Chapter 3
3
My feet pound on the treadmill. Usually, I like this bit, when it doesn’t feel like dying any more. But I know my playlist so well, I could rap along if that wasn’t deeply culturally inappropriate. And I’m staring at the white wall of an empty gym, so I’ve got zero distractions from worrying about Tony Garratt.
We’re only a week into pre-season. Already two of the coaching staff have pulled me aside with concerns Tony isn’t settling. Next time, it’ll be the manager. And just like everyone else on the staff, I adore our manager, who’s a genius and a gentleman. But to say he’s intense is the understatement of the century, and I can’t face a prolonged discussion about Tony. It’s not like I can pretend I don’t see the problem, it’s definitely there.
Since it’s opening week, I’ve made sure to drift into the first team’s canteen a few times. That way, if there’s something a player needs, they can drop it in among baby photos and holiday stories. Tony never says hello, which is fine by me. What isn’t fine is that he’s always sitting separated off from the team, phone in hand. I can just imagine the look on the manager’s face, like a disappointed deity, if I have to admit I haven’t done anything to fix that.
It’s not that there’s nothing I could do. Just getting Tony out of the hotel would be a step closer to making Covenly home. And it isn’t that I’m not trying because I don’t like him. My job’s to help, regardless. But he’s made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want my help, and I don’t understand why. Because, once I calmed down, it struck me that our first meeting had actually been quite odd.
If he was making up that text, why stay angry after Monica left? It would’ve made more sense to make out it was a misunderstanding. Maybe Tony takes a method approach to lying, to the point that he ends up believing his own story. But it seems more likely he really did get a message. And if he did, maybe he’d work with me if I apologized?
I’m not above saying sorry for a text I didn’t send. If that would smooth things over with Tony, I’d do it in a heartbeat. And yes, I’m aware that sounds pathetic. But it’s incredibly important to the club that Tony’s a success here. Unhappy Tony equals underperforming Tony equals our entire transfer budget wasted. It’s irrelevant that I might, maybe, in the past, have found him the tiniest bit attractive. Even if there was the slightest chance he’d be interested in me, staff contracts have zero-tolerance fraternization clauses. I’d never put my job at risk, not even for a man who reads games like they’re comic books.
So, if fake apologizing is what’s best for Covenly, I’ll do it. Only, if there was no text, Tony’s going to think I’m crazy. And who wants help from a crazy person?
I run that round and round, until my brain’s more tired than my legs. As I step off the treadmill, pulling out my earbuds, I turn and jump out of my skin. Because there’s Tony, finishing up on an exercise bike.
I grab at my throat. ‘Oh God.’
He dismounts and lolls back against a neighbouring elliptical. ‘Bad as that, is it? Finding yourself in the same room as me?’
‘No, of course not.’ I gulp in air. ‘Sorry, you startled me. I thought I’d the place to myself.’
‘So I saw. It’s the norm at this place, is it? The office girls using the first-team gym?’ His tone is sneery, and irritatingly, his breathing is already close to normal.
‘Um, well, no, not exactly.’ I try to discreetly mop sweat from my face, then make myself look at Tony. ‘Actually, no, it’s absolutely not. I shouldn’t be here. But it was pouring this morning, and I couldn’t face running outside. And the women’s team were already using their space, and…’
Tony cuts in before I have to forcibly stop myself babbling. ‘Whatever. It don’t bother me one way or the other.’
I’m practically squirming. ‘But I really shouldn’t be in here. So, if you could keep it to yourself, I’d appreciate it.’
‘Funnily enough, I’m not too keen on letting on I’m in here a couple of hours before everyone else.’ There’s a closed-mouthed smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. ‘Don’t want no one thinking I’m putting in extra effort. Not when everybody round here knows I’m a washed-out has-been, here to sit out the rest of my career on the bench cos I’ve squandered my talent. Isn’t that right?’
My eyes widen, like he’s just slapped me. ‘Oh. Tony, I’m so sorry. You heard what I said?’
‘I could hardly miss it. You wasn’t exactly keeping the volume down.’ In contrast, his voice is quiet, conversational almost, except there’s a hiss to it.
Professionally, offending the star signing on his first day is by far the worst thing I’ve ever done. For a split second, reaching out and touching his arm feels like the right thing to do, a physical connection to show how sorry I am. Luckily, I manage to stop myself just in time. The first rule of this job is don’t touch the talent. Or, maybe that should be the second rule, after don’t insult them.
I stare down at my running shoes until I’ve got myself together enough for eye contact. ‘I’m sorry I said it, and even more sorry you heard. It would’ve been unforgivable, even if I meant it. But I obviously don’t.’
He shakes his head and his voice is dismissive. ‘Forget it. I can’t get too worked up over what the secretary thinks ’bout my stats.’
I’m definitely still the one in the wrong so I resist the urge to point out I’m not the secretary. ‘Except it’s honestly not what I think. The start of last season, you were on track to hit the year before’s numbers, probably better them.’
