Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
NOAH
The problem with having days off in the week was that most people outside of the team were working. This was certainly the case on a February Wednesday when Noah found himself with nothing to do.
He’d wanted to see Carmine but he was working against the clock to get a design to the developer client.
Noah loved to see Carmine’s business steadily growing.
He also took pride that he might have had something to do with that.
He’d given Carmine permission to use his name all over his website and marketing materials.
At first, Carmine had been nervous about publicising their connection. Noah had convinced him that people wouldn’t assume they were jumping into bed together because Carmine had designed the bedroom.
He parked up outside Goran and Paloma’s house. Noah had been for a number of meals at their house. They had the most gorgeous baby boy called Petar.
Goran opened the door with the bundle of joy in his arms. Petar rewarded Noah with a gummy smile as soon as he saw him.
“How’s this hero doing today?” Noah asked as he came forward.
Goran held his son out.
“Find out for yourself.”
Unlike most of the other players, Noah was totally comfortable around babies. He’d been involved in caring for Malcolm from day one. He loved holding Petar.
The little boy snuggled into Noah and gazed up at him.
“He’s so perfect,” Noah cooed as they walked into the house.
Paloma was in the kitchen, putting a lasagne into the oven. She was a great cook who could give La Piazza a run for its money.
“Hey, Noah,” she called.
He came through and allowed her to fuss over him. Deep down he quite liked it. Not that he’d ever admit it in front of the lads.
“How have you been?” Goran asked, sitting at the dining table. “Hand him over if he’s a pain.”
Noah held the little one closer. “He’s okay.”
Goran nodded.
“I’ve been good,” Noah replied, settling into a chair opposite the goalie.
“And Carmine?” Paloma asked.
She was chopping salad and gave him a knowing look.
“Great,” Noah replied.
“And very handsome.”
“Oi,” Goran interjected. “I am sat here.”
“Don’t be so ridiculous,” Paloma replied. “He’s gay.”
Goran’s obvious indignance amused Paloma even more. She put the knife down and came over. She kissed her husband on the cheek.
“I only have eyes for you, my tiger.”
“Excuse me,” Noah said. “There’s an infant in the room.”
“How do you think he got here?” Goran asked.
Paloma returned to the salad.
“It’s nice to hear that things are rosy in the garden of young love.”
Noah’s expression must have faltered.
“What is it?” Goran asked.
Noah glanced down at Petar who’d dozed off. He marvelled at the trust the baby put into him.
“Is he allowed to go to sleep?”
“Please,” Paloma said. “He rules the roost.”
“As he should.”
“So?” Goran pressed on.
He was one of the worst gossips on the team. Not that he would share truly personal stuff. He just liked to know what was going on.
“I don’t know. I guess I’m having happiness guilt. Everything is great. The house is coming on. We’re looking like we have a chance in the cup. Things with Carmine are great.”
Goran frowned. “Sounds like you have some terrible problems.”
“Malcolm was on the phone last night. He’s heard about the DS league he plays in possibly closing and he’s devastated. I hate spending money on frivolous things.”
“A place to live isn’t frivolous,” Paloma said. “Anyway, Goran tells me you’re picking up some new contracts. You’ll have that league saved in no time.”
Noah shrugged. “Dean is trying his best. Thing is they either want Tito because he’s a name or Jonas because he’s gorgeous.”
“You’re both of those too,” Paloma replied. “Give it some time.”
“Is there something else?” Goran asked.
Noah sighed. He always ended up pouring his heart out when he came over. They didn’t seem to mind.
“Things with Carmine are great. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a lot to juggle. I read this book on rest and how it’s just as important as a good workout.”
“And?” Goran asked.
Paloma chuckled. “Come on, Goran. You remember when we first met. We didn’t get a lot of rest.”
Goran blushed.
“You must be the only person in the Brockton locker room whining that they’re getting too much sex,” Goran said. “Poor Ewen would love to be in your shoes.”
This made Noah cackle. Petar shuddered but stayed silent.
“Sorry, little one,” Noah said. “That was Daddy’s fault. I’m not complaining, obviously. I worry about the impact it’s having. This season is crucial.”
Paloma sat next to him and laid her hand on his arm.
“Noah,” she began. “Being focused is great. Honestly, it is. You can’t shoulder all the responsibility. You need to find a balance.”
“She’s right,” Goran added. “When we first met, I was like you. I wanted to be the best. I had dreams of playing for my country. Didn’t happen. Life is still pretty decent.”
He had a point. When he was young, his mother had told him to enjoy being a child. He’d always focused on when he was a year older or ten years older.
“Don’t let Javier hear you say that. He thinks we should always be striving.”
“Javier is paid to say that,” Goran replied. “He conveniently forgets he met his wife at his old club. You can’t tell me that he was thinking solely about football then.”
Noah hadn’t thought of it like that.
“Perhaps you’re right.”
“Some advice from an outsider,” Paloma said. “Don’t make the club your life. It gets very tedious. We’re expected to sacrifice a lot on the altar of football. It must be worthwhile.”
The words hit him like bullets. Whatever this was with Carmine, it was early days. But he didn’t want to scare him away.
I am asking too much of him.
“The view is amazing. Imagine waking up to that every morning.”
Ashley stood where his porch would soon be. Things were getting better with each visit. Noah couldn’t wait to host her and the kids here.
She turned. “You look happy.”
He held his hand out to help her over the rough ground.
“I am. It’s terrifying as well.”
“The best kind of happy.”
She grinned.
“Tell me all about it then. You must be getting on well?”
They got into the car. Ashley was staying with him for the night.
“He’s amazing,” Noah replied. “I love that he has nothing to do with football.”
Ashley threw her hands up. “Hallelujah. That will do you the world of good.”
“It’s a blessing and a curse I suppose.”
He set off down the lane.
“How come?”
“He doesn’t get that I have to give so much to the game.”
Ashley settled in her seat. “Ah.”
“Is that it? Ah?”
“I’m thinking. Give me a second.”
Impatiently, he focused on the road. After the shakedown Paloma had given him, Noah wanted to know what Ashley thought more than ever.
“I understand that this time of your life has an expiry date,” she began. “I also know that chances for happiness are bloody rare.”
He frowned. This wasn’t very decisive.
“What does that mean?”
“You need to find a way to feed both. Most of your teammates manage it.”
She did have a point there. Even Colin had a girlfriend. Why was he finding it so bloody difficult?
Then an idea struck him.
“Do you want to meet him?”
“If you want me to.”
Noah pulled over.
“What are you doing?”
“Inviting him over tonight,” Noah said, getting his phone out of his pocket.
This was the perfect gesture to show Carmine that he was serious about him. Ashley squeezed his leg.
“I know you can do this.”
He smiled.
“I think I’m beginning to believe that.”