Now though, now it was real.
“That’s why we’re going to let you,” Troy confirmed, and I couldn’t help but look past him to where Coach was standing on the sideline, hands buried deep in his pockets. When he caught my eye and offered me a nod, I knew they got it.
At the eighty-fourth-minute mark, I was given my signal.
Rising from the bench, I shifted awkwardly, trying to mask the pain. I needed to hide it long enough to get onto the field and away from everyone’s worried glances.
It took another three minutes before I stepped back onto the field.
When the crowd broke out in applause, I stopped staring at the green grass beneath my cleats and looked out at the stands. I’d never be more grateful for anything in my life. It seemed that everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering and waving flags.
As I hobbled past Harry, one of my teammates, he looked like he was about to say something, but when I shook my head, his mouth snapped shut. Forgetting everything else, I focused on the game at hand, praying like hell my teammates could do me one last favour and keep the ball as far away from me as possible. I wasn’t going to be able to help them. They were on their own. I was just out here to hang on for the ride.
We passed ninety minutes.
We passed ninety-one minutes.
We passed ninety-two minutes.
Thankfully the ball hadn’t come near me and surely time was up. There couldn’t have been that much longer to go.
Ninety-three minutes.
Ninety-four minutes.
Shit! The ball dropped right in front of me. As fast as I could, which was no faster than an eighty-year-old man using a walking frame, I shuffled towards it. My opponent, a cocky young guy, beat me and intercepted, not that it was hard.
When he took his shot at goal, I prayed to everyone I could think of from the big guy upstairs to Ronald McDonald that he missed.
He didn’t.
The ball hit the back of the net, the whistle sounded, and the game was over. And so was my career.
Chapter Thirty-Six – Elise
It was over.
He’d done it.
I don’t know how, he looked like he could barely walk, but his stubbornness had got him to the final whistle.
What came next, I had no idea, but for right now, right now we celebrated a career worthy of admiration.
Chapter Thirty-Seven – Luca
I dropped to the ground where I was.
It wasn’t the leg that knocked me on my arse, it was everything else. Everything I’d been avoiding admitting to.
Around me, players were gathering. Not just my teammates either. Both teams were lining up. When Harry approached, he held out his hand and hauled me back to my feet before wrapping me in a bear hug and congratulating me.
With Queen’s ‘We Are the Champions’ blasting through the speakers, the crowd was singing along, but they hadn’t moved. Usually as the final whistle sounded, they were already packing up and spilling out of the stands, anxious to beat the traffic. Today, it seemed, they were in no hurry.
Each hand shake, each time someone congratulated me or wished me well for whatever came next, everything became more real.
“You good to walk off?” Harry asked.
Normally I’d slap him up the side of the head for being a smartarse, something he was renowned for, but today he had a point.
Glancing up at the stands, at the spot I knew they’d be, I found my family and knew I was making the right decision. It might hurt like hell right now, but in the end, it was time. I’d had an amazing career. I’d travelled all around the world. I’d met amazing people. Experienced incredible highs. I’d represented my country at the highest level, and now it was time to focus my attention on something else.
Seeing the way Dad had his arm wrapped around Mum’s shoulders as she wiped her eyes just reinforced that. I wanted that. That was my next goal. Being there for my family and hopefully, in the not too distant future, having a family of my own. That’s what I wanted.
I couldn’t see my nephews but they wouldn’t be far away. Ari was probably already queuing for the bathroom, something she couldn’t avoid. Beside them Sienna, Jax and Izzy had huge grins on their faces as they clapped and danced to the music.
Then there was Elise.
Even amongst all those people, even in the chaos she stood out.
Completely frozen, she had her hands to her mouth as she stared down at me. At least she better be bloody staring at me. If it was one of these other shitheads then we were going to have a problem.
I smiled up at her, unable to stop it.
Even through the pain in my leg and the emotions threatening to dump me on my arse, she was able to silence it all. All it took was one look, one smile, and I felt nothing.
Dropping her hands, she mouthed something to me. I wanted to believe it was ‘I love you’.
Before I had a chance to say anything back, Harry appeared at my side. “You ready?”
“For what?” I asked. The game was over. There was no more.
“You really think we’re going to let you just walk off the field like it’s any old day? Not a fucking chance.”
“What…?”
Michael appeared on my other side. “Hold on,” he said before bending down and hoisting me onto their shoulders.
I didn’t want this. I didn’t ask for it. But I knew how it worked. Hell, I couldn’t even count the number of times I’d chaired someone from the field over the years. Knowing this was my only chance, I put my faith in the guys holding me up to not drop me on my arse and lifted my hands high above my head and offered my thanks to the crowd. By the time I looked down again, I saw something that brought tears to my eyes. Both teams, players, coaches and staff had formed a guard of honour, and it looked like Michael and Harry were about to carry me straight down the middle.
“We don’t have to do this,” I said, glancing down at Harry only to find his beaming smile flashed back at me.
