Page 72 of Playing the Game

“What’s that about?” he whispered to Goran.

“Maybe he has a better side.”

The photographer they’d hired for the day took control and after a few minutes of posing had the photo.

“Paloma,” the photographer shouted. “Shall we do a cast one?”

They were shooed away by a group of soap stars eager to take their place in front of the lens.

Edi headed over to the buffet. Adam decided to pursue.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hey, Skip,” Edi replied. “Great food.”

“Can we have a chat?”

He led Edi to the den room off the lounge. It was the one room dedicated to Goran’s career, with football shirts on the wall and trophies in a cabinet.

“What about?”

“You panicking when you realised you were next to Jonas and Tito in the photo.”

“What?” Edi replied.

Adam sighed. “Edi. Come on.”

Edi suddenly seemed very interested in the trophy cabinet.

“We’ve spoken about this,” Adam added.

“It’s not me,” Edi replied. “It’s my father. Every week he calls telling me to leave Brockton in January.”

Any annoyance Adam felt toward the young player evaporated. He had his struggles written all over his face.

“And what do you think?”

“I don’t want to go. I like Brockton. And I like the new players.”

Adam squeezed Edi’s shoulder. “You’re a man now, Edi, with so many different life experiences than your father. It’s time you made your own mind up.”

Edi nodded. “My father is a powerful man.”

“I bet he can’t kick a ball like you. Don’t underestimate your own strength.”

The young lad’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Skipper.”

“If you ever need a chat, I’m always here, Edi. But I do mean what I say. Your opinions are your own. Remember that.”

Edi winked. “I will.”

They rejoined the party. Edi scuttled off to resume his investigation of the buffet.

Adam spied Goran in the kitchen, refilling some glasses. It appeared he didn’t trust the catering staff to do it properly.

“Got a sec?” Adam asked.

“For the godfather? Sure thing.”