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“You know,” Rupert starts, clearly still in a chatty mood as he helps me lift the bar off the rack. “If you need someone to shoot the shit with now that Jasper’s in the cuckoo’s nest, I’m here.”
I grip the bar tight, pretending it’s Rupert’s neck, trying to tone him out while he continues talking.
“Some of the boys are starting to notice that you’ve been MIA. They’re worried about you.”
I grit my teeth as I lower the bar again. Blood is pounding in my ears–and not from the workout.
“Everyone’s reeling from what went down with Deacs, but we’re here for you.”
“Palmer?” I grunt out with my next push.
“Yeah?”
“Shut the fuck up.”
He chuckles. “Sure thing, El Capitano. Sure thing.”
I see straight through this asshole’s “caring” speech. He plays the same position Jasper did. He’s always been bitter about not getting much field time, and now he thinks he’s going to fill Jasper’s shoes in every regard. I finish my reps and return the bar to the rack with a loudclang. I wipe off my brow with my forearm before swapping with Rupert.
“So, you looking forward to the music festival?” Rupert huffs out as he brings the bar down to his chest. His arms wobble, and I feel a little spark of satisfaction–I loaded the bar twenty kilograms lighter than what I’d normally bench. “Don’t forget about that little favour you owe me.”
I’m starting to think asking him putting myself in Rupert’s debt was a bad idea, . “I haven’t forgotten.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he grunts. Sweat drips off his body as he struggles to finish the reps. He pushes up for the last time and I watch him strain under the weight for a little longer than necessary before helping him set the bar back on the rack. He narrows his eyes as he sits up, but before he can say anything Coach calls our attention. The new team physio is standing next to him holding a cardboard box. He’s an imposing man with a serious frown on his face.
“As you all know, things went down toward the end of last season. While we won’t be talking about that in detail, we will be taking measures to ensure that nothing like it happens again.” Coach looks around the gym to make sure we’re all listening. “With that being said, random drug tests are now mandatory. Should you refuse when, you will find yourself packing up your locker. The following players need to grab a cup from Steve and go straight to the bathroom.” Rupert tenses beside me and I shake my head. Can’t say I didn’t warn him. “Davenport, Westbrook, Gibson, Smith, Johnson, Antanovic, Ellordi, Foster, Palmer.”
“Good luck, mate,” he murmurs before going over to collect his cup. I glance at Dave and the surprise on his face mirrors mine at how calm Rupert seems when we all know he was on a bender three days ago. There’s no way those drugs are out of his system yet.
Coach is looking at me with a raised brow, so I check myself and hurry over to grab my cup.
“Bring it back to me when you’re finished,” Steve tells me.
I nod, confused. I’d thought they’d be supervised.
“Foster!” Coach calls.
“Yeah, Coach?”
“Good job out there today. The ribs holding up okay?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That’s good. I can tell you haven’t been slacking in the off season.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
He nods to signal the end of the conversation and I make my way to the locker rooms with a small smile tugging on my lips.
* * *
THE HOUSE IS mercifully empty when I get home from training. I knew Ellie was staying at Harley’s and a note on the kitchen counter tells me that Mum and Dad are staying with my brothers.
My stomach growls at the thought of food and I help myself to the lasagne left for me, quickly tossing together a salad while I wait for the microwave. I toss a mini tomato in my mouth at the same time my phone buzzes on the counter. I pick it up and damn near choke.
PRINCESS: What are you wearing?
I quickly scull down a glass of water before snapping a selfie and firing it off to her. I’ve only just regained my composure when she replies.