“Shut up, Conti. You only retire once. Enjoy it.”
He was right.
With my new ‘fuck it’ attitude, I smiled so hard it almost cracked my cheeks. It was an incredible experience and something I’d treasure forever. I just hoped someone, somewhere managed to snap a photo or two.
As we approached the tunnel, they set me back on my feet, and I spun around and faced the field. Everyone was standing there watching me. I was so overwhelmed there was a very real possibility that the photo on the back page of tomorrow’s paper would be me in tears. With one final wave, I headed for the change rooms slowly.
“Uncle Luca!” I heard my name called and looked up, searching out the voice I’d recognise anywhere.
Then, there they were. My nephews’ hands dangled over the top of the railing, reaching out for me. They were the last people in the world I’d ever want to disappoint. Reaching up, I high fived each of their outstretched hands before finding Phoebe, chewing on her thumb, tucked in the corner beside them. She might not be three yet, but that kid was a force to be reckoned with.
“Princess Phoebe.” I smiled up at her.
“Uncle Luca, you forgot me.” Her bottom lip trembled, and I felt like the biggest arse on the face of the planet.
“I’d never forget you, Phoebe. Never,” I assured her as I reached up and gently high fived her outstretched fingers.
“Promise?”
Man, this kid. She could guilt trip even the Pope.
“Promise.”
When a beaming smile broke out across her face and she disappeared amongst the masses, I knew my work here was done. Besides, I needed to get the hell off this leg.
Hobbling my way down the race, I accepted thanks and congratulations from the reporters, officials, and everyone else who’d somehow managed to score a pass. I’d never seen so many people down here before. But as long as they stayed outside the locker room, I didn’t give a shit.
As I stepped through the door, another round of applaus
e broke out. This time it was just my team. My boys. My football family. Feeling my cheeks burn, I waved it off. The sooner all this shit was over, the easier this would be. I know they were trying to be nice and do the right thing but man, I was about to lose it like a kid whose favourite stuffed toy had been eaten by the family dog.
Thankfully the fanfare died down and everyone went back to focusing on themselves. Pulling the tape from my knee off, I found myself contemplating what hurt more. The stuffed knee itself or the fact that I’d just ripped every single hair from my leg in one painful waxing session.
After a long shower, I towelled off and dressed in my navy slacks and white button-down.
A wolf whistle sounded as I fastened my watch around my wrist and slid my phone into my pocket. “Someone’s looking awfully fancy for an unemployed bum,” Michael joked.
“What’s up, Conti? Job interview?” Harry added.
It was exactly what I needed. Some normalcy. Every time I’d been in a locker room anywhere in the world, there was always some ribbing from the boys. Some days it was your turn to cop it, other days you were one of the ones dishing it out.
“Maybe I’ve just got a hot date?” I countered.
“Hot date? Nah. No hot chick’s going to date an old man,” Michael continued. Around us, snickers were muffled. I guess some guys just didn’t have the balls to join in today.
“I don’t know, man. Have you seen that school teacher he’s been hanging out with lately? I wouldn’t mind her putting me on detention,” Harry tossed in for good measure.
Instead of retorting with words, something that would only provide them with even more evidence that I was a pussy, I tossed my wet towel at him, laughing when it smacked him in the face.
“Conti?”
“Yeah?”
“Get your arse out here. You’re wanted for an interview.”
I’d been summoned and I’d learnt a while ago that when Marianne called, you went. And quickly. She didn’t take no for an answer and she didn’t like to be kept waiting. Besides, the sooner I got through whatever the hell it was she had planned for me, the quicker I could get to my girl.
As soon as Elise’s image popped into my head, I found my hand reaching into my pocket, pulling out my phone.
Freezing where I was, I saw all the missed calls and messages already.
Elise: Are you okay?
Elise: What happened?
Elise: I can’t get through
Elise: They won’t let me down there
Elise: How’s the leg?
Elise: Do you know what’s wrong
She was so freaking adorable, I never wanted to let her go. I needed to not only put her out of her misery but also get her down here so she could see for herself that I wasn’t on my way to an early grave.
Luca: I’m fine. Sore but fine
Luca: Come down to the tunnel. Ask for Marianne. She’ll come find you
Turning to Marianne, I cut the deal with the devil. Four interviews and she’d go get Elise past security and down here. I didn’t really give her much choice, but thankfully Marianne had a soft spot. Who knew?
I’d done a lot of interviews in my time, but these were the worst. They asked the exact same questions in the exact same way. There was no creativity there at all which was, I have to admit, more than a little disappointing. How was my leg? What am I going to do now? Is there any chance I’d be back next season? The same shit I’d been answering for weeks.
As politely as I could, I wrapped up the final interview, took a selfie with the reporter who looked like he’d never shaved a day in his life and went to find my girl.
I was ready to get on with whatever it was that came next, but only if Elise was by my side.
