Page 88 of Kicks

Fate, on the other hand, had a different plan for him.

“Yes, Barry.”

The man in question jogged up to him. “I think we’d better have a little chat. Don’t you?”

Eddie could see that running full pelt in the opposite direction might be seen as irrational behaviour. Whilst things weren’t looking good, he certainly didn’t want word getting back to James that he’d lost his mind over a game of football.

“Fine,” he said.

Barry pointed to a bench. “Come on.”

As Eddie trudged behind Barry, it reminded him of all the times he was sent to the headmaster’s office for incessant talking in class. He thought he had left that behind.

He sat down on the bench and closed his eyes. It would be easier to let Barry get it all out and then Eddie could apologise and head home.

Yet all was silent. He opened one eye. Barry was just looking at him.

“Come on then,” Eddie said. “Say your piece.”

“I’d rather hear yours,” Barry replied.

Eddie opened the other eye. “You wouldn’t. Believe me.”

“You’ve been away with the fairies all game,” Barry said. “Something more than football is upsetting you. Talk to me.”

Some kids were having a kick about on the pitch now. One girl was flying through the others with the ball fully within her control. He suspected that Crystal had probably been like that when she was younger.

A sob escaped him.

Oh fuck. I’m going to cry in front of Barry.

Another sob followed it.

Eddie managed to swallow the next one down. The other lads would be coming out soon.

“It’s all gone a bit shit shaped, Barry,” Eddie said, eventually.

“Is this to do with that man?”

Eddie nodded. “I fucked it up royally. Not that there was ever any doubt I would. I was expecting a little more happiness before the inevitable.”

“What happened?”

“He caught me lying,” Eddie said. Hearing the words made it all the more painful. “I stiffed him on the Pleasure Seekers deal. Now I’ve lost that and him. Oh, and I lost us the game. At least I’m consistent.”

“Surely it’s not as bad as all that.”

“He stormed out of our flat and I haven’t heard from him since. It’s not looking good, is it?”

Barry frowned. “I can see how he might have reacted that way in the heat of the moment. You never know what the future holds.”

“Oh Barry, I appreciate your optimism but I don’t think that’s the case. And the most stupid thing is I’ve shredded the contract. I’m left with nothing.”

“I think that shows backbone. Does he know you’ve done that?”

“Yeah, I sent him a video.”

“Still no response.”