Page 29 of Playing for Keeps
“It’s hard not to,” Udo replied with a wink.
They all groaned.
In no time, the elevator doors opened to reveal a packed lobby. The great and the good from the sports industry were out in force.All smiling sweetly for the potential investors. They were easy to spot.
Just look for the most expensive suits.
Over by the entrance was a row of photographers shooting people against a huge South Tel backdrop. As far as advertising opportunities went, this was big.
“There’s Charles Worthington,” Adam said.
True enough, the openly gay Formula One star was posing up a storm. A whoop went up when his partner and teammate, Luis Salvatore, joined him. They’d been the talk of the circuit a few years ago when they’d declared their love for each other.
“Shall we have our first drink?” Ingvar asked.
“Yeah, I need a beer,” Adam replied.
They made their way through to the bar. Jamie was holding court with an attractive woman who wasn’t his wife as well as a few hangers-on.
“Lads,” he said.
“Here we go,” Goran whispered.
Udo would’ve preferred the buzz from a drink before having to engage but duty called.
“Jamie,” Adam said, shaking his hand.
“Guys, you remember South Tel’s CEO, Meera Jakhar?”
They all greeted her.
“Well, we may not be as high up the table as I’d like but we certainly have the best-looking team in the league,” she said.
“It must be the skincare that Goran flogs,” Ingvar said. “We get a lot of free samples.”
Meera chuckled. Then she stared at Udo.
“I don’t know you though.”
“Udo Holtmann,” he said.
“Our new goal scorer,” Adam added, clapping him on the shoulder.
Meera narrowed her eyes. “I think we could do with a few more, Udo.”
“Duly noted.”
Udo glanced away. Her steely gaze was unnerving. The elevator doors opened again, catching his eye. There stood Steven and Javier. Udo gasped a little. Steven looked an absolute knockout in his suit. He seemed to glow as he traversed the room chatting to various people.
Udo couldn’t take his eyes off him.
“Fancy a drink, Holtmann?” Adam asked.
“Yeah, why not?”
He said his goodbyes and followed his new friends to the bar. Ingvar made the order. A pint of lager was a rare treat during the season. Udo was looking forward to this.
He’d never been a fan of getting totally drunk. Being out of control never appealed to him. Having to keep so many secrets meant he wasn’t prepared to take the risk.
