Page 38 of Playing the Game

“I’m sure,” Jonas replied. “I’ve got stuff in.”

He hugged them both and set off for his door. It could be dangerous spending the evening with Tito and Noah. It wouldn’t take Tito long to realise he had something other than football on his mind. Then he would relentlessly try to uncover the truth. Jonas suspected he might crack under pressure eventually.

One thing he did know was that Adam would be devastated if Jonas made his own suspicions public.

Jonas would not do that to a man he was rapidly growing closer to. Even if he had to settle for friendship.

He walked into his apartment and threw his backpack down. His body was tired after the game but his mind whirred.

Sometimes after a win, he had moments of melancholy. He supposed it was the adrenalin comedown.

After flopping down on the couch, he stared out of the window.

Should I go for a run?

Jonas didn’t fancy bumping into any of the rabid fans whilst out on his own. Maybe let things improve before venturing out of the apartment.

Just as he contemplated which movie to watch, his phone rang. He grabbed it from the table and frowned.

“Skipper? Is everything all right?”

“Would you believe me if said I’m stranded in the middle of the countryside?”

An hour later, Jonas sat in the pub opposite Adam. The fire was roaring and the air smelt of the hearty food everyone around them was tucking into.

Jonas nursed a pint of lime and soda. Adam had a Coke.

Last of the big spenders. The barman had been visibly disappointed when recognising them both. Jonas had tipped handsomely to help him get over it.

“Can this day get any weirder?” Jonas asked.

To his astonishment, Adam couldn’t meet his gaze. The cocky captain of the locker room seemed to have deserted him.

“Yeah, not the usual post-match celebration,” Adam managed. “Sorry if you were in the middle of anything.”

“Only whichMission Impossiblemovie to watch,” Jonas replied. “How come Udo left you here?”

Now Adam raised his head. “Because he wanted you to rescue me.”

“Excuse me.”

They both froze. An older man stood by their table.

Shit.

“Hi,” Adam said. “How you doing?”

“I’m so sorry to disturb you. I wanted to say you boys played a bloody blinder this afternoon.”

Jonas’ shoulders dropped. He’d been braced for impact. Maybe this protest thing had got to him more than he realised.

The smile radiated from Adam as he got up and shook the man’s hand. Jonas followed suit.

“Thank you,” Jonas said. “I thought you were coming to have a go.”

The man squeezed Jonas’ arm. “Not everyone is the same, lad. Listen for the cheers not the boos.”

“Can I buy you a drink?” Adam asked.