Scottish Player: A Hero Club Novel

by Karen Frances

  “Yes. I think we needed a night out without anyone else. I know we had Fletcher’s wedding two weeks ago, but a night out just us was perfect. The only problem is, I’m not sure I want to leave them and join up with the team.”

  “Logan!”

  “I know. It just feels strange this time getting ready to fly out.”

  “I can only imagine how you feel, but they will both be fine here with family and friends. And you need to join the others for training before your first European game.” I turn my gaze back to Chloe. “And Daddy has to do what he does best, doesn’t he?”

  “And what’s that?” my brother asks.

  “Save the game in case the strikers let you down.”

  “Only one of them has let me down recently,” he says in an even tone, and slowly I lift my gaze. Even I know it’s not Fletcher, so that means Jackson. “Looks like Auntie Sam has lost her tongue.” Logan takes his daughter from my arms and she smiles and coos at him.

  “What do you want me to say, Logan?”

  My phone buzzes, and it’s lying on the couch between us. I gulp hard, seeing whose name is on the screen. I don’t answer. “I want you to tell me what the hell is going on with you and him.”

  “If I knew, I’d tell you, but did I question you about Lee?”

  “Sam!”

  “Don’t. We’ve had this conversation before. I’m a big girl, and I can look after myself.”

  “Okay, I’ll butt out, but so help me, if he fucks up, I’ll make him pay.”

  “And if he does, I’ll let you.”

  “Okay, then you won’t get any more lectures from me. Now, what are you doing tonight?”

  “Not babysitting because I’m out to dinner with Kate.”

  “Will you help Lee out whilst I’m gone?”

  I raise my eyebrows as I stare at him. “You really need to ask?”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  I stare at my phone as I enter the waiting taxi and tell the driver my destination. The number on the screen surprises me, and I answer. “Hello,” I say hesitantly.

  “Sam, how are you?”

  “Chance, I’m great. How are you and Aubrey?”

  “We’re great, and I’m calling with what I think is good news.”

  “Go on,” I say, already expecting him to tell me when he’s coming to Glasgow.

  “Well, you’ll be seeing us soon.”

  “Really?” I squeal.

  “Stop with the shouting, my poor ears. And yes. In six weeks. I booked our flights this morning. I’m hoping you can find us a hotel,” he says.

  “Of course I can, but you could stay with me.”

  “Nonsense. Sid has said to book a hotel.”

  “That’s brilliant,” I tell him, and we carry on talking for the remainder of my taxi journey to the restaurant. He tells me Aubrey is really excited about coming to Scotland, and although they will only be here for five days, they’d like to pack a lot in. Including a football match. I’m sure we can arrange that and more.

  By the time I exit the taxi, I know I’m grinning from ear to ear.

  Kate is standing outside the restaurant, waiting on me. She eyes me curiously as I walk toward her. “Has lover boy been in touch?”

  “That’s not why I’m grinning.” I cock my head to the side and wait for her to ask.

  “Well. Tell me?”

  “Chance and Aubrey will be here in six weeks, and I need to organise some sight-seeing for them, including a football game.”

  “Sid managed to get him to be the face of the campaign? That’s brilliant. He does have the right look. It will be great to see them, and it shouldn’t be a problem getting them to a football game. The season starts back in around six weeks.”

  I can’t wait to do this shoot with Chance for Sid’s new sportswear range as he expands into the worldwide market.

  “Look at you, all in the know,” I tease as we enter the restaurant.

  “Of course I know. Just look at the talent in that team.” She laughs, and I join her because she’s right. There’s not one player in the team who has fallen from the ugly branch of the tree.

  “Now, let’s enjoy our night. We have a table booked under the name of Walker,” I say to the gentleman that greets us.

  “Yes, your table is ready, ladies,” he tells us, leading us through the crowded restaurant.

  We order a bottle of prosecco when we’re seated. Even though the restaurant is busy, where we’re seated, we will still be able to have a conversation and actually hear each other. And that’s perfect, because we need to talk. Or rather, I need to talk to Kate about Jackson. Although, what will I actually say to her?

