Page 55 of Endurance
“Never,” I yell and pull her under my arm, dropping a kiss on the top of her head and looking back down at the pitch. “Come on, Harrises! Get your pansy arses moving and stop prancing around like fucking ballerinas!”
Belle laughs and high fives me, and we get back to the task at hand.
The pre-match talk had Man U topping Arsenal three goals to one. They were spot-on. Camden scored a long, thunderous strike into the top-left corner up against Man U’s left defender only three minutes into the match. It had the Red Devils all shook up, but I smiled with pride when I saw Gareth give Cam a pat on the back as they jogged past each other. As beautiful as that moment was between them, I was disheartened not to be out there myself.
I can close my eyes and think of at least twenty different times when Camden and I embraced after a goal. If it was my goal, Cam would always ruffle my hair and fuck up my sweatband. I would shove him away and we’d push each other back and forth until it turned into a cheesy brotherly hug. If he scored, I usually tried to smack his arse or pinch his nipple, anything to embarrass him as only a twin brother can.
But this match was different. This was two brothers playing against each other. Two rival teams. The stakes were high. So seeing them congratulate each other in any small fashion proved that they put the Harris family pride above football, and that was a thing of beauty.
The Arsenal high from Cam’s goal was short-lived. Man U shook up the Gunners’ defence by popping in two goals within forty-four seconds of each other. They came out looking better after the break with some big stops from their keeper, but a final midfielder belt from United left Arsenal two down by the end of the match.
It was a sharp, clean game. Beautiful football through and through, which made me happy. No matter how frustrating a loss is, it’s never more maddening than when there’s dirty play and shoddy calls. I didn’t want that stress for my brothers. Not for their first face off.
We head to the South Stand entrance where the players come out so we can meet up with Camden and Gareth. Our plan is to grab a quick pint before Gareth has to leave. The press are swarming the area and I end up being pulled into three interviews, asking how I thought my brothers did. Just when I thought I was going to get out of there scot-free, a female reporter with way too white of teeth calls me her way.
“Tanner, did you and Belle Ryan enjoy the match?”
Belle is standing near the barricades, but her head perks up when she hears her name.
“We did. It was a great, clean game of football.”
“I see Belle is a Man U fan. How do you feel about that?”
I smile knowingly. “She’s a fan of football. That’s good enough for me.”
“So you two are spending a lot of time together it seems. Now a mini holiday away. Sightings of you are popping up all over. Does this mean it’s getting serious?”
The question makes me laugh, but I’m used to pushy reporters by now. This is no worse than when they grill me after a loss.
“I seriously think Dr. Ryan is lovely.” I wink at the reporter, trying to charm her a bit as I walk away.
“Is it true her father is planning to use connections within the Bethnal Green football club to get elected into the Supreme Court?”
This gives me pause. “What?”
“There’s speculation that a member of the selection commission is a season ticket holder at Tower Park, and Lord Ryan is first in line to take the next open spot on the court. Can you confirm that?”
“No, I can’t confirm that. But there are loads of people who like football in England, so I’m not surprised. I have to go.”
I stride over to Belle, who’s frowning at me in confusion. I grab her gently by the crook of her arm and usher her away from the crowd and into a quieter area.
“Any clue what that was all about?”
“No, what did she say exactly?”
“That your father is using some connections at Bethnal to get into the Supreme Court. What the fuck does the law and football have to do with one another?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea,” she replies with a scoff. “But knowing my father, he’s working an angle any way he can.”
I roll my eyes and drop a kiss on her lips. “Let’s not let him muck up our night.”
After Cam and Gareth are done with their interviews, the four of us head over to Sam Platt’s Pub for a quick pint. They have a VIP section for players to help them avoid the mobs of fans who are packing into the establishment. Manchester is out of this world with energy after a United victory.
We order a round of beers, and Belle has Cam and Gareth in rapture as she discusses highlights with them, referencing several different players and old matches the guys know all too well. Both of them give me a look several times like they can’t believe she is for real. I have to agree with them.
“Isn’t she great?” Gareth directs his question to Camden, who looks straight at Belle.
“I’ve known for a while.” Camden winks at Belle and it irritates me.
