Page 76 of Playing for Possession
I kept my cap pulled low and avoided eye contact on my way through customs. Usually, I liked to dress sharp, but I’d kept things casual to avoid attention. I collected our cases and Joanie dragged her small one on wheels behind her. The bright airport lights caught her honey hair, painting it in golden tones. She was dressed casually in dark leggings and a jade sweater that complemented her athletic frame.God. She was so beautiful. We’d agreed to call each other when we were home and unpacked, but how was I going to cope not spending every second with her?
“Kieran! Over here!”
Jack stood with the crowd gathered at arrivals. He held up a cardboard sign that saidDickhead. I rolled my eyes. I’d told him I’d be fine in a taxi. Joanie was looking at the opposite side of the lounge. I locked eyes with Mortimer Fox and a cold feeling spread through my veins.
Joanie whispered under her breath, “You’ll call me tonight?”
“I promise.”
Tears bordered her eyes. I’d been dreading this part. I wanted to pull her into my arms and hold her, but there could be paparazzi. We couldn’t do it yet, but soon we’d have to go public. I could feel Mortimer Fox’s eyes burning into me. I didn’t want to hug Joanie in front of him anyway, not until we’d cleared things up.
“Well,” she said, adjusting her glasses and giving me an awkward grin, “I’ll see you.”
“You will. Very soon.”
My fingers itched to touch her, but I kept my arms pinned to my side.
“Goodbye, Joanie.”
“Adios,amigo.” Her smile trembled on her lips.
Mortimer was heading in our direction. His words rang in my head.My daughter deserves someone who will cherish her. She’s not for you.He was right. I didn’t deserve Joanie, but God, I ached to be that guy. With one last lingering look, I dragged myself away.
Chapter 34
Kieran
My heart pounded as I straightened my black tie in the mirror. I needed to set things straight with Mortimer before this “funeral” or Joanie would be wishing it was me she was burying today. I should have gone over this morning, but Rob had kept me back after training to lecture me. Whatever it took to make this right with Joanie’s dad, I’d do it. A sickly feeling made my guts churn. What if I couldn’t put it right? I’d been a coward. Joanie was brave and strong, and I hadn’t had the guts to tell her the truth.
My phone buzzed with a text.Serious life question. Why does your haircut make you look like such a wanker?
This was the kind of idiotic thing that Jack would text me when he was drunk out of his skull. Why was he drunk in the middle of the day?
Another buzz.Come for a pint.
I fired off a reply.Who’s with you?
It’s me and Sean and a couple of the lads.
Jesus. Day-drinking with Sean Wallace. That was a new low. If the press caught him drinking in the day when the season wasabout to start, he’d be in hot water. Rob couldn’t put up with any more bad behavior from the team. This was too much.
I glanced at my watch. I’d have to get him a cab home, then I’d go straight to the funeral and grab a minute with Mortimer before it started. It was cutting it fine, but I couldn’t leave him.
I sent a text back.On my way. Stay where you are.
Lively conversation and a warm blast of beer hit me. The Queens Arms was empty apart from a couple of old guys playing cards. Jack stood at the bar sipping his pint and peering up at the snooker game on the TV.
“Kieran? Here’s my bro.”
He launched at me for a hug, which almost knocked me over. His eyes were glassy and booze laced his breath.
He gave me an exuberant smile. “You made it. Just in time for a sambuca.”
“Not me, mate. Maybe you should slow down too. It’s early.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, sagging against me. “Relax. We’re all having a good time. How was your holiday?”
“It was work, and it was fine.”