When he smiles this time, his eyes are starting to narrow down. ‘I know everyone goes on ’bout how you keep this place running, but I weren’t aware you ran the numbers and all.’
‘I don’t. I’m just an enthusiast.’ I open my hands to him. ‘And Tony, that’s why I said what I did. We sold players, good young players, some for less than they’re worth, to buy you.’
‘And you thought I weren’t taking things serious, yeah?’
I nod.
‘And you reckon those kids, they’ll go and do a job for someone else, and the money I bring in won’t be enough to replace ’em?’ He’s gentler now, like he’s genuinely curious.
I fiddle with the strap of my sports bra. I’m not sure he needs to hear all of what got me so pissed off. I mean, I grew up in my parents’ house. If anyone understands the crushing weight of other people’s expectations, it’s me.
‘Come on, love. You might as well tell me. It can’t be no worse than what you’ve said already.’ His voice is teasing, but I guess that’s true. Honest has to be better than mean.
‘It’s not just the money. It’s that some of them have probably made the wrong move. Our academy players who were settled here, building up to something big. One or two of them, they’ll just disappear at new clubs, because they weren’t ready. And if you don’t show up for us, that’ll be for nothing. You know?’
He nods and his smile has got pillowy soft. ‘Yeah, I do know. And Genie, it’s nice, you caring ’bout that. But that’s sort of why I’m here.’ He screws up his mouth. ‘This, it’s kind of embarrassing.’
‘Then don’t tell me. It’s not like you owe me an explanation.’
‘Only maybe I does, cos I was a bit of a dick when I first showed up.’
I start a polite denial but he laughs and shakes his head.
‘Nah, I was, no need to pretend otherwise. But what I was going to say was, it’s true, last season went off the rails for me, can’t make out it didn’t. Being injured, it don’t agree with me. Devil makes work for idle hands, and all that.’ He ducks his head for a second. ‘And I had some personal stuff feeding in that I won’t go into. But you’re basically right, I didn’t put in the graft to get back.’ He looks away again, and this time it seems to take effort to look back at me. ‘And I did a bang-up job of blaming everyone else. But when my contract came up for renewal, I had to admit to myself, I’d been going through the motions with the physio and stuff.’
He stretches back, and it’s like opening his shoulders frees him up, because the words start coming more easily. ‘So, I decided I could go one of two ways. Either exactly what you said, signing for my last big pay-day and go to a club that is known in the market for paying over the odds for a star, even when they’re not who they once was, or come back to a club like where I started. The sort of place where even the girls paid to fetch and carry care if you’re making your fitness targets.’ He shrugs. ‘And here I am.’
I think I’m forgiven, because everything about him is relaxed now. In fact, lazing back against the handles of the elliptical, he looks like he’d happily spend the rest of the morning chatting in the gym.
I smile apologetically. ‘Well, we’re very glad you chose us. And my actual job isn’t to fetch and carry, it’s to make you feel welcome. So, even though I’ve obviously made a terrible start, if there’s anything I can do to make settling in easier, please let me know. Or, if you’d rather work with one of the other members of the Player Care team, we can arrange that.’
He grins, his eyes almost closed this time. ‘As it happens, I can think of a thing or two you could do for me. But maybe we’ll start out small. Like finding a place to live, that’s not gone too well. And I want out of the hotel asap. Do you reckon you could find a few options?’
I nod, making sure my face doesn’t give away that I caught the innuendo in his opening sentence. Not that he would have meant it. ‘Absolutely. Do you have any specific requirements?’
‘Nah, not really. Not city centre, though. I want something quiet, reasonably private. If there’s a pool, I’d like that, saves coming in here every time I fancy a swim. Oh, and I’m not like the young kids, I want a kitchen I can actually use from time to time. Other than that, garage, obviously, and that’s about it. I’m not too fussed ’bout nothing else.’
I give him an air-hostess style smile. ‘That sounds easy enough.’ It actually isn’t. Not the pool anyway, most people round here don’t want the bother. But it’s doable. ‘Shall I send you some possibilities, or would you prefer I do the initial viewings?’
‘You busy this afternoon?’
‘Nothing I can’t change,’ I say, managing somehow to hide my surprise.
‘Then see what you can set up for after training, and we’ll go look at ’em together, OK? I’ll only get lost driving round them little lanes.’
‘Of course. Come to my office when you’re ready.’
I start to walk out, anxious to shower and change before anyone else arrives. A little stressed about the time I have to find suitable properties. And if I’m a tiny bit weak at the knees, it’s definitely just glycogen depletion. When I’m halfway through the door, Tony calls, ‘Genie?’
I look back at him, hoping this isn’t going to be an excessively outlandish house-related requirement. ‘Yes?’
‘Bit of time on the treadmill suits you. Puts some colour in your cheeks.’ Which doesn’t do justice to the colour that’s actually in them as I head into the changing room, but I have to say, I’m super happy I grabbed my nice workout clothes today.