Page 37 of Playing the Game

He followed Noah and Tito outside.

“Did you see the way I banged it in the goal?” Tito asked. “What a bloody rush.”

Jonas got into the back. He could barely concentrate on the conversation. Adam’s words seemed to be on a loop in his head.

They weren’t too far from their apartments when Noah spun round.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“You’ve not said a word.”

Jonas forced himself to be alert.

“Honestly, it’s nothing. I guess I got myself worked up for the match.”

“Poor old man,” Tito said. “Don’t worry, we’re nearly home. We’ll get you in your pyjamas and slippers in no time.”

Jonas reached forward and flicked Tito’s ear.

“Hey, you’re assaulting Brockton’s best goal scorer.”

“We all played well today,” Jonas replied, giving Tito another flick.

“It’s a shame some of the fans didn’t see it like that,” Noah replied.

“The skipper gave it to them with both barrels,” Tito added. “I bet the media are having a field day. Want to stay up and watchMatch of the Daywith me?”

“Yeah,” Noah said. “Jonas?”

“Definitely. Can I put my pyjamas on first?”

They chuckled.

Jonas settled in his seat and zoned them out. He had a lot to unpack.

First Adam has an extreme reaction to the fans. Then he drops a major hint. Something else is going on here.

Jonas suspected there was only one explanation. Had Adam told him that for a reason? Jonas searched deep inside. If Adam had an ulterior motive, how did he feel about it?

They certainly had a connection. It would be a hell of a gamble if Adam had simply made a throwaway comment. Jonas and the two in the front were representing the future for openly gay players in the league. If he made an unwanted pass at another player, he might set it back ten years.

The small town had a buzz about it. Crowds of people congregated outside the pubs celebrating the team’s win. Mint and white Brockton scarves and shirts were everywhere.

In no time they were home. Tito switched the engine off.

“Ten minutes and meet at mine?” he asked.

“I’m in,” Noah replied.

“Nah, I’ve changed my mind,” Jonas said, getting out of the car. “I’m done in. I think I’ll chill.”

Really he wanted to obsess over what Adam had said to him. Perhaps he should ring Heidi. His best friend would know what to do.

With a sense of resolve, he followed his teammates into the apartment building.

“You sure about watching the highlights on TV?” Noah asked. “We can order in food. You have to eat.”