Page 81 of Playing the Game

Then he realised that twenty thousand eyes were watching them. He stood away from Jonas and clapped him on the shoulder.

“Nice one,” he said.

Jonas nodded and allowed the other lads to congratulate him.

Adam beckoned Ingvar and Colin over. “You defend that goal like your fucking lives depend upon it.”

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to survive against the titans of Manchester United who got a further two goals past Goran.

Eventually, the ref blew the final whistle. Brockton had put up a valiant effort and no one could really criticise their performance against a vastly superior side.

Jonas and Udo ran up to Adam as they were walking off. They all clapped to the crowd. Most returned the gesture. Yet still a large amount remained with their arms folded and scowls on their faces.

They all filed into the tunnel.

“Jonas, you can do press,” Adam said.

“That’s my decision to make,” Javier interjected. “I need a quick word with both of you.”

Udo frowned.

“You okay?” he whispered to Adam.

“No idea.”

A dark cloud of dread had appeared. It cut through the elation from moments ago like a sword. Adam glanced nervously at Jonas.

With little choice, they followed Javier into his office.

Javier perched on the end of the desk.

“Well done on the goal, Jonas,” he began. “I agree with Adam. You should do the press.”

Jonas nodded.

“Are you sleeping together?” Javier asked.

Adam almost choked. “What?”

Javier had his eyes trained on both of them at the same time.

“I think you heard. I’ve had to have a similar conversation like this recently so forgive the direct approach. It is a simple yes or no.”

Adam didn’t dare look at Jonas. He also wasn’t going to stand there and deny it in front of him.

“It’s more than sleeping,” Adam said. “And absolutely nothing I want to discuss. I can’t speak for Jonas.”

Javier turned to Jonas. “Well?”

“I agree with Adam.”

“Fucking hell!” Javier shouted. “Will I be screwing Colin by the end of this bloody season?”

“I don’t think it’s mandatory, Boss,” Adam replied.

Javier shook his head. “Do you intend to go public?”

“No,” they both said in unison.