Page 7 of Anteros' Return

“Yeah, it took my mind off of all the other shit.” I relaxed back in the seat. “What an absolute ball ache it is to get in here though.” I laughed.

“Sorry, mate.” He responded, “Listen, I’m getting a drink in a bit with the guys, do you fancy it?” He asked with a hopeful smile.

“Nah, I’m going to call it a night. I don’t fancy a repeat of the weekend.”

“Alright, just don’t go back to Spain without coming out at least once more,” he practically begged, but I knew he was just teasing. I wouldn’t be going anywhere with this thing still on my leg and these crutches glued to my hands.

“I won’t.”

But also, I didn’t know if being around Harry and Mike was what I wanted to do either, if I was being honest. They’d hate my guts no matter what I said or did so what was the point in hanging around?

4

Islammed the door behind me as Liam stormed off towards the kitchen, throwing his boots in the hall on the way.

I followed after him and pointed at one of the barstools. “Liam, sit down. Now.”

“Mum, please.” He threw himself onto the kitchen stool.

“I don’t understand what came over you to act that way. That’s not how I raised you.” I remained as calm as I possibly could. His face fell faster with each passing second.

“But I don’t like him.” He scoffed.

“Who? You don’t like who?” I knew who he meant. Daniel had explained Beckett was helping out for a few weeks. It was a blow and a half to me, but I was trying not to let it affect me.

“Beckett Ashmore,” Liam said. “He thinks he knows everything when really he’s not even that good.”

“Liam, that’s enough now. I won’t tolerate this behaviour or you talking about him like that.” My calm voice grew sharper, almost shapeshifting from the sweetness it usually held when I spoke to Liam. Something between shame and embarrassment followed behind it, but my son couldn't see that. Not necessarily because he said what he did but because it made me questionthe one thing that came up for me from time to time, which was whether or not I was doing a good enough job as a single mum.

I heard the front door open and close from the hall, but that didn’t interfere with my conversation with Liam.

“Liam, do I make myself clear?” I asked with a firm tone.

“Woah, what’s going on in here?”

“Uncle Mike!” Liam’s face lit up the second he saw my brother's friend. He had just as much influence on Liam growing up as my family did, which was why Liam referred to him like he was family. “Uncle Harry!” He beamed at my brother.

“What’s going on is that my son decided to bring his attitude to training. He was sent home and is also benched for Saturday’s game.”

“Buddy, what was that for?” Mike relaxed on the stool next to Liam, as Harry’s confused gaze met my much angrier one.

“Football is good. I’m good. Why did he have to stick his nose into it?” Liam huffed, folding his arms across his chest.

Mike glanced over in my direction. My expression was enough to silence whatever he was about to say.

“Sweetheart, Beckett is helping out until he’s fit enough to play again, and if you want to continue to be on the pitch, you’re going to need to show him—and Daniel—the respect they deserve. ”

“Fine. But I’m not saying sorry.” Liam scoffed, and I knew he meant every single word, but I wasn’t about to let that slide.

“Yes, I think you’ll find you are.” I swiped his iPad off the corner of the kitchen island before he could grab it. I held it up. “As for this, you can say goodbye to it until you find the respect I’ve taught you.”

“But mum…” he moaned with a frown.

“Don’t ‘but’ me. My decision is final. Now, go to your room.”

“Fine.” He slipped off the stool and darted in the direction of his bedroom. I’d never seen him move so fast. Part of me feltbad, but the majority of me knew that I didn’t bring him up that way, which was why I wasn’t going to tolerate it.

“Don’t you think you were a little harsh?” Mike said after Liam’s door slammed shut, making Harry wince. I didn’t know if it was the slamming of the door or Mike’s question but Harry’s demeanor shifted.

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