Page 236 of Off the Pitch

“You must be Félix! I’ve heard so much about you,” she said, shooting Jordan a playful smile as she hugged me.

“All good things, I hope.”

“I’d say so,” she said. “J was practically gushing over you last time we spoke.”

“No, I fucking wasn’t,” Jordan said.

“Yeah, you were. It was adorable. Like a tiny kitten, all happy and fluffy.”

“What the fuck! I’m not a kitten!”

“Aww, you’re so cute when you’re grumpy.” Dani chuckled before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially. “He’s so fun to tease.”

“He really is.” I laughed, ignoring the daggers Jordan was throwing at me. I got the feeling Dani and I were going to get along fine. Kat was quieter, though it was probably because she was as nervous as I was.

“This is one of those baptism by fire things, isn’t it?” I murmured to her, as we watched Dani and Jordan arguing about something I couldn’t catch.

Kat smiled. “I think so. Thanks for having us though.”

“You’re very welcome. At least now I have someone to talk to when those two forget we exist and spend the whole time winding each other up.”

“Definitely.” Kat paused, watching them. “I’m glad we came. Dani’s been so worried about him since he told her about his leg. I think she’s been sending him mini essays every night about his recovery. I know she asked me to order her some books about recovery training, and she’s been talking to one of the guys at the gym who has a background in sports injuries.”

“Ah, so she’s the one who makes Jordan grumble about being overbearing.”

“Probably. I keep telling her it’s too much, but she won’t listen.”

“Don’t worry. He likes it. He gets this little smile every time he reads the messages. I think he’s happy she cares.”

“At least I know I don’t have to try to stop her.”

“No, please let her keep driving Jordan crazy. It stops me from doing it.” Kat giggled, and Dani looked over to us, an eyebrow quirked.

“Are you talking about us?”

“Why would we do that?” Kat asked teasingly. Jordan and Dani both opened their mouths, probably to argue, but then the doorbell rang again, and we were suddenly swamped by the rest of Jordan’s family.

Isaac shook my hand while Sarah pulled me into a hug, saying it was good to see me again. Mia said half a hello as she ran past me to Dani and Jordan, who swooped her up and spun her around while she chattered away about the new things she’d learnt at gymnastics.

“Hello, young man,” said Alice, Jordan’s grandma, appearing at my arm, leaning on the newly acquired walking stick her physiotherapist had insisted upon. She absolutely detested it and had spent a good forty minutes on the phone with Jordan yesterday about it, complaining they were treating her like an old woman. Jordan had been sensible enough not to point out to her that she was in her seventies now.

“Hello,” I said. “It’s so good to see you again.” We meandered towards the living room where there was already a cacophony of laughter and excited chatter. “Thanks for joining us.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” she said. “How’s Jordan doing? He seemed better when we watched the last match together.”

I smiled and nodded. I hadn’t been surprised when Alice had half cornered me at dinner last week before asking me how Jordan was getting on at home. I’d been as honest as I could without feeling like I was betraying Jordan’s trust. He still had bad moments, where he grumbled and ranted and even cried a little, but those were private between us. When they happened, I’d listen to him rage, ignoring him when he deliberately tried to push my buttons and comforting him when he finally broke. Mostly we’d just curl up on the sofa and watch old episodes ofThe Simpsons, but once or twice I’d taken him upstairs, spread him out on the bed, and taken him apart with my tongue until he was a pleading, boneless mess. After that, he usually felt better.

“He’s doing well,” I said. “I know he’s disappointed not to be there with them, but he spoke to Liam yesterday afternoon for over an hour, and afterwards, he was just excited for today. He’s so proud of Liam, I think that numbs the pain a little.”

Alice nodded. “Good, good. I’m glad he’s not taking it to heart as much.” I held out my hand to help her into the armchair by the door that Jordan and I had acquired for her. We’d ordered it especially once we’d made plans for today, and I was pleased the company had sent it over so quickly. I’d been worried they wouldn’t make it in time, since we’d had it custom ordered, but it had been delivered yesterday afternoon by two young men who hadn’t batted an eyelid at squeezing it through the narrow living room door. They’d both earnt a hefty tip, and Jordan and I had been left with an extra armchair. Albeit one that had a footrest and reclining features. I had no idea where we’d put it afterwards, but perhaps it would be nice to have a chair just for Alice. Plus, I could easily see Jordan falling in love with the footrest very, very quickly.

“Me too. Thanks for coming to watch though. I think it’ll be easier for him with everyone here,” I said, looking around to check Jordan wasn’t in earshot. But he was squished on the sofa with Mia who was chattering away nineteen to the dozen.

“I wouldn’t miss it. My poor boy has always taken things to heart, even though he thinks I don’t notice.” She smiled wryly. “He’s not as clever as he thinks he is, you know. And I know he plays at being the hotshot, but deep down he’s a dreamer. He wants to do well. He dreams big and wants to go far. But he has so much love for those around him, like Liam and Dani. He wants them to be happy, and I know he’d be heartbroken if the situation was reversed and Liam was here. I’m so proud of him.” Her eyes crinkled fondly as she watched him. My eyes followed hers, my stomach fluttering and my own lips curling in a smile. Alice was right. Jordan was fiercely protective of those he loved. He cheered for them, he pushed them, and he’d do anything for them. It was one of the things I loved most about him.

Because I did love him, that much was certain.

I didn’t think what I felt for him could be anything but love.

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