Page 115 of Playing for Keeps
“How about you come to the showrooms with me?” Udo asked. His voice a little shaky. “You know, when the heat has died down a bit.”
Colin’s face brightened up. “Really?”
“Of course. I’d love your advice.”
“No worries. We can go next week if you like. I don’t care if the press think I’m shagging you.”
Colin got his phone out and set about to scrolling his socials. It was the kindest full stop to a conversation Udo had ever experienced.
“Thanks, Colin.”
Udo’s gaze rested on the front of the coach. He was waiting for one person to get on board. They’d barely seen each other except for in full team briefings when he’d felt everyone’s eyes on him.
Udo’s stomach did a flip when Steven got onto the coach. They instantly locked eyes. The urge to run down the aisle and throw himself into Steven’s arms was strong. Of course, they’d spoken on the phone loads. Udo needed more. He wanted Steven’s touch and the comfort of his lips.
Now Javier had declared Brockton a gay-friendly zone, the story had gone stratospheric. They were even being discussed on daytime television. Yet, most of the response had been positive.
Steven took his seat at the front next to Javier.
“Won’t be much longer,” Adam said from the seat across from Udo.
“I bet you’re in blue-ball hell,” Colin added from the other side.
“Colin!” Udo exclaimed.
“Don’t be so fucking disgusting,” Shaun chipped in from the seat behind. “It’s bad enough we’re being seen as a bunch of fairies. I’m not listening to that kind of talk.”
Adam’s face grew dark. “Then why don’t you piss off, Shaun?”
“I remember when this club was something to be proud of.”
“Is that right?” Udo replied. “Was that the time you missed the penalty in the semi-final last year? Remember?”
Brockton and Chelsea had been fighting for a place in the cup final the previous season.
With a nil-nil draw after extra time, it had come down to taking penalties for the win. Udo had scored. Shaun had not. Udo’s teammate had scored, and they had won.
Shaun went scarlet.
“Prick.”
The heavens had opened about fifteen minutes into the game. Udo was no stranger to playing in the rain. It seemed to match his mood today. He’d barely touched the ball. Shaun seemed to be everywhere. At times Udo felt like he was being marked by his own teammate.
Adam ran past him.
“What the fuck is Riggs doing?” he asked.
“I think you should ask him that.”
The ball came past them. Adam expertly got it under control before the Bournemouth defender knew what had hit him.
Udo kept pace with Adam as they headed toward the goal. Unfortunately the defender doubled back and was keeping close to Udo. Adam had no choice but to pass the ball to Shaun, who was clear.
The crowd roared. Shaun made it to the edge of the penalty box. The goal was in sight. Two Bournemouth players were on him. Udo got free from the defender and sprinted to the opposite side of the pitch.
Shaun locked eyes with him. Udo in a perfect position. He prepared himself for the inevitable pass.
It didn’t come. Shaun pivoted and sent the ball flying over the heads of the players toward Colin at the halfway line. Colin struggled to get it under control and lost possession to Bournemouth.
