Page 6 of Playing the Game

Noah Farman had a fierce reputation as a defender. And anyone with a remote interest in soccer had heard of Tito Lopes, a rising star striker.

It also occurred to Jonas that he would be the oldest by a good four years.

Not good. No one fancies Old Grandad Gay.

“You’re right,” he said to Javier. “Thanks. Let’s face it, my old team aren’t very popular in this place.”

Javier shrugged. “That may be true but you’ve never given us any shit. There’s no reason to think you’ll be blamed. If anyone does say anything, tell me immediately. None of that player code bollocks.”

Jonas nodded. “Got it.”

They both knew he would do nothing of the sort. He still appreciated Javier had bothered to say something.

The door opened and in came Steven with Noah. He was a good-looking player at the peak of his career. Jonas had been shocked to see his name on the transfer list. He’d always found him to be a quiet lad who focused on his sport.

So little Noah is gay, is he?

“Hi, Noah,” Jonas said.

Noah sat next to Jonas.

“Well this isn’t terrifying at all.”

Jonas laughed. “Don’t sweat it. We’re in it together.”

Noah fist-bumped him. Jonas felt slightly ridiculous but let the moment slide.

“Tito not arrived yet?” Noah asked.

Javier shook his head.

“I hope timekeeping isn’t an issue,” he said. “Luckily the apartments we’ve got for you are about five minutes from here. So there will be no excuses.”

Jonas had rented an Airbnb property in the centre of town. It was nice enough. But he hated living out of a suitcase.

“When can we move in?” he asked.

“As soon as you like,” Javier replied.

Jonas glanced at Noah, his new neighbour. His dark brown eyes gave him the appearance of a deer in the headlights.

“Here he is,” Steven said, staring out of the window.

They all went over. A gold BMW i8 cruised into a parking spot.

“Flash bastard,” Jonas said.

“Let’s hope he realises he’s taken a pay cut to play for us,” Javier added.

“I’d better go down,” Steven said.

Javier took a breath. “I had planned on waiting until Tito joined us to talk to you, but something tells me I’d be wasting my time with that one.”

Jonas and Noah shared a look. Tito Lopes had always been known for his confidence. It could get a little wearing.

“Anyway,” Javier said. “I don’t know your reasons for coming here and I don’t want to. If you want that to change, my door is always open.”

“Thanks, Boss,” Noah said.