance concert in Sydney that you’re performing in soon. You know I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try my best to be there. It’s about time I took a trip to Australia.’
‘Oh, Papa, really? That would be great.’
‘And you’ve been doing a great job helping your grandpa. He tells me that you’ve made some good friends, although he did let it slip that they’re mostly boys. You know you’re too young to be interested in boys.’ His eyebrows knitted together as he threw me a concerned look.
‘Papa! I’m not interested in boys, I just like hanging out with them. Anyway, I’ve made a very good friend at school, called Bella.’
‘Ah, that’s good to hear.’
‘She’s a bit of a bookworm but we get on very well. And she’s the daughter of a politician. Your club president knows her family.’
‘Well, I like the sound of a friend who has her head in books … it’s the best place for girls, especially mine. You should spend more time with her rather than the boys. They’re trouble – believe me, I was young once and I know what they’re like.’ He gave me a cheeky grin.
‘It’s not like that, we’re just friends. We have a lot in common,’ I replied.
‘But what can you have in common with a bunch of boys? You love fashion and modelling and girly things like your mama. That’s what I love about you. You’re wise beyond your years, and sometimes very stubborn, but every inch a young lady.’ He announced this proudly, while I crumbled inside at his vision of me. Maybe it was his way of holding on, pretending that I was still just a little kid.
Couldn’t he see that I was different, especially from Mama? How could he be so off the mark? Maybe he just didn’t want to recognise that his little princess was a tomboy. I didn’t really fit into his ideal world. I was always in jeans or my favourite trackpants, but I suppose he didn’t see that very often, since he was always playing football or keeping up with sponsorship commitments.
I could hear Mama bolting down the corridor. Her heels banged purposefully towards us, then she arrived looking radiant and immaculate, dressed in a low-cut, perfectly fitted red Valentino dress. Papa was extremely pleased to see her – his eyes goggled out of his head as she threw herself into his welcoming arms. They embraced and started to get mushy … yuck, yuck, yuck, I was out of there. I went to make my exit, but Papa wrestled himself away from Mama.
‘Lucia, er, Lucy, wait. I have something for you. I’ll be back in a minute – stay right where you are,’ he ordered.
He soon returned carrying a big box covered with a blanket. I couldn’t work out what it was until I heard a familiar noise.
‘Gigi, my little Gigi. Oh, I’ve missed you,’ I blurted, feeling tears come to my eyes. Papa opened the box and my chihuahua jumped into my arms, covering my face with welcoming licks. Gigi and I had a lot of catching up to do. Cuddling her now reminded me of Nonno Dino, because he’d bought her for me on my sixth birthday.
I started to relax as I headed to my room with Gigi. It was great to be home again – I was a lot more excited than I’d thought I’d be. Then I remembered: usually at this time of day the boys would be playing football at our local park. I decided it was time to put on the boots and unleash the real Lucy. Jet lag would have to wait.
I quickly packed my bag with my football gear and Gigi, and shouted, ‘I’m just going up the road for a gelato with a few friends.’
‘Okay, we’ll go out for aperitivi then,’ Mama said. ‘Why don’t you meet us at our usual place for dinner later? Call us when you’re ready, but don’t be too late. We’ll leave the driver with you.’
‘Oh no, that’s okay, I’ll be fine.’
Mama quickly bounced back, ‘No, it’s not up for discussion. We still have to be careful – we’re not taking any risks, and that’s final.’
Mama might have been glad to be back in Milano, but the freedom she’d given me in Sydney was starting to slip away.
‘Come on, Pino, pass the ball … what are you doing?’ I yelled out. I’d managed to shake off our driver. He was happy to have the night off.
Pino kicked the ball out and ran over with the rest of the boys. ‘Ciao, Lucy! Good to see you back home. How long are you staying?’
‘Just a few weeks, I think. I’m d
esperate for a game, can I play?’
He nodded.
We got stuck in and played for a couple of hours, as if I’d never left. That was the great thing about football: words weren’t necessary. Even Gigi enjoyed it, barking like crazy. It felt so good being on my home turf, but deep down I knew that this could be the last time I got to kick around with the boys for a long time. I was in my element, loving every minute of the game.
‘Zeezou, you’re on fire. Sydney must agree with you!’ Pino yelled after I scored my third goal.
