Page 99 of Playing the Game

Jonas faced Udo.

“I want everything. God help me.”

NINETEEN

ADAM

Adam pulled into his parking space at Newby Park. It wasn’t that they had designated spots. They all favoured certain ones. Adam stayed well away from the trees. Newer players didn’t realise how much bird crap they would get on their shiny motors.

As he got out, he glanced at the building where so much of his life had played out. Nothing compared to the current situation.

His body ached as he walked into the training facility. Olive had cried most of the night. He had refused to leave Jen to deal with her. If he was going to be a father, he would go all in. Adam had never done anything by half measure.

He hoped to God that Javier didn’t notice on the pitch. He didn’t fancy a dressing-down from the manager.

He had bigger fish to fry. Adam had managed to stall Jonas so far. He hated hiding something as huge as this from him. Jen had pleaded with him not to tell a soul. She was terrified the media would get hold of it. The poor woman couldn’t take any more pressure.

For the millionth time, Adam cursed himself. The strong,independent woman he’d dated seemed gone altogether. That he had played a part in that was something he’d be forever guilty for.

Of course as soon as he walked into Newby Park, he bumped into Jonas. To be fair it appeared that Jonas had been lying in wait for him in the reception area.

“Can we talk?” he said.

“Sure.”

Jonas beckoned Adam to the window away from the reception desk.

Am I going to be dumped? I probably deserve it.

“Why have you been on the missing list?” Jonas asked.

“I told you,” Adam replied. “I’m coming down with something.”

Jonas took a step away and scrutinised him. “You seem pretty healthy to me.”

“I dosed up on everything in the medicine cabinet. I feel loads better now.”

Lying had never come easily to him. Especially not to people he really cared about.

“We’ve got an FA Cup match this Saturday,” Adam continued, fully aware that he was babbling. “Javier would kill me if I didn’t play.”

Jonas didn’t appear convinced.

“How about I come over after training?” he whispered.

Oh fuck.

“I’m still not a hundred percent,” Adam replied. “It’s probably not a good idea.”

The hurt on Jonas’ face was almost too much to bear.

“What the fuck is going on, Adam?”

His lip began to tremble. Adam desperately wanted to tell him but he couldn’t betray Jen’s trust. Not this time.

“Something has happened,” he said. “And I can’t tell you what.”

“Fine,” Jonas said. “Then why don’t you give me a call when you can?”