Page 80 of Playing the Game

“Shit,” he said when he’d regained control. “Even when we’re taking it easy, we’re fucking amazing.”

Adam joined Jonas and Udo at the centre line. They were playing Manchester United at home. A match none of them expected to win. However, they had managed to hold the iconic team at nil-nil. A draw wouldn’t be too bad but Adam never stopped craving success.

“We need a bit of luck,” Adam said.

There were fifteen minutes left to play. It was mid-October and a cold wind blew. The supporters were wrapped up in hats and scarves. The temperature didn’t matter to Adam when fired up. They had come close to a goal twice and he could almost taste it.

Jonas caught his eye and nodded.

In the week since the christening, they had barely seen each other. Adam hated pushing Jonas away. But he’d explained he had no intention to become the next Udo and Steven and he meant it.

“Give me the space I need,” Jonas said.

It was a barbed comment. Adam ignored it.

The referee blew the whistle and the ball came back into play. Alex Johnstone, United’s midfielder, had possession and was lining up a run toward Brockton’s goal.

Not today.

Adam flew toward him at a pace that surprised himself. Perhaps sex in the morning had given him a hunger he didn’t usually have. In his peripheral vision, he saw Udo tracking him.

Between the two of them, they would get that ball up to United’s goal where Tito or Ewen would be waiting. They had practiced this endlessly over the last few days.

The wind rushed through his ears as he came upon his opponent. Expertly, Adam got his foot to the ball and seized it.

“Bastard,” the player grunted.

Adam wasn’t up for a discussion. He managed to gain control and sliced the ball toward a waiting Udo.

Farther up the field, two defenders marked Tito. Ewen had one lurking around. Neither were the target. They just needed to convince United’s defenders that was their plan.

Udo surged toward Ewen. In the meantime, Adam and Jonas sprinted up the right wing. Udo was one of the fastest midfielders Adam had played with.

Turf flew up as his boots dug into the ground. He kept the ball close to him. Choosing smaller kicks rather than more powerful strikes. It made it almost impossible for a clean tackle.

The crowd went silent as the players moved into position. The anticipation rumbled around Adam’s system.

Stay focused.

He came level with Udo now. Another defender had come to shut Ewen down.

Two defenders per striker? Sloppy.

Udo appeared to be lining up a shot to Ewen. The crowd were screaming now. Adam couldn’t make out the words. Probably for the best.

Suddenly Udo kicked the ball to his right before a midfielder came to shut him down. The two sportsmen clashed, sending Udo flailing to the floor. It came too late. The pass was made beautifully.

The ball landed ahead of Udo. In perfect position for Jonas to sprint from the sidelines. He picked it up and charged down the centre of the pitch.

Two defenders tried to get themselves in his way far too late. Jonas booted the ball with all his might. The speed was breathtaking.

The goalkeeper dived to block it but slipped on the damp grass and went down far too early. The ball stayed out of his reach as it shot into the net.

Noise hit them like a sledgehammer as the crowd leapt to their feet as one. Jonas ran and threw himself into Adam’s arms.

“Brilliant,” Adam cried.

He held him tight. They’d barely touched each other for a week and he’d missed this so much. Adam inhaled the smell of Jonas. Musky and sweaty. It was everything he wanted.