Page 16 of Offside Play (Love The Game #1)

Jude

T ilting his head, Brayden studied me from across the table. “You seem relaxed. Less…worried than you seemed when you first got here.”

Blowing on my coffee to cool it, I shrugged. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“I’m glad. You seemed a bit wound up when you first got here. The injury, the uncertainty about your future…” He trailed off before shooting me a quick smile. “It looks like Calgary’s been good to you.”

If only he knew how good Calgary had been. But I’d never betray Cody’s confidence like that.

Taking a sip of coffee, I drummed my fingers on the table.

I couldn’t share anything about my relationship with his teammate, but I could share the news about my career.

“Speaking of my future. I didn’t wanna say anything until it was all finalised, but now it’s all been signed off, I can share the news. I signed a new contract.”

Brayden’s smile widened into a huge grin. “You did? Who with?”

“Glevum FC. They’re based in Gloucestershire, so I’ll have to move house, but I’m not worried about that.

My agent is sorting me out with somewhere temporary until I can go house hunting.

” I sucked in a breath. “I can’t believe it’s really happening.

They finished eighth in the Premier League last season, and the one before that, they made it into one of the European leagues. ”

He stared at me. “Fuckin’ hell. To think you were worrying you’d have to play for a non-Premier League side. What did they offer?”

“Three million a year on a five-year deal.” It still seemed unreal, even though I’d signed on the dotted line.

“Wow.” My brother leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. “I knew you were good, but… Wow. I’m so pleased for you.”

“Thanks.” My smile matched his. “I asked my agent to tell them about me being bi. I dunno if you’ve been following the Premier League, but Glevum has two players who are already out, and they’re in a relationship with each other.

Rory said they were fully on board with it all, and they were prepared to support me however I needed them to.

I originally said I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come out publicly as well as to the team, but I’ve thought about it a lot, and I’m going to do it.

I don’t want to have to hide who I am from anyone.

I want to be one hundred percent me. Jude Nielson, a professional footballer who happens to be bi. ”

“That’s great. I’m proud of you.” He snapped his fingers, as if a thought had suddenly occurred to him.

“Hey. Let me add you to a group chat I’m in.

You remember that photoshoot I did for Queervolution magazine?

It’s those guys. All pro athletes who are out.

They’re discreet, too. They won’t say anything about the things that are discussed in the chat. ”

I groaned. “Brayden. You know how I feel about group chats. The only ones I can deal with are team chats and the one we have with Mum and Dad.”

Already tapping at his phone, he brushed my words aside. “You can keep it muted. You just might find it useful. You know. These guys have been through some of the same things you might experience when you go back to England.”

“Fine.”

The next moment, my phone buzzed, and taking in Brayden’s expectant expression, I sighed, opening up the text thread I’d been added to.

Brayden:

Everyone, I’ve added my brother Jude to the chat. He’s a football player (soccer to those of you not from the UK) in the Premier League

Be nice or I’ll body check you *kiss emoji*

My phone buzzed in my hand, messages appearing on the screen.

Camden:

Good to have you here, mate. Reach out if you need anything

Brayden:

Camden plays rugby for Exeter

Cosmo:

Finally someone who might be as cool as me

The Cosmo guy followed up his message with a GIF of Bruce Willis in Die Hard , saying “Welcome to the party, pal.”

I typed out a quick reply.

Me:

Hi everyone. It’s good to meet you all. I should warn you that I’m usually a lurker in group chats, but thanks for having me

I added a couple of grinning emojis before exiting out of the chat and placing my phone down on the table. “Happy now?”

Brayden nodded. “Yeah. They’re a good bunch. One of them you might even know—Connor Bunton. He plays football for a League One team in England.”

I racked my brain. The name sounded familiar. “Oh, yeah. I think I know who you mean. I’ve never spoken to him, but I’m pretty sure he played on the same team as one of my teammates at some point.” I paused. “My former teammates, I mean.”

“Speaking of teammates, when do you need to be back? Please tell me you’re staying for the rest of the playoffs.”

“I am,” I assured him. “I’ve already had my medical clearance here, and they don’t need me for anything else until the end of the month. So I’ve got a bit of time still.”

“Good. Because when we win this thing—” He grinned, his eyes shining. “—it’s going to be the biggest celebration Calgary’s ever seen. You need to be here for it.”

“I will.”

We talked for another forty minutes or so, keeping the conversation light and easy, but eventually, Brayden sighed.

“I’d better go. I’ve got a team meeting in an hour, then I need to get an early night. Big day tomorrow.”

“Yeah, of course. Get some rest.” I stood to hug him goodbye. “I’m proud of you, you know. You and the team. Whatever happens.”