How Jess Carter met Ann-Katrin Berger: 'As far as I know, I thought I was straight'

Ann-Katrin Berger met Jess Carter when she joined Birmingham City FC in May 2016. Despite being teammates, they didn't talk much for the first six months . "At first I thought she was arrogant, but as I got to know her I found myself really drawn to her character," says Ann-Katrin.

Au At the time, Jess was living at home with her family in Barford, Warwickshire, but was keen to spread her wings. "In 2017 I wanted to move out and found out Ann was looking for a roommate," Jess says. "In February we moved in together in Solihull." They quickly became great friends, sharing their passion for football and movies. "Jess was chilled and there was no drama at all," says Ann-Katrin. "We all like the same TV shows, so there's never a fight over the remote."

Although they've built a strong friendship, Jess n hadn't considered the possibility that there was more. "I had broken up with my boyfriend when I moved in, but as far as I know I was straight," she says. That summer Jess went off to practice and the couple missed each other. "She's a naturally flirtatious person, which is the complete opposite of me," says Ann-Katrin. Wondering if this could mean she was interested in something more than friendship, Ann-Katrin planned a party for them when she got back. "A friend encouraged me and I thought that if I didn't try, I might not have another chance."

In August 2017, Ann-Katrin took Jess out for the dinner date she had planned, but Jess had no idea it was supposed to be romantic. "When she used the word 'date' I thought she meant as friends. Even when she paid, it didn't click, because she's one of the most generous people I know. I don't think romance was on the cards. "Ann-Katrin has all the qualities I would look for in a partner, but I had never dated a woman before, so I hadn't really thought about it like that," she says.

A few days later, they were relaxing at home when Ann-Katrin took a risk and initiated a kiss. "I was quite nervous because I didn't know what her reaction would be. I always knew she was quite an open person, and she never ruled out being with a woman. At the same time, I Heard it about guys, so I wasn't sure.