Page 87 of Kicks

His phone vibrated again. As soon as he’d got home, Billy had put it on silent mode. He needed time to think. His lawyer friend had called almost as soon as Billy had arrived home. It had been a welcome distraction and had forced Billy into a relatively calm place.

One good piece of news was they could dissolve everything and give Brian his share of whatever remained. He would call Harry later and plan how they were going to handle it.

The fact that his time with Eddie had been built on a lie would not be so easily fixed.

Why didn’t he tell me that first night?

Then the realisation hit him. What if Eddie had been faking that? He had no doubt that they both had strong feelings for each other now. When had that started for Eddie?

His phone rang out. Again. He wandered over to the table. So many missed calls.

There was also a WhatsApp. With Crystal at a sleepover, Billy didn’t have the luxury to completely ignore his phone. Although she would rather stick pins in her eyes than actually call him.

He opened the WhatsApp. Eddie had sent a video file.

Indecision paralysed him. Did he want to play it and see Eddie begging for forgiveness or whatever he intended.

In the end, curiosity got the better of him and he pressed Play.

There was Eddie. He seemed so upset. Billy braced himself. Instead of talking, Eddie held up the contract. Billy gasped as Eddie tore it into strips.

“I should have done this weeks ago.”

The file finished.

Billy stared out of the window.

The end.

NINETEEN

EDDIE

The ball sailed past Eddie’s head. Now it was down to the striker to score or Pleasure Seeker’s goalie to deny him. Unfortunately, Alan in goal was a nervous man from the IT department who had been forced to play that position. The striker kicked the ball for all he was worth and Alan ducked as the ball hit the back of the net.

A ripple of cheers went around the touchline. They were playing the local fire station and the disparity in fitness levels was embarrassing.

Eddie glanced back to a red-faced Barry.

“What the fuck?” he mouthed.

Truth be told, Eddie had been miles away for most of the match. He had been replaying the conversation with Billy over in his mind for the thousandth time. It appeared that would be his lot in life from now on.

The referee blew the whistle. They had lost three goals to four. Eddie tried to ignore the scowls from his teammates as they made the long walk back to the changing rooms.

He noticed Barry shaking the hand of the other coach. Guilt stabbed away at him. At least it was directed at Barry this timeinstead of Billy. Eddie was making a real habit of letting people down.

Eddie had no intention of having a shower. He would grab his bag and go straight home. To listen to the lads analyse every kick and pass did not sound palatable. Especially knowing the meaningful stares that would accompany any review of his own performance.

He marched into the building and headed straight to his locker.

Tears of frustration welled up in his eyes as he slung his rucksack over his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, guys,” he said.

He got a few pats on the back as he walked back out. He hoped to make a quiet exit and face the music another time.

“Eddie!”