Page 48 of Playing the Game

A few hours later, the entire squad were in the canteen at Newby Park. Adam picked over yet another bowl of pasta and grilled salmon.

How much of this shit have I eaten over the years?

“Roll on summer,” he said.

Those three months of being off the leash were paradise.

The canteen was a decent size. Clusters of office staff were dotted around. It took about a week for staff to stop being impressed at sharing a space with Premier League footballers.

They had an unwritten rule that the big table by the window was for the team. As if they didn’t spend enough time looking at that grass outside.

“Ugh, we’ve got Steven’s tactics talk after this,” Colin said. “Shit, sorry, Udo.”

Udo chuckled. “Don’t apologise to me. It’s boring as fuck.”

“Does he whisper free kick techniques to you at night?” Ewen asked.

“No. I’ve usually rendered him unable to speak.”

They all groaned.

“Listen up,” Goran said. “I’ve got an announcement.”

Instantly they all fell silent. They all loved a bit of gossip.

“Paloma and I are christening Petar next month and we’d like you all to attend.”

“Nice one,” Edi said. “That sounds very special.”

Goran shook his hand.

“Adam here has agreed to step up as one of Petar’s godparents.”

Now all eyes were on him. Great.

“You?” Ewen asked.

“Yes, me.”

“Well that’s favouritism.”

Goran shook his head. “He can’t have fifteen godfathers. You can have the next one. I promise.”

Ewen winked. “Second the best. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Adam locked eyes with Jonas, who watched him intently. He thought he might burst with pride. As they’d driven over, Adam had reflected on how much this meant to him. And he made a vow that he would do everything he could for Petar.

“Can I bring a guest?” Colin asked.

“Yes of course. Partners are invited,” Goran replied. “Who are you bringing?”

Colin puffed his chest up. “Meg.”

“Meg the physio?” Ewen asked. “Pretty but deadly Meg the physio?”

“Say my name one more time and I’ll appear, Ewen Armitage.”

Adam liked Meg very much. She took absolutely no shit.When she’d first joined Brockton, he had declared her way too young for such a position. How wrong he had been.