Page 62 of Kicks

It had gone seven o’clock and Eddie was sweating. His nylon shirt stuck to him all over. Barry raced up and down the astroturf as though someone had had a food fight in his favourite meeting room.

“You’re going to give yourself a heart attack,” Eddie said to him as he streaked past.

“Nonsense,” Barry replied with a slight wheeze. “Got to show the lads I mean business.”

He zoomed off after the ball. Eddie was in defence and took a moment to fan himself. Two figures standing on the touchline caught his eye.

It was Billy and Crystal.

Despite his legs screaming in agony, he jogged over to them.

“What are you two doing here?” he asked, beaming.

“Shouldn’t you be playing?” Billy said.

“Whistle will go any minute.”

Sure enough, the referee signalled the end of the match. They had won two goals to nil. Barry whooped like he’d won the World Cup.

“You played really well,” Crystal said. “The best, definitely.”

“Aww, thank you,” Eddie replied. “I’ll take that. Did you watch the whole thing?”

Billy nodded. “We were on the café terrace.”

“Sneaky pair.”

“Fancy a coffee?” Billy asked.

“I think a beer. I’d better go and say goodbye to Barry. And change my top. I’m soaked.”

He went to kiss Billy then thought better of it in front of Crystal. It became an awkward hug.

As he walked away, he winced for two reasons. One, the impending post-exercise agony. Two, marvelling at how much of a dick he was.

When he reached Barry, the man in question had become slightly more composed.

“A good game, Barry,” Eddie said. “You captained well.”

“Thank you, Eddie. That means a lot. The lads are going for a drink, if you’re free.”

Eddie shook his head. “Got a date with a handsome man.”

Sadness swept over Barry’s face. “That must be exciting. Off you go. I might have one pint. You know, to celebrate.”

“Go mad. Have two.”

“May as well,” Barry replied.

Eddie frowned. There was something odd about Barry. Maybe he should put it down to a post-match comedown.

He found his bag in the pile they’d left by one of the goals. Quickly he pulled his soggy football shirt off. It came as a relief to feel the fresh air on his skin.

After putting on the plain white T-shirt he’d left in his bag, he set off toward the café. It touched him more than he realised that Billy and Crystal had come to watch the game. He had only mentioned it to Billy he’d wanted to do something that night.

As he neared the eatery, he supposed this was what it felt like to be in a sort of couple. It had been a long time. Eddie was so used to flying solo that this would take a bit of getting used to.

Billy sat on the terrace.