  We sit in silence as the cork is popped by a lovely waitress, who pours two glasses and tells us she will be back soon to take our order.

  “Okay, spill it. What’s on your mind?” Kate asks me.

  “Jackson,” I confess.

  “Thought as much. So, what is it?”

  “He’s been texting since he left, but last night he called.”

  “And the problem is?” She stares at me, taking a sip of her prosecco.

  “I don’t know.”

  “You like him.”

  “Yes. Probably too much considering his wild reputation.”

  “A player can always change his ways for the right person. You just have to look at your brother and Fletcher. So, you never know what might happen when he gets home.”

  “But what will happen whilst he’s away with the team? He might hook up with someone.”

  “And he might not. If he’s staying in touch with you, that tells me he’s interested in you. So, I don’t think that’s something you need to worry about. And anyway, when the team is away for pre-season training, they don’t have the time or the opportunity to be out at pubs and clubs.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am. Now, pick something to eat before the waitress comes back. I know what I’m having,” she says, putting her menu to the side.

  “Don’t tell me… a salad? That’s all you ever eat.”

  “No, I’m having steak tonight,” she declares, surprising me. “And I’m having all the trimmings. Chips, onion rings, mushrooms, and even a creamy pepper sauce. And if I still have space, I’ll be having a dessert too.”

  “Are you okay?” I ask her.

  “Yes. I’ve just realised I don’t need to eat rabbit food every day.”

  “It’s taken you long enough to discover that.”

  She nods.

  We order food and continue talking about Chance and Aubrey’s upcoming visit. Kate thinks Aubrey might get bored hanging around when we do the photoshoot, and also if Chance goes to a football match.

  “A shopping trip!”

  “What?” I question her.

  “I could take Aubrey shopping. I’m sure that would be the perfect way to spend the day or days of the photoshoot.”

  “I’m sure she’d love that.”

  “Yes, I think she would. And we could do dinner all together again, minus the drama that unfolded that night. Or you might want to go on a double date and take Jackson with you instead of me.”

  I choke on my prosecco, nearly spitting it across the table at Kate. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

  “Kate, you are my best friend, but I can sense us falling out.”

  “Why? Because I’m putting suggestions your way? That’s silly. It would make perfect sense. Jackson could pay for dinner as an apology to Chance and Aubrey for his behaviour in Vegas. Everyone wins. Including you, as you’d get to spend more time with Jackson.”

  “Kate!”

  “Oh, look, here’s our food. That should keep you quiet for a bit.” I shake my head, but she now has me thinking about dating Jackson. Although, I’m not sure a double date would work out.

  Kate was right. Food changed the topic of conversation, and for that, I’m relieved.

  We talk about her next photoshoot, and she’s hopin
g it’s better than the last one, which I quiz her all about. She’s very forthcoming about not wanting to work with that photographer again. Her next job is modelling sexy underwear for a new company, who are currently working on their online brochure and a print catalogue. In my opinion, they’ve picked the perfect model having seen Kate in her underwear.

  We’ve just finished our food when my phone buzzes. I sigh, reaching in my bag when it doesn’t stop, but I smile when I see his name illuminated on the screen.

  “I wonder who’s bringing a smile to your face, as if I couldn’t take a guess.”

  “Hey,” I say on answering.

  “Hi. It’s good to hear your voice.”

  Warmth spreads across my face. “Can I call you back when I get home later?”

  “Are you out on a hot date?”

  “I’m out with Kate for dinner and drinks.”

  “Call me when you get home, or I’ll call you early in the morning. I can be your alarm clock.”

  “You’d better not be my alarm clock in the morning. I have tomorrow off, and I intend to stay in my bed, thank you very much.”

  “I’ll talk to you soon,” he says, ending our call before I get a chance to say goodbye.

  I don’t look at Kate. Instead, I put my phone back into my bag. When I’m finally finished rummaging in my bag, because I make it take longer than it should to avoid my friend’s stare and her burning questions that are no doubt at the tip of her tongue.

