Chapter 25
TWENTY-FIVE
STEVEN
Steven watched the countryside passing by as Javier drove them to Newby Park. He was grateful for the care he’d been shown. Yet that was part of what had kept him awake most of the night.
It had only been a few days, but he missed his independence.
Unfortunately, the drama surrounding Goran’s baby kept any Brockton FC stories alive in the press.
They hadn’t even played a match yet. The next fixture was still twenty-four hours away.
Every time he thought about it, an ache of dread lodged in his stomach.
Udo would be having it so much worse. At least Steven had the relative safety of the dugout. Udo would be in the middle of everything. At the mercy of the baying crowd.
There was only one thing to do that might alleviate the pressure on everyone.
“I’ve been thinking,” Steven said.
“I’m sure you have. About anything in particular?” Javier replied.
“I think it’s best all round if I resign.”
“No.”
“Hear me out,” Steven continued. “You’re under pressure from Jamie. Udo is under pressure from the team and the fans. All because of me. If I’m out of the equation, you can all move on far easier.”
Javier took all of five seconds to contemplate this.
“No,” he repeated.
“You can’t just say no.”
“I can and I am,” Javier replied. “We’re going to get in the top next season. I can tell. It won’t happen without you by my side.”
Steven shook his head. “What if Jamie gets rid of Udo over the summer transfer period?”
“He won’t,” Javier replied. “Udo is our top goal scorer this month. Imagine what he can do next year once he’s fully comfortable? Jamie wants that success more than anything. I can talk him round.”
Javier’s loyalty touched Steven.
“Fine, I’ll hold off for now,” he said. “If Jamie does put Udo on the market, then I’m leaving.”
“If that makes you feel better,” Javier replied.
“You’re only saying that because you know he won’t.”
Javier cackled. “Correct.”
They turned onto the road that led to the gates of Newby Park. Press still congregated around the entrance gates.
“More or less than yesterday?” Steven asked.
“I’d say a little more. We’ve not hit the centre of the storm yet, my friend.”
Cameras were pressed against the window. Reporters shouted questions that they knew would remain unanswered.
“Jesus Christ. Get out of the way!” Javier barked.
Steven sank down in his seat. In all the years he had been in the public eye, he had never courted this level of attention. It was his worst nightmare.
Eventually, Javier negotiated the car through the throng and onto the drive. He exhaled loudly.
“The end of the season can’t come quick enough,” he said.
“Agreed. I might get a sign for the window telling them Howard says no questions.”
Javier pulled into his parking space and turned to Steven with fire in his eyes.
“What?” Steven asked.
“I think Howard’s wrong,” he replied. “Keeping silent is bullshit. That gives them a licence to print what the fuck they like.”
Steven frowned. He didn’t disagree with Javier but what could he do about it?
“What are you saying?”
“Let’s take matters into our own hands.”
He nodded toward the gates.
“Are you insane? Jamie will sack me.”
Javier got his mobile out and dialled.
“What now?”
Jamie’s voice filled the car through the speakers.
“I’m in the car park with Steven,” Javier said. “I think Howard is wrong. If we go and give the press our side—no questions, only a statement—it will kill all the rumours.”
Javier glanced nervously at Steven.
“Fine,” Jamie replied. “But for fuck’s sake don’t say anything that brings any more heat on us. Howard is only one man.”
“We’ll keep it totally beige,” Javier said. “I promise.”
The call terminated.
“I don’t know about this,” Steven said. “I really think we should clear it with Howard.”
Javier cut the engine and got out. Steven had no choice but to follow suit. Even standing in the car park he heard the dull thrum of camera shutters going off from the gate. It made him want to recoil.
“We give them three pieces of information. You are staying at Brockton. Udo is staying at Brockton. Your love life is private and will never be commented on. End of story.”
It sounded so simple.
Steven jogged after Javier as he strode up the drive. The press pack snapping to attention.
“Let me say it,” Steven said. “It’ll sound weak if it comes from you.”
“I’ll set the scene, then they’re all yours.”
They were at the gates now. The hairs on the back of Steven’s neck bristled as he stared into the eyes of the hardened reporters. There was not a friendly face amongst them.
“Gentlemen,” Javier said, rubbing his hands together. “Much as we enjoy your company every morning and every evening, we know you must have more important things to do. So my assistant coach and friend, Steven Cox, is going to give you three pieces of information. Do with them what you will.”
Then all eyes were on Steven. Remarkably, the journalists were silent.
