Page 22 of Friends Rucked Up

We ride across town to the local rugby club. He leaves me in the family box, and I find a comfy chair with a great view of the field. Other people join me in the room, but mostly I’m left to enjoy myself. I order a wine from the bar, and by the time the match starts I’m feeling merry, but not drunk.

Rugby is a brutal sport. Every time Alfie goes down my heart jumps up into my throat. He’s like a storm out there weaving between the players and passing the ball with ease. The guys around me create the perfect atmosphere. They cheer, shout,and clap in all the right places. Even though I’m on my own, I join in supporting my man—I mean my friends’ team. Selby Scarabs win twenty-three to ten, and I get a few high fives on the way down to the changing room.

Alfie appears with a group of other players beaming with pride. He picks me up and spins me around. “We were on fire tonight.”

“You were amazing,” I say, as he sets me back down.

A guy to his right nudges him as we fall into step towards the car park. “Saylor, this is Lance,” Alfie says.

“Nice to meet you.”

He’s eyeing Alfie with a curious look and Alfie just shakes his head. “You too. Are you both joining us for a celebratory drink?” Lance asks.

“Not tonight,” Alfie says, shaking his head again.

“What, are you scared I’m going to steal your girl, Nash?” Lance lets out a strange cackle, amusing himself with his idea.

Alfie rubs his forehead. “You wish. Saylor is out of your league.”

“Drinks then?” Lance winks at me prematurely celebrating.

Seeing how he can push Alfie’s buttons is impressive, and I like him already.

“Fine.” Alfie agrees, making his friend happy.

We travel a few metres down the road and get out at a local pub. I stay close to Alfie as we make our way through the crowd toward the bar. He orders two beers, and we take a seat in a reserved booth. He’s driving, so he’ll only have one, but it’s still one more than usual. Lance and a couple of the other guys join us in the seating area.

“It’s hard to get this guy to come out with us, Saylor. I’m glad you could make the match and influence his decisions.” He messes Alfie’s hair, and Alfie combs it back down afterwards.

“I had a great time. You guys played so well,” I say.

“We did, didn’t we?” He turns to the guy next to him and they bump chests with a growl.

The testosterone in here outnumbers the pretty faces, but I don’t feel uncomfortable with all these huge men. Alfie keeps me close, and when Lance even tries to pull my attention, he makes sure he’s included in the conversation. I don’t miss the way Lance is amused by his protective moves.

We finish our drinks and Lance signals he’s going to the bar for another round. Alfie shakes his head letting him know we’re done.

“I’m taking Saylor home.”

Lance nods and Alfie leads me outside.

“We didn’t have to rush off,” I say, as we make our way across the carpark.

“Maybe I don’t want to share you.”

I laugh, trying to take it as a light heart compliment, but his words send my insides to mush. “It’s a shame you’re not tucking me into bed again. I like your caring side.”

“You can’t say things like that to me.” His voice comes out rough.

“What, you can be sweet but I can’t?” I narrow my eyes at him ready to give him a piece of my mind. I thought grumpy Alfie was gone with his Groundhog Day epiphany.

“Not if you want me to survive the night.”

I’m not sure what he means by that, but we’ve had a nice time, so I don’t want to ruin it. Instead, I change the subject. “Lance seems like a nice guy.”

“Yes, he is when he’s not baiting me.” He pouts but I can see the sparkle in his eyes. He likes Lance and doesn’t mind his teasing.

“Better to have him as a teammate than him firing you up on the field.”

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