Chapter 25
TWENTY-FIVE
ADAM
Nearly two weeks later, they were jogging into Newby Park after a particularly gruelling training session. Javier was working them hard for the first FA Cup match after Christmas. He’d lit a fire in the squad Adam hadn’t seen before.
“I reckon we can do it, you know,” he said to Jonas as they headed for the locker room.
“Imagine lifting the cup,” Jonas replied. “What a year.”
Adam grinned. “It’s almost too much to hope for.”
They walked past Javier and Steven, who were deep in conversation.
“What’s put that smile on your face, Adam?” Javier asked. “You missed three opportunities.”
Adam fought the urge to roll his eyes. They’d all played really well and Javier knew it. Yet, he had another job to do and it was time.
“Can I talk to you, Boss?” Adam asked. “You too, Steven.”
Javier looked at Steven. “Oh fuck.”
“It’s nothing bad.”
Jonas squeezed his shoulder before heading into the locker room. Adam faced Javier and Steven.
“We should probably go to your office,” he said.
Adam followed them through the building until they got to Javier’s office. It made a nice change to be coming here without a major drama.
He sat on the couch and waited for Javier and Steven to settle opposite him.
“Okay,” Javier said. “Out with it.”
“Jonas and I are back together. I also have a child with Jen and we’re going to co-parent her.”
This was met by a stunned silence.
“Are you okay?”
“Fuck,” Javier said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Here we go. You said you wouldn’t cause drama. Now we have a bloody baby on our hands?”
“What are you proposing?” Steven asked.
They’d spent the last few weeks discussing this. Adam was determined that Jen would be completely in control of what happened. He owed it to her.
“Jonas and I will stay under the radar,” Adam said. “Jen thinks we should probably do an interview together. Set everything all out in one go. Then, hopefully the media will get over it quickly.”
Steven nodded. “I can see that. If Udo and I had made a statement in the first place, there wouldn’t have been a story as much.”
Howard had advised them to say nothing. That had been the worst thing he could have said. Adam hoped Howard had learnt some lessons from that.
“You’ll have to meet with Howard,” Javier said. “He’ll come up with a plan.”
“I want to bring Jen in,” Adam replied.
“Fine.”
“Before we do anything. I’d like to tell the team.”
Javier narrowed his eyes. “And I presume you have a grand plan for that as well.”
The house was full. Music blared from the speaker system and the caterers had done him proud. They’d set up a buffet in the kitchen with all sorts of amazing and healthy treats. Adam had no intention of getting on the wrong side of Javier now. He’d been so supportive.
Most of the lads were in the garden. The pretext was they were there to celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Of course, in line with tradition, Adam had paid for a spectacular fireworks display.
Before that, he had to make his announcement. Nerves swirled around his system. Not that he had any reason. Deep down, the lads would be happy for him. Of that he was sure.
He walked outside onto the decking. Jonas was on the phone a little way from the others. He nodded as Adam got himself into position.
“Everyone,” Adam shouted. “If I could have a minute of your time, please.”
Dutifully, they all fell silent. Jonas terminated the call and joined Edi and Colin. It was so important that he share this moment with Jonas even if they were firmly under the radar.
“I’ve got you here under false pretences,” Adam began.
“Are we not having fireworks then?” Colin asked, his face a picture of disappointment.
Adam grinned. “Don’t you worry, Col. I’ve got fireworks that will blow your bollocks off. Before that, I have a guest of honour who I’d like to introduce you to.”
The next few seconds would change everything.
Jen came outside carrying Olive.
“What the fuck?” Alain asked.
“This is Olive Williams. My daughter,” Adam said.
Once again, he’d stunned a room into silence. This time on a much bigger scale.
“Isn’t anyone going to say anything?” Adam asked.
“Are you together?” Edi asked.
Jen handed Olive over to Adam. She wriggled with delight when she saw who held her.
“Not a chance,” Jen said. “I can only cope with one baby at a time.”
A ripple went through the guests.
“She’s gorgeous,” Meg said. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Meg,” Adam replied.
This appeared to open the floodgates. They all crowded round Adam and Olive to get a better view.
“Shit. The Skipper is growing up,” Colin said.
