Page 88 of Playing the Game

“Are you ready for that?”

Jonas nodded. “She’s practically a woman. I believe she needs this more than me.”

“You’ve got that right. I think it would be an absolute lifeline for her.”

“Don’t tell the boss. I’m going to charter a flight next week. A couple of days in Stockholm will sort it,” Jonas said.

“What? You’ll be knackered for the weekend.”

“Hardly,” Jonas replied. “I’ll be in a five-star suite most of the time. I don’t think I’ll get more than a half-hour audience with my stepmother. “

Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go with you.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know but if it doesn’t go your way, you’ll need someone. Besides we both promised Anna we’d visit. I’m not a liar.”

Jonas wanted to throw his arms around this handsome and kind man stood before him.

“Thank you.”

Adam made a performance of looking left and right before planting a kiss on Jonas.

“You’re my man. Where else would I be?”

The next morning Jonas booked the private jet to fly them to Stockholm when there was a decent gap in their schedule. It was a wildly extravagant move yet one he could afford. Now he’d made the decision to help Anna, he wanted to get everything locked down.

The idea of going on an adventure with Adam also appealed. After the worry of Javier finding out, it would do them good to get out of the Brockton bubble. If only for a night.

It would also be nice to show Adam around his home city as well. He’d planned which restaurant they’d go to. Hopefully Tuva wouldn’t be so petty that she’d stop them taking Anna.

Before that he found himself in the back of Tito’s car.

“I had fun yesterday,” Noah said. “Adam’s house is decent.”

“A bit tacky,” Tito replied.

This kid seemed to have an opinion on everything.

“I can’t wait until next season,” Jonas said. “When we get to see Tito Lopes’ house shining in all its glory.”

Tito nodded. “I’ll show you how it’s done.”

Jonas realised he should probably think about house hunting himself. They had months yet. However buying property seemed to take a ridiculous amount of time in this country. He’d sold his flat in Canonbury. Unfortunately the paperwork had become stuck with some solicitor or other.

They pulled up at the church.

“I’m nervous,” Noah said. “What if they hate us?”

“Then we’ll get a free breakfast and bail,” Tito replied.

They all got out of the car. Howard waited for them, his foot tapping. He was resplendent in a bright blue suit and pink shirt.The PR man for Brockton never appeared anything less than perfect.

“Did you say Dean is coming today?” Jonas asked.

“There he is.”

Their new manager got out of his car. He’d also made an effort in a navy suit with white T-shirt. Howard obviously looked him up and down. Then glanced at his watch.