I couldn’t get enough. I passed the defenders with ease, stalking like a panther towards the goal. I was on a mission, thinking about how I could get my papa’s approval. I wanted to show him the footballer within, I wanted him to see Lucy Zeezou.
After the game we went to our local hangout, a gelato bar across the road from the park. We talked about Sydney and its football scene as I ate my favourite chocolate gelato, and Gigi enjoyed her own version.
A sudden flash of light distracted me momentarily, but I was too involved in the football discussion to pay attention. Then one of the boys yelled, ‘Hey you, get out of here.’
Now that we were back, Mama was caught up in her own world again, frantically organising her schedule to catch up on all the latest gossip with her friends over long lunches and dinners. There were a few society events to attend, and of course appointments for fittings with her favourite designers. She was practically frothing at the mouth knowing she was back in the limelight, living her dream life. Going back to Sydney would be a challenge for her.
The paparazzi had already snapped us walking along the Piazza del Duomo together. They were mainly after Papa the football legend. He just managed to put up with it, and I tried to ignore them, but Mama loved it, always armed with a pout for the camera. It was like being constantly followed by a pack of hungry sharks.
Today though, the photographers would be on our side. Papa and I were heading to the Love Lucy shoot. Thankfully, Mama was going to catch up with us later. This gave me some time to hang out with Papa … well, if you could call a photoshoot time together.
‘Ciao, Lucia, it’s been too long, the camera and I have missed you,’ gushed Enzo. He put his hands on my shoulders and stood back. ‘Let me have a good look at you. My, you’ve grown into an even more beautiful young lady. And what’s in the water in Australia? You’re suddenly taller than me!’
‘That wouldn’t be hard, Enzo’, I said with a cheeky smile. ‘But as usual, you’re too charming. Papa says the shoot is going to be different, with more of a sporty theme?’ I walked around the studio to get a feel for the shoot.
‘I have a few fun ideas for this campaign but I want to surprise you. I know you love the girly thing, but this could be a new look. I think you’ll make the Love Lucy label hugely successful, especially now that there’s going to be a massive billboard campaign across Europe. You must be so excited! Now,’ he continued his rant, ‘let’s get you into hair and make-up. Anastasia is waiting for you.’
‘What billboards? Papa, you didn’t tell me I’d be seen all over Europe!’ I was shocked at the thought.
‘Isn’t it exciting? We’ve already sold the label to most of the European capitals and we’re close to securing a deal in the US and possibly Australia too,’ he announced proudly.
I almost couldn’t bear to say anything. ‘But Papa, my friends will give me such a hard time. I can’t be splattered all over the place. They’ll think I’m a show-off.’
‘Lucia, you’ve grown up in front of the camera and in the public eye. And besides, I know you’ll love it when you see the designs. Enzo is going to make the shoot a lot of fun for you.’ Papa made himself comfortable on the lounge and picked up his macchiato.
Before I had a chance to say anything more, Anastasia came running into the room. ‘Ciao, young lady. Let’s go! While I’m putting your face on, the stylist can give you a peek at the new designs. The clothes are very groovy and beautifully made. I think you’ll love them.’
I sat back while the stylist showed me the range. I was pleasantly surprised. The Love Lucy clothes were actually my style: sporty yet smart casual gear you could wear on all occasions. Some of the outfits were a bit too glittery for my taste, but I loved the design on the T-shirts and singlets – a love heart with my name scrawled alongside it in ruby red, or different colours to suit your taste.
I had to admit the label was brilliant, especially the jeans and cool T-shirts. I also liked the bomber jackets, which had the heart design scrawled across the back. There was even a range of reversible tracksuits. It didn’t seem to be Mama’s style, but I loved the range instantly. I was starting to feel like one of the fashion queens I detest. I needed to get back onto the pitch, and quick!
After close to an hour and a half of hair, make-up and the stylist fiddling with the clothes, I was deemed ready to play for the camera. I walked into the studio, dressed in a sparkly silver top with a big red love heart splattered on the front, black fitted straight-leg pants with a zipper theme and big pockets, and a pair of cool red sneakers covered with little black hearts and sprinkles of silver.
‘Lucia, all I can say is stunning. Stupendo!’ yelled Enzo.
