Page 71 of Kicks

He followed Tyler into the common room area. Tyler set about making the drinks while Eddie leant against the kitchen counter. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to dissuade the impending tension headache from ruining his afternoon.

“Not going well then?”

“Nope. I’m still beating that slimy twat but only with Billy’s money.”

Tyler stopped and looked at Eddie. “You haven’t told him about the five percent then?”

“No. I’m trying to fill it with something else. Failing as well. Plus, knobhead Brad has scored a decent new client up north.”

“Why don’t you give Billy the discount and see what happens?”

“Because he’ll know I’ve sat on it this long. I’m in too deep now.”

Tyler handed him a mug of tea. They found a table and sat down. The headache was winning. Eddie’s skull seemed to be splitting in two. Caffeine was probably a terrible idea but he needed the boost.

“No luck on finding other clients?”

Eddie shook his head.

“This is fucking bullshit. I’ve been single forever. The minute a decent guy appears and I fuck it up in record time.”

Tyler reached forward and took his hand. “Don’t say that. We’ll find a way through it. Are you seeing him tonight?”

Eddie nodded. “I’m going over after football practice. Another predicament I have no idea how I found myself in.”

“Can’t you drop out of that now you’ve played in a match?”

“I don’t think so. It’s giving Barry life.”

“Bless him.”

“I hope he’s okay.”

“What do you mean?”

Eddie shrugged. “The other night, after the game, he was odd.”

“Odd how?”

“A bit lonely. Like he had no one to share his victory with and it had got to him.”

Tyler took a sip of his drink. “Has he ever had anyone?”

“Don’t think so,” Eddie replied. “Not since I’ve been here anyway.”

“Maybe it’s you he’s after,” Tyler suggested.

Eddie cackled. “I think not. Never has a man been straighter, in every way, than our Barry.”

The practice had gone well. Eddie had even scored a goal which wasn’t easy for defence players.

“All right, everyone,” Barry hollered. “Let’s take five. Then I want you to do five laps of the pitch.”

The group gave out a collective groan.

“You’re a hard taskmaster, Barry,” Eddie said.

“I’ve a taste for winning now.”