“Listen, whatever this chump is paying you, I’ll double it.”
“The fuck you will,” he says, digging me in the ribs.
“Fine, fine, but I’m going to be over here every home game if this is what it’s like.”
“Trust me, you won’t be saying that once we get out on the run, or when she experiments with beetroots.”
“Yeah, yeah, we’ll see,” I say before shoving more of the amazing food in my mouth.
Halfway into the run, and I understand exactly what Kyle meant.Burpees.Why on earth is she incorporating them into a run?I feel like my arse is going to fall out.After the third set, I collapse to the ground.
“You’re never going to be as fit as me if you can’t keep up,” Kyle mocks, but by the look of him, he’s just as beat as me.
“Are you both gonna chit chat, or are we going to run?”Trish says, completely fine.I’m pretty sure she’s a robot.There is no way she is capable of being able to run and do burpees without needing to gasp for air.
“Run,” I say, my words hitching in my throat.I take a sip of water and start to jog.Kyle keeps pace with me, with Trish just behind.It’s then that I see it.A Flash.Followed by another, and then a third.Just like in the alleyway all those weeks ago.It could be the same person—I have a theory they all share the same brain anyway—which means we have a stalker who is leaking images to the press.That should bother me, but it means our plan is working.We have been photographed together, without it looking like I want to knock him out.I can’t wait to see how the media spins this one.
Are Kyle And AJ Mending Fences?
Kyle And AJ Spotted Out for a Run Together Near Kyle’s Swanky New Pad
Running Off Steam: Kyle Looks to Outrun AJ in Park
Kyle and AJ Look Happy in Morning Run
The headlines are more happy than not, which is a good start.I refuse to look in the gutter, also known as social media, though.That shit is not good for mental health.
Looking at the headlines the following morning at Kyle’s breakfast table makes me feel safe.Of course, some news outlets—especially the ones on the TV—still want my head on a spike, and I’m not convinced the whole police-intervention thing is going to die down until we call a press conference.But today I have bigger things on my mind… Well, things I can control.
Gaffer Elmstrom has said he’s starting me in the European game.Win this, and we reach the semifinal.I never got a chance to play in the European competition last year, and I’m salivating at the prospect.
“Here he is, Mr.Bad Lad himself,” coos Rockwell as I enter the changing room.
“Never thought you’d be wanted by the police.It’s true what they say, always the quiet ones,” Millers chimes in.
“Enough!”roars our gaffer, his face red with anger.“There will be no talk of this, it is a police matter.A stupid one, but one nonetheless.We focus on football.We focus on the team.That is it.We play for each other.No.Matter.What.If anyone has a problem with that.I’ll make you sit out the rest of your contract.Am I understood?”
“Yes Mr.Elmstrom!”the team says, showing the most respect possible.I can’t help but think that was a veiled message of support.It’s no secret that the England Boss has a direct line to my gaffer, but I doubt they would divulge personal information about me and Kyle unless it was extremely important.
“Johnson, my office.”
The sound of the demand brings a chorus ofooohsfrom the team and makes my heart fall through my ass.
It’s not the first time I’ve been in his office, but I always get an uneasy feeling, like he’s going to pull a lever and a trapdoor will send me to the abyss, or he’ll say I’m being released from my contract.He gestures for me to sit, and I do so with a weary look on my face.
“You can take that look off your face,” he says, as if reading my mind, which actually, increases my concerns.I take the seat as suggested.
“Relax, Aaron.You’re not in trouble.I am pissed off, though.”I gulp.“Not at you.”I let out a breath,okay, so not so bad.“I’m pissed at the situation you are in.We’ve known each other for many, many years.And I know it’s your right to come out to who you want, but I must say, it came as a shock when Henrick Muller spoke to me about it.”I take no joy in being right this time.In fact, if my heart were to beat any faster, it might burst out of my chest and flop around on the desk.Henrick Muller is my England boss.
“I’m sorry, Gaffer Elmstrom,” I say, not looking up but adding “sir” to put in the maximum amount of respect.
“Sorry?Don’t be sorry.I feel bad that you didn’t feel this was a safe space to confide in.”
“It’s not that, it’s well, it’s complicated.”
“With Thurston?”
My eyes pop out of my head; this is not how I expected this to go.