‘See Enzo, I told you my beautiful girl was perfect for this label,’ Papa gloated.
Enzo agreed and then snapped to it, directing me from behind his camera. ‘Now Lucia, please move to the centre of the backdrop and just have fun. I want you looking as though you’re messing around with one of your friends.’
I put on my best playful mood in front of Papa, trying to impress him. I occasionally looked over and winked or blew him a kiss.
‘That’s it, Lucia. Perfect. I want more of that.’ Enzo nodded as he clicked furiously.
I savoured this moment, as ones like it didn’t come around very often. I had Papa’s full attention, and we were both enjoying ourselves.
My treasured time was cut short by his mobile ringing. He answered it, signalled he’d only be a minute, and then promptly left the room.
‘Lucia, keep smiling and play up to the camera.’
Click, click, click. After a few minutes I was ushered away to change into a new outfit, and then began posing all over again. This time I wore the black T-shirt with the Love Lucy print and denim jeans. This was more like it. But I wished Papa was back.
‘Nice outfit Lucy. I’d like to try something different. Your papa is a genius with the ball … now let’s see what his daughter can do.’ To my surprise, Enzo threw me a football while still snapping.
My two lives suddenly came together. I forgot where I was and totally immersed myself in my football world, juggling the ball and performing fancy tricks.
‘Mama mia, Lucia, you are a vision to behold, poetry in motion. Never have I seen anyone so beautiful control a football with such ease and grace.’
I could hear Enzo but I wasn’t listening. I was in the zone, acting on instinct. Just me and the ball, that’s what made me happy.
The camera continued to click as I played to my heart’s content, balancing the ball on the back of my head … rolling it down my spine and kicking it into the air with the back of my heel. I juggled the ball with my feet for a while and then sent it hurtling past the camera.
‘Brilliant, Lucia! Now, dribble towards me and as you’re about to reach me, go straight past, first left and then right,’ Enzo yelled excitedly, trying to maintain the energetic mood and capture something special.
Click, click, click.
Enzo paused for a moment while his assistant handed me some netting and adjusted a few lights. ‘Now, just hold the net in front of you and peer through it, as if you’re about to attack your opponent.’
Snap, snap, snap.
‘Fantastic! Now celebrate as though you’ve just scored a goal.’
That wasn’t hard. It’s what I did best. I was getting carried away but I couldn’t help myself. I was obsessed … or possessed – I wasn’t sure which, but it was so much fun.
‘I’ll do my best. Fire away.’ It had dawned on me that I was probably shocking Enzo with my ability. But right then, I didn’t care.
‘Just one more thing, if you can, please make sure the ball is kicked either side of me. I don’t fancy getting hit by a football and my camera won’t enjoy it either.’ Enzo looked genuinely concerned.
‘Very funny, Enzo. I’ll do my best but I can’t guarantee that I won’t hit you. Are you insured?’
‘Yes, but I’m sure your kicks won’t be too damaging. My assistant will throw the ball very gently at first and we’ll see how you go.’
‘I’m ready. Let’s go,’ I said. I couldn’t wait to blast the balls past him.
At first I sent them back gently to warm up.
‘Yes, I love that, Lucia. You have great skill,’ said Enzo, still surprised.
Then I unleashed at full pace … bang, bang, bang, the balls flew past Enzo on both sides. Just for a bit of fun I sent a few balls flying just over his head. ‘Hey, Lucia take it easy! But, this is fantastic. What else can you show me?’ he said. I asked the assistant to throw the ball higher and I surprised him with a scissor kick.
Click, click, click. Enzo couldn’t get enough.
‘Spectacular, Lucia. You have the gift,’ he cried with amazement, even though he had to duck a few times.
‘Wait, Lucia’s sweating,’ Anastasia yelled out, stopping play. ‘She needs powder and a few adjustments.’
Of course. Everything had to be perfect, I couldn’t possibly have a hair out of place. Anastasia was like a demon with the hairspray, and carefully touched up my make-up.
‘Lucia, keep still, I need to top up your lippy. Perfect, now you look like a model … or maybe a glamorous footballer! I had no idea you were so gifted with the ball. I’m so impressed.’
I smiled as she worked the big powder puff over my face.
Lucy Zeezou's Goal Page 9