Page 6 of Anteros' Return

As he rejoined his teammates, I noticed his posture, still a bit rigid, like he was trying to prove something. I wanted to help, but he clearly wasn’t ready to hear it. Maybe I’d just have to wait for him to come around. But then again, I’d probably be gone by that time.

“Hey, Liam!” I called out again, this time louder. He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “Just remember, even the best players listen to advice. Don’t shut yourself off from it.”

He hesitated, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes before he resumed his game. I couldn’t help but chuckle softly. The kid was all fire and bravado, but underneath, there was potential waiting to be ignited. One way or another, he’d figure it out.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into him today.” Daniel sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Do you want me to have a word?”

“Don’t worry about it. He’s all right.”

“Alright, I’m going to take a backseat for this session, are you good to take charge?” He asked.

“I am, let’s see what these boys can do.” I smiled.

I took over the rest of their training session alone. The kids were over the moon when I gave them pointers and small tricks to help them against their opponents.

At first, I kept it simple—basic passing drills, footwork, a few fun one-on-ones—but the energy they gave back was infectious. Their eyes lit up every time I praised a move or corrected a stance. One of the younger ones, Jacob, finally managed a proper turn without losing the ball and looked at me like he’d just scored at Wembley. I couldn’t help it—I grinned, wide and real. It had been a while since I’d felt this useful.

The ache in my ankle throbbed in the background, but it didn’t matter. Every time they listened, improved, laughed—it chipped away at the frustration that had been sitting in my chest since the injury.

“They’ve really taken to you.” Daniel clapped his hand on my back with a smile.

“All but one,” I laughed, referring to attitude-riddled Liam. “In all honesty, though, I’ve loved being here tonight. I think I needed it.”

The boys joined Daniel and I, they looked absolutely spent and ready to go home.

“Right, boys, match on Saturday at eleven. I want you to bring your A game.” Daniel sang in a motivational voice at the end.

“Is he going to be there?” Liam shot a piercing glance in my direction.

“Yeah, I am, mate. Is that going to be a problem for you?” I replied quicker than Daniel could.

“Yeah, it is.” Liam huffed with an eye roll.

“Liam!” Daniel raised his voice from beside me. “I don’t know what your problem is, but I’m not having it, alright?!” Liam couldn’t even get a word out before his coach continued. “You’re benched on Saturday, and I’ll be having a word with your mum.”

“What? Why?!” Liam folded his arms across his chest in a huff—like he did when I chatted with him earlier—but still managed to be alarmed. It was clear he was worried what his mum would say. “All because I don’t want to hear what he has to say?”

“Because he’s here to help you—all of you—and the least you can do is show him some respect.”

“My mum says respect is earned, not given.” The corner of his lip twitched, almost like he wanted to smirk because he was proud of himself, before stomping off to the changing room. I wanted to laugh at how grown up he sounded, but I decided against it. I didn’t want to undermine Daniel, especially not when he wore a scowl and had his hands on his hips like he meant business.

“Looks like I need to give Liam’s mum a call, let her know what’s gone on.” He sighed.

I paused for a second before responding, not knowing if he’d appreciate my further input. “Benching Liam is a little rough though, no?”

“Honestly, he needs to learn that what he said and how he acted towards you wasn’t right. I told him if he wants to redeem himself then he needs to apologise next session.”

“And let me guess, I’m not getting that apology?” I chuckled.

“I doubt it, but we can hope,” he joked.

“Anyway, I’ll be getting off now. I’ll see you Wednesday.” I held up my hand in goodbye and made my way to where Ollie had parked, waiting to drive me home.

I couldn’t wait to get this damn cast off so I could drive.

I placed my crutches on the backseat of Ollie’s Ford Ranger before climbing into the front seat with more difficulty than I’d hoped.

“How was it? All good?” He grinned.

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