Page 108 of Playing the Game

“You seemed stressed in training. What gives?”

Jonas glanced at Noah, who watched him carefully. Hesuspected they’d had discussions before Tito came out with his question.

“Nothing.”

“Let’s examine the evidence,” Tito said, steepling his fingers. “You go on the missing list on the regular. You’re usually bosom buddies. Now you barely even speak. You’ve been like a bear with a sore head for days now.”

Adam would kill him if he told these two. But did Adam Williams always get to call the shots?

Jonas sighed. “Okay, fine. Something happened.”

“No way,” Noah exclaimed.

“I bloody knew it,” Tito added.

“You don’t know anything,” Jonas said.

He put his plate on the side table and got up. The room had become claustrophobic.

“Tell us,” Noah said.

Jonas was desperate to. He had Heidi to confide in. It wasn’t the same as having people in his day-to-day life. People who knew Adam.

“It’s on the rocks,” Jonas said.

“Ever since his ex came on the scene?” Tito asked.

“He was acting weird before that.”

Noah came over to the window and placed his hand on Jonas’ shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Jonas shook his head. “No. Not really. I…I think I love him.”

Now Tito joined them. For once he had a serious expression on his face.

“Is it definitely finished?” he asked.

“I don’t know. He said to give him until Sunday. You two can’t say anything. Promise me.”

Tito folded his arms. “I know I’m a gobshite but I would never tell a soul. You can trust me.”

“And me.”

“I don’t think he doubts you,” Tito said to Noah.

“True,” Jonas replied.

They all burst out laughing.

“So you and the Skipper, eh?” Tito asked. “Is he wild or boring?”

“Tito!”

“I’m only asking a question.”

Jonas shook his head. “Not that it’s any of your business. But he is wild.”

“No way! I thought he’d be shit.”