Page 114 of Playing for Keeps
“For your information, they couldn’t care less. So no, we won’t be losing any money, if that’s what the board are worried about.”
Steven saw a glint in Jamie’s eye. He was enjoying getting one over on the old man. Another positive sign.
“And will you be having a bloody parade before every game?”
Steven clenched his fists. The casual homophobia he’d been subjected to that morning was seriously pissing him off. The more he considered it, the more he became convinced he would be better walking away.
But football was his life. He certainly wouldn’t get another job in the game.
What the fuck would I do?
Tears pricked at his eyes. The injustice of it all overwhelming him.
Jamie stared into his eyes. For a second they connected, the rest of the room fading.
“We will be supporting Javier’s words,” Jamie said, firmly. “Howard will provide the press with a statement within the hour.”
“Don’t you dare?—”
Jamie terminated the call.
“This had better work,” Jamie said. “Or you’ll all be out on your arses at the end of next season.”
TWENTY-SIX
UDO
Thankfully the last game of the season arrived. They were playing in Bournemouth. Udo wanted to get away from Brockton for a while. Everything had become so claustrophobic.
He climbed the steps onto the coach with trepidation. It reminded him of schooldays when the back seat would be the lair of the bullies. The trick was to get as close to the driver as possible.
Some of the lads were still giving him side eye. Of course, Shaun hadn’t let up for the whole of training. Suddenly taking an interest in the newspapers and bringing them in every day.
The first few rows of seats were taken. Udo froze as he walked up the aisle.
“Udo!”
He looked to see Colin waving at him.
“Saved you a spot, mate.”
Udo sat silently next to Colin. His lip trembling.
“Thanks,” he said.
“No worries,” Colin replied. “You’re the only one who doesn’t snore.”
They both sniggered. It felt good to be sharing a joke with a teammate. Something Udo promised himself he would never take for granted again.
“I wanted to talk to you about something anyway,” Colin said.
Udo’s stomach dropped.
“Oh yeah?”
“Adam was saying you’re thinking of getting a new Lamborghini. No way, man. Get a Ferrari. It’s worth the extra.”
Udo could barely hide his sigh of relief.