  “He wants you. Really wants you in his life.”

  “We’ll see. I’m not sure a player like him will see me as being worth the wait. Not when he could get anyone he wants. And I wasn’t looking for anyone.”

  “Yes, I know that. But I’d be very surprised if you and Jackson don’t become a permanent item when he gets home. I can just see you attending all the games and being on his arm at events, being the envy of most girls in the city.”

  Sometimes I wonder where Kate gets her ideas from. I think she’s been reading too many romance novels. But what she has to realise is that not everyone gets that fairy tale ending.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Thanks for inviting us,” I say as Kate and I enter Jess’s home. It was nice of her to include us, especially considering she doesn’t know Kate.

  “You’re more than welcome, and it’s always lovely seeing you,” she tells me. Kate’s grin is still on her face, I’m certain it’s been there since I told her Jess invited us to watch tonight’s game with her and Lee. She couldn’t hide her delight. But I don’t think I’ll be mentioning Kate’s crush on her husband.

  We follow Jess through the house, and it’s stunning. It’s the first time I’ve been in their new home. First stop is the kitchen, where I find Lee with Chloe in her arms and a glass of wine on the kitchen table. She smiles as I walk toward her. “Come on, little one. Let’s give Mummy five minutes,” I say, taking Chloe from her arms. Lee and I have seen a lot of each other while my brother has been away, and I’ve enjoyed it. She’s missing Logan terribly, even though he didn’t go with the team straight away.

  “Thank you.”

  “Why didn’t you ask my mum to take her tonight?”

  “Because I like having her here with me when Logan is playing. Call it luck or superstition,” she says.

  “We’ll go with luck,” Jess interrupts with a smile. “Drinks, ladies?”

  “I’ll have a white wine,” Kate says.

  “Juice for me. I’m working early tomorrow in town with Sid.”

  “Oh! Lee tells me you have a hot American hunk flying in soon to do a photoshoot. Do tell?” Jess pours out the wine and hands it to Kate, and everyone’s eyes are on me.

  “What? There’s nothing to tell,” I say, looking at my niece, who is staring at me. “Do you think they believe me?”

  “No use asking Chloe. I bet if she could talk she’d want the same answers as we do,” Lee says with her glass in hand, walking from the kitchen. I follow her into the sitting room and sit down in a chair. There’s no space for anyone to sit beside me.

  “I have it on good authority that a certain player started a fight with your American friend,” Lee states, raising her eyebrows as she watches me.

  “Oh, and I was told you were seen leaving a certain player’s room in the wee small hours,” Jess says, giggling.

  I look to Kate for some support, but all she does is shrug. “This is all on you,” my best friend tells me as Jess turns on the TV.

  “I think you and I should watch your daddy,” I whisper against Chloe’s cheek and kiss her.

  “You won’t get away with not spilling the beans,” Lee says.

  “Fine.” I sigh. “Chance is a model who was also a footballer. Sid has hired him to be the face of his brand, and it’s been confirmed that he and his wife, Aubrey, will be here in Glasgow in two weeks’ time.”

  “And is he hot, hot?” asks Jess.

  “You’re a married woman now,” Kate says.

  “Yes, and I wouldn’t swap Fletch for anyone, but I presume he’s hot if he’s a model.”

  “I can vouch for the hotness,” Kate says, pretending she’s fanning herself down with her hand.

  “Now, are you going to spill the beans on you and Jackson?” Jess asks.

  “No!” I state firmly. “There’s nothing to tell.”

  “Yeah, right,” Lee says, sitting down. “There must be something because Jackson has been on his best behaviour the whole time they’ve been gone. And I believe Logan and Jackson have been doing a lot of talking about a certain someone.”

  Everyone stares at me. “What? I can’t help what they talk about.”

  “But you can help who you spend your evenings talking to.”

  My best friend covers her mouth with her hand, and right now, I could happily choke her. In all the times Lee and I have been together these last few weeks, I’ve not mentioned my bedtime phone calls with Jackson. It’s become the highlight of my days in recent weeks.

