Chapter 11 #2
Tito chuckled. “I’m not one for housework. I’ll clear it up tomorrow. What’s up?”
Adam perched on the arm of the sofa.
“I need you to work with Ewen and not against him.”
“You came all this way to tell me that?”
“Would you rather I did it in front of the others? Javier and Steven are onto you and it won’t be pretty. I’m giving you a friendly heads-up.”
The television was showing the highlights from that day’s football. There wouldn’t be much from their game this afternoon. It could easily be the dullest game Adam had ever played in.
“Fair enough,” Tito said.
“I mean it, Tito. This rivalry is impacting our play. We’ll be playing in the FA Cup soon and we need to be the best we can be. You heard about Jamie’s threat.”
“Yeah. If we don’t win something, Javier and Steven will be out or something like that. I don’t know them as well as you, of course.”
Heartless little shit.
“I guess that’s a fair comment,” Adam replied. “Still surprises me you’re not worried.”
“Me? Why would I be worried?”
“It’s not like there are many managers out there cool with openly gay footballers.”
Tito straightened up. “Meaning?”
“Meaning you’re living a decent life now you’ve come to Brockton. I hear Dean Jack is going to make you a lot of money on the back of being gay players. Javier made that happen for you. I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t have had that at any other club.”
To his credit, Tito appeared embarrassed. “I hear you.”
“Do you? I really hope so, Tito. We’re creating something really special here. Something that’s never been done before. I’d hate to think you would ruin that because of your own fragile ego.”
“Have you spoken to Ewen about this as well?”
Sometimes being the captain of a football team was like running a creche for under-fives.
“Yes,” Adam replied with a sigh. “I have spoken to him.”
“He annoys me.”
“You know what? You’re both annoying me. I’ll teach you some professionalism.”
“How’s that?”
“I’ll walk away now without giving you the bollocking you deserve. Next time either of you fuck about on the pitch like you did today, I’m going to recommend to Javier that he suspend you. A few games on the sub bench will show you that no player is bigger than the team.”
He got up to leave. Tito stayed him with a hand on his arm.
“I’m sorry, Skipper. I mean it.”
“Tito, you’re one of the best players in the league. You have the potential to be a hundred times better. Work with the team and they’ll serve you with opportunities to score every weekend.”
Tito had been one of many amazing stars at Liverpool. As the jewel in the crown of Brockton, he had the chance to really make a name for himself.
“I understand.”
“Good. Then we’ll say no more about it,” Adam said. “I’ll leave you to it. I find cleaning is a great way to focus the mind.”
Tito made a face. “You sound like my mother.”
Adam left Tito to think over his words. He really hoped he’d gotten through to the young lad. Adam had seen many players let the fame and lifestyle go to their heads. Hell, he’d even been that person once upon a time.
Tito would need to come round to Adam’s way of thinking if he wanted to make a success of his time at Brockton. Then again, so would Ewen. If things came to a head, Jamie would keep the great Tito Lopes over Ewen. No matter how many years’ service he’d given to Brockton.
Once out on the landing, he couldn’t bring himself to home without seeing Jonas. Of course, Anna was still staying. However it wouldn’t hurt to call in.
You’re addicted to this man.
He climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.
“Tito,” Jonas shouted through the door. “What have you run out of now?”
The door opened and Jonas’ jaw dropped. “Adam.”
Adam’s stomach did a flip.
“Hi.”
“Come in.”
Adam walked into the hallway. He grabbed Jonas by the waist and kissed him long and hard. The smell of Jonas filling his nostrils.
It had only been a few days but he had needs.
“Down, boy,” Jonas said with a chuckle. “I’m still a responsible adult.”
Adam nuzzled his neck. “And I’m in blue ball hell.”
“One more day,” Jonas replied. “Shall I come straight to you after I drop her off at the airport?”
“Why don’t I come with you? It’d be nice to wave her off.”
Jonas frowned at him. “You would forgo your Sunday lie-in?”
“I would to see you.”
Jonas kissed the tip of his nose. “Sweet. You coming in?”
“For a minute.”
He followed Jonas into the lounge to find Anna flat out on the sofa watching some hideous reality TV show.
“Hey, Adam,” she said.
“Hey. Sorry it was a sh…bad match.”
Anna muted the television. “No problem. You can’t win them all.”
“Do you want a drink?” Jonas asked.
Adam shook his head. He didn’t want to intrude on their last night together. Also he could only handle small doses of being in the same room as Jonas on a look but don’t touch basis.
“No, I came to see Tito really,” he said. “Seemed a shame not to call and say hello. I should leave you to it.”
“Why don’t you stay the night?” Anna asked.
“Anna!” Jonas cried.
“Oh please. It’s obvious what’s going on.”
Adam looked at Jonas with wide eyes. Poor Jonas also had the expression of a rabbit caught in the headlights.
Jonas dashed over and shoved Anna’s legs out of the way before sitting down.
“Oi,” she said.
“You can’t tell anyone,” he said. “Not even at home. Do you promise me?”
“Of course I do,” she replied. “You’re being way more obvious than you think.”
Adam felt queasy. If a teenager had busted them, what hope did they have of keeping this a secret?
“You can stay tonight if you like,” Anna said to Adam. “I don’t mind.”
“That would be too weird,” Jonas cut in. “And besides, I think you and I need to have a proper chat.”
“Agreed,” Adam replied. “I’ll leave you to it.”
Jonas went to show him out. Adam held his hands up. “I know the way. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He needed to get out of there. Adam almost sprinted out of the apartment and down the stairs. Once outside he gulped in the fresh air.
He felt sick by the time he got into the car. He waited a second before driving.
Why am I reacting like this? Would it really be the worst thing?
As his body returned to normal, Adam tried to focus. He instinctively railed against the idea of the world knowing his sexuality. Udo and Steven had weathered most of their storm. Surely the second couple would get an easier ride?
But the captain?
Still confused, Adam switched the car on. As he drove out of the car park, he glanced up at the building. Jonas was watching him.