He cleared his throat. His hands were clammy and his heart raced.
“Okay,” he said. “Firstly, I am not leaving Brockton FC. Secondly, Udo Holtmann will not be leaving the club any time soon. Thirdly, that is the only comment I will be making at this time.”
He’d managed it. Steven glanced at Javier, who grinned at him.
“What do you say to the parents who don’t want to bring their children to matches until this gets resolved?” one reporter fired back.
“How have you reassured the players they’re safe in the changing rooms with either of you?” another asked.
Javier stood closer to Steven.
“We said no questions and we meant it,” Javier announced. “Thank you for your time.”
He ushered Steven down the path.
“You’re being very protective, Javier,” a reporter shouted. “Maybe we should be asking questions about your relationship with Steven.”
Javier stopped in his tracks. He marched to the gate.
“What did you say?”
Unease gripped Steven. He wanted to drag Javier back to the training facility. They’d achieved what they wanted.
“Does your wife know how involved you are in this?”
Javier shook his head. “She’s fully aware of the lengths the gutter press will go to for a story.”
The press pack all sniggered to themselves.
“Sorry if I touched a nerve there, Javier.”
Steven could see what was happening. The story of him and Udo would run dry soon without some twist. If they circulated a rumour that Javier was involved, it would secure them another front page.
“It’s the hypocrisy that has upset me,” Javier said. “Footballers all over the world sleep around. You lot think they’re heroes. Steven and Udo are in a relationship. There is a difference.”
So much for not talking about my love life.
“It’s damaging for the team. Having wandering eyes,” a journalist piped up.
Javier banged on the gate. “Brockton FC is out of the relegation zone because of one man. Udo Holtmann. I will not have any form of bigotry in my team or outside of it. Udo will be in the starting line up in August no matter what you print.”
“So you definitely won’t be getting rid in the transfer season?”
“Of course not. Don’t be so ridiculous. If a player is happy and settled, they perform better. Everyone knows that. If you left them alone, maybe we’d get there a damned sight sooner.”
Steven froze. He’d never had anyone speak for him like this before. As touching as it might be, he needed it over.
“What’s more,” Javier continued, “if there are any other gay players out there who want to play for a club that will respect and protect who they are, then the transfer window is their best bet. Brockton FC is a safe space. No matter what. Print that.”
The reporters took a collective gasp. Steven’s heart sank. Javier had just handed them a whole summer of reporting. Every meeting they had with an agent would be a guessing game about who was their gay player.
That was if he and Javier were still working at Brockton FC. He didn’t think Jamie’s support extended to turning the club into a gay sanctuary.
Mercifully, Javier didn’t wait for any more questions.
As he and Steven walked to the safety of Newby Park, Javier sighed.
“I think I got carried away.”
“I think you probably did.”
By the time they made the five-minute walk to the doors of Newby Park and went in, a pale Howard waited for them in the reception area.
“What in the actual fuck did you do?” he screamed.
“Howard. Calm it down,” Javier said, holding his hands up.
“Do I tell you how to get that mob of apes to score goals?” Howard continued, seemingly oblivious to the crowd of staff who had gathered to watch the fireworks. “Well, do I?”
Steven had seen enough drama for one day and it wasn’t even lunchtime.
He couldn’t focus on the sea of people around them. If he saw Udo, he’d lose his composure.
“I think we should take this to Jamie’s office,” Steven said.
Howard swallowed hard.
“No. He’s trying to speak to South Tel. Remember them? Our sponsors.”
Steven shifted uncomfortably.
“What are we supposed to do then?” Javier asked.
“Go to your office,” Howard replied. “Jamie will call you when he wants to speak to you.”
Javier and Steven obeyed. Once in the relative safety of the small room, Javier threw himself down on the couch and groaned.
“Why did I let my mouth take control like that?” he wailed.
“You got riled up,” Steven replied. “For what it’s worth, thank you.”
Javier smiled. “You shouldn’t have to thank me, but it’s appreciated. I fear I’ve made your situation worse.”
Steven was one step ahead of him. He fully expected Jamie to demand his resignation. If it saved Udo’s position on the squad, he would gladly give it.
There was a knock at the door. Javier straightened up and ran his hands through his hair.
“Come in.”
Steven had expected to see Howard on the other side. Ready to take them to gallows. Instead it was Adam. He marched into the office.
“What the fuck is going on?” he asked.
“Calm down, Adam,” Steven said.