  “I knew it,” Lee squeals, almost jumping from her seat. “Will that mean you’ll be joining us in the players’ family section of the home stand?”

  “If she doesn’t, I will,” Kate jokes.

  “What makes you think I’ll go to the games now? I’ve been there and done that when Mum was dragging me to Logan’s games.”

  “Yes, but it’s different when it’s your man playing,” Jess tells me, smiling as the team takes to the pitch on the TV screen. “The last pre-season game away from home. I can’t wait to have Fletcher home.”

  “I’ve missed Logan terribly.” Lee confirms what I already know.

  “Are we going to watch this game or not?” Kate asks.

  “Yes,” we all say at the same time.

  This is the first pre-season game that has been shown on TV, and I think we’re all a bit excited to watch the game. Watching Jackson on TV isn’t the same as seeing him in person or hearing his voice, but it’s what I’ll settle for tonight.

  With Chloe in my arms, I sit back. She’s already dressed for bed, and I’m sure it won’t be long until she’s fast asleep. Lee has told us she and Chloe are staying over with Jess tonight. Poor Jess. I’m not sure she knows what she’s let herself in for. I think I was lucky the night she stayed with me.

  I rock her in my arms, and she’s struggling to keep her eyelids open. Her long eyelashes flutter.

  “Is she falling asleep already?” Lee asks, and I note the team is almost ready to start.

  “Yes, sorry. I think Chloe might share her Auntie Sam’s opinion of football.” I snigger, and Lee huffs. But my eyes focus on the man the camera is focused on. Jackson. He’s just getting ready to start the game. I’m not technical when it comes to the ins and outs of the game, silly considering I spent much of my childhood watching my brother.

  I quietly watch the TV whilst the others get more animated with each minute of the game that passes, and the small fact that there’s not a quick goal from either Jackson or Fletcher.

  �
��We need a goal to settle the play down,” Kate blurts out. “What are they playing at?”

  She means the strikers. In Kate’s opinion, they’re not working hard enough.

  “Give them time. One of them will score and the game will quickly settle down,” Jess says, sitting on the edge of the sofa, wine glass in her hand and not taking her eyes off the TV screen.

  “Come on!” Lee shouts. “Oh, shit!” She covers her mouth, looking at her daughter.

  “Go on, Fletch, pass the ball. Now.” Kate jumps up. “Yes. Oh my God. Yes! What a goal.”

  “Yes!” everyone cheers. I soothe Chloe, who is settling back into my arms after our celebrations.

  “I wonder if that’s how Sam sounds saying Jackson’s name after he’s…”

  “Kate!” Her comments pull my concentration away from the TV screen where Jackson is celebrating his goal with Fletcher.

  “What? I’m only saying what we’re all thinking.” She shrugs and takes a gulp of her wine. Jess and Lee’s eyes are on me. Lee has a silly smirk on her face.

  “Well, some things a lady keeps to herself,” I tease.

  “Well played,” says Jess.

  “Are we talking about the football now?” Kate asks, staring quizzically at the TV screen.

  “No, I’m not talking about the game. I’m talking about Sam’s very quick answer,” Jess says.

  I stick my tongue out at Kate before smiling and turning back to the screen where the game has just restarted. We’re only ten minutes into the game and one up. It’s a great start.

  “You like him, don’t you?” asks Jess quietly. I nod. “If you need to talk to someone, other than Lee, I’m here if you need me. Footballers are in a league of their own. I know how hard the whole thing can be. Just know, I’m here.”

  “Thank you,” I say, wrapping Chloe in her shawl, getting her all cosy. Her eyelids close and I’m mesmerised watching her as it doesn’t take her long to fall into a sleep.

  “Auntie Sam has the magic touch,” Lee exclaims. “Number one babysitter.”

  “Ouch, and I thought that was me,” Jess teases her.

  “Can you get my daughter to sleep that quickly? I think not. Not even I can do that.”