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“But the skills are still there, Mikey,” Sanjay says before I can answer. “He got a bloody hat-trick only last night.”
Thank you!I feel like throwing my hands up in appreciation for someone finally acknowledging this.?
“They were some great goals, Tom,” Justin says brightly.?
“Thanks, mate,” I say with a nod.
“But how many more games like last night does he have in him?” Mike asks his co-hosts. No doubt he’s been given the role of the devil’s advocate.
I listen to them go back and forth a little before Justin finallybutts in. “Why don’t we let the man himself answer the question. It’s what he’s dragged himself here for on a Sunday morning, after all.”
I let out a soft breath of laughter, even though I’m feeling far from amused. “I plan to keep going as long as I can,” I say simply. “I believe I’m still an important part of the Croydon team, and as long as that’s the case I plan to continue.”
I’m obviously not going to say what’s really going through my mind—that professional football’s been my life for so long I’m not sure how I’ll function without it once I’m forced to give it up.
Once the segment is over, I’m relieved as hell to be set free. Fortunately, my interview was mid-show, so everyone’s busy getting ready for the next segment and I can duck out without any fuss.?
As soon as I’m out of the studio, I tug my phone from my pocket and I’m not surprised to see a text from my ex, Courtney. To be honest, labelling her as an ex probably doesn’t do our relationship justice. She’s my son’s mother and probably the closest thing to family I have. I can always count on her for both a sympathetic ear and someone to call me on my shit.
Courtney Adams:Hey, you okay? I saw the interview
Me:And you’re worried about me because I’m a washed up?has-been whose best days are behind him and it’s only a matter of time before the plug is pulled on my career?
Courtney Adams:Well NOW I’m worried about that. But actually I was more concerned about the Archie Milligan thing
I let out a huff of annoyance.She’sfocused on him as well? What the hell is it with this guy?
Me:Why?
Courtney Adams:You know why
Me:I’m fine Court. Thanks though
Courtney Adams:You know you could come out now…
I stare at the message for a long time. It’s not as though the thought didn’t cross my mind when I saw the news about Archie Milligan a few weeks ago. But it’s not that easy. I’ve been hiding for so long I wear the lies like a second skin. I’m not sure I’m even capable of being open and honest anymore. And even if I did come out, it wouldn’t magically erase the past twenty years.
And then there’s my son to think about…
Me:It’s not that easy
Courtney Adams:Just so you know, Keegan and I are behind you, whatever you decide
Me:Thanks
I slip my phone back in my pocket and shove open the door of the green room to wait for the studio appointed driver to pick me up. No clue why the fuckers wouldn’t let me drive myself.?
And, of course, I almost run smack bang into Archie fucking Milligan.
Chapter two
Archie
“HowareyoufeelingArchie?” my publicist, Paul, says, leaning forward in the plush royal blue armchair he’s currently occupying opposite me. Well, across from where I’m pacing. Maybe more like bouncing.
We’re currently in the green room at the Sky Sports studio waiting for an assistant or station rep or underling of some sort to take me through to my personal changing room.?
There’s so much to do when you change your football team. Negotiations, contracts, medical exams, and interviews.?