“You’ll be next, Colin,” Jerzy said. “If your swimmers are up to it.”
Colin blushed.
“Don’t worry about him,” Meg shouted back. “He’s all man. We’re putting in the practice.”
They all jeered. Poor Colin went crimson.
Adam clocked Tito and Noah head straight for Jonas’ side. They had a rushed conversation before turning to him. Tito nodded and Noah came forward.
“Can I have a hold?” he asked.
“Of course you can.”
It appeared that Jonas’ bodyguards had cleared this. Adam was glad that Jonas had people on his side. Even so, he would be taking care of things on that score.
He gently laid Olive in Noah’s arms. She seemed perfectly content with the swap and stared at the sea of faces gawping at her.
“I suppose we have a new mascot then,” Tito said.
“Reckon we can fit her in the FA Cup?” Jerzy asked.
Adam burst out laughing. “Not by next summer we won’t. You’ve no idea how much this young lady puts away.”
Noah stroked her head. “Be nice to win it in her first season.”
This choked Adam. It would be the perfect tribute to becoming a father.
“I like the sound of that, Noah,” he said. “I like it a lot.”
To his astonishment, the rest of the lads were clamouring for a hold. Noah handed Olive to Alain.
“Elle est belle.”
Adam’s chest swelled. This must be what being a proud father felt like.
I like it.
A lump formed in his throat. Now he might be sharing his news with this lot. He wasn’t about to cry in front of them.
“I think this calls for a bottle of fizz,” he said. “Don’t tell Javier.”
He dashed into the kitchen.
“What’s up?”
Jonas had followed him. Adam wanted to clear everyone out and hold Jonas for the rest of the night.
“I realised that I am the luckiest man in the world.”
“I can see how that would make you run out and look like you’re about to burst into tears.”
“I’m serious.”
Jonas came over to him. He wrapped his arm around Adam’s waist.
“The lads love her,” Jonas said. “I think she’s going to be one spoilt girl. Have you seen how many uncles she has?”
“And you.”
“Definitely me.”
Adam squeezed him. “Who were you on the phone to?”
A smile crept onto Jonas’ face. “I was going to tell you later. Tuva and my father have agreed for Anna to come and live here.”
Adam hugged him tight. “I’m so fucking pleased. I love you, Jonas. And one day I’m going to tell the whole world.”
Jonas stared up at him. His eyes twinkling in the light.
“Until then, how about we spend our time being the best we possibly can be? Not just for Olive but for us.”
Adam stole a kiss. It was dangerous but he felt like living on the edge.
“Will you stay tonight?”
“I’d love to.”
It was a moment that Adam never wanted to break.
“I’ve got something to tell you,” Jonas said.
Uh-oh
“What?”
“I’ve found a therapist,” Jonas replied. “I want to deal with all the shit of my past before Anna comes to stay. It wouldn’t be fair on her if I didn’t.”
Adam took hold of his hand. “What do I need to do to support you?”
“Just listen.”
“Whenever you need it.”
Jonas beamed. “We’re going to be quite the little family by the summer.”
“A family? That’s a nice idea.”
“I agree.”
Adam hugged him close. “The most important thing is that we love each other. Openly and honestly.”
“I can do that.”
“Me too.”
Through the window, Adam could see Olive was still being fussed and cooed over. Jen had a smile on her face as they all doted on her daughter.
“We’re going to have to be a lot more grown up in the future,” Adam said.
“How about we make a vow here and now,” Jonas replied. “We’ll never keep anything from each other ever again.”
Adam kissed him. He never wanted to feel any other lips on his or body in his bed. This man was everything.
“Agreed,” he said.
They snuggled. Adam breathing in the smell of Jonas.
“You’re everything to me,” Adam whispered.
“And you to me,” Jonas replied. “I’ve found you and I never want to lose you again.”
“You’d never lost me,” Adam said. “I was yours the minute you joined the team.”
It was true. They’d taken the scenic route to get here. Now they’d arrived, Adam had never felt more secure in his life.
He had a man, a child and a career. Such good fortune made him feel truly blessed. Life might have changed over the last few months but Adam was ready to embrace it with both hands.
Love had finally returned to his home and he would never let it go.
No matter what.
Thank you for reading Playing the Game
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