As I passed Marianne in the hall she mentioned Elise wasn’t far behind her, but she’d got caught up talking to Harry. No surprise there. I’m sure Harry was flirting with my girl, and if I caught him, I wasn’t afraid to break his nose.
As I stepped out into the sun though, I realised it wasn’t Harry’s nose I was about to break. It was that arsewipe, dickwad Elise worked with. Creepy fucking Corey.
Chapter Thirty-Eight – Elise
I wasn’t sure if I was going to throw up on his shoes or knee him in the nuts. Corey’s disgusting beer breath was making me want to gag as he breathed in my face. He had me caged against the concrete wall, his arms keeping me exactly where he wanted me. He was drunk, clumsy, and saying some absolutely disgusting things. I could barely believe the guy slurring in front of me was the same person who taught kids in the classroom next to mine.
“Corey, back off. Go home. Sleep it off,” I encouraged.
It wasn’t what I wanted to say but right now, with all the media circling around, the last thing I wanted to do was make a spectacle of myself. It was Luca’s day, and there was no way I was going to be the one responsible for taking anything away from him. He’d earnt it, and I’d do anything to make sure he got all the accolades and admiration he deserved.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
Well duh. Of course I fucking would. I’d love for him to get the fuck out of my face and stop breathing on me. It was toxic. He’d obviously spent the afternoon sitting in the sun, chugging beer like it was water.
“Corey. Go home,” I said again, this time more forcefully.
Corey didn’t even manage to get a reply out before he was shoved away from me and to the ground with a dull thud. I hadn’t even seen Luca coming until he stepped in front of me, blocking me from Corey’s view.
“Fuck off, mate. She doesn’t want you,” Luca growled, seemingly not giving a shit who saw what was going on.
Corey scrambled to his feet, stumbling on his drunk legs. “How do you know? She’s a whore. Opens her legs for anyone. She’s nothing but a dirty…”
He didn’t get the rest of his insults out. Luca’s fist drew back before connecting with Corey’s nose with a sickening crack. Stepping towards where Luca was towering over Corey’s crumpled form on the ground in front of him, I gripped Luca’s hand. The last thing I needed was for him to lay into Corey. As much as I wanted to punch him myself, this was enough. Looking down at him, I saw blood pouring from his nose.
Needing to finish this once and for all, I stepped closer, and he cowered. I have to admit, seeing him shy away from me made me feel powerful and in control. “We’re done, Corey. Don’t come near me again or I’ll be pressing charges.”
Leaning down, I tangled my fingers with Luca’s and tugged him behind me as I stepped over Corey’s leg. I was done with this. Today was about Luca, and I wasn’t about to let some drunken arsehole ruin our celebrating.
After Luca shook a few hands, he stopped, crowding me against the wall in the same manner that Corey had, but this felt incredibly different. With Luca, I didn’t want to be anywhere else.
Lifting up on my toes, I kissed him quickly. “How’s the leg?”
“Fine.”
“Honestly?”
“It’ll be okay. It’s a bit sore, but nothing to worry about.”
I didn’t know if I believed him, but for now I’d let it go.
“You’re staying at my place tonight,” Luca stated like it was a foregone conclusion.
“Am I now?” Today might be all about Luca, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t have a bit of fun with him.
“Yep. And do you know what the best part is?”
“What’s that?”
“Tomorrow’s Sunday.”
“It is.” I wasn’t sure where he was heading with this, but the smile on his face made it all worthwhile.
With a wicked glint in his eye, Luca leaned down and whispered into my ear, his gravelly voice sending goosebumps down my spine. “And Sundays at my place are now known as naked Sundays.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
Luca was already celebrating his victory, and it just proved that the man still had so much to learn when it came to women. Two could play that g
ame. “Does that mean we have to wait until tomorrow?”
With a pained growl, he bent down and lifted me off my feet, my legs wrapping around his waist before he kissed me. It wasn’t one of the kisses that was suitable for public. It was full of passion; want and desperation and need.
By the time he pulled back, I was panting and sucking in deep breaths. “So, you going to take me home or what’s your story?”
With his hands on my arse, he squeezed, only making my situation more desperate. Luca grunted, and I remembered his leg. “Your knee!” I exclaimed as I tried to untangle my legs from around him, but he wasn’t having it.
Wriggling his hips, I felt his hard, hot length press against me. “I can’t feel a thing.” He smirked before carrying me down the tunnel and out of the stadium like I was his trophy and, right now, that’s exactly how I felt.
Chapter Thirty-Nine – Luca
Unemployment sucks.
I’d been officially retired for six days, and I was already bored as bat shit. Especially since Elise had to climb out of my bed every morning and go to work leaving me lying there staring at the ceiling, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do with all this free time.
Yesterday I’d gone for a walk around the block, just to kill some time and stretch my leg. I was trying to recover without surgery. I wasn’t a professional athlete anymore, so I didn’t need it to be perfect, just liveable so recovery was going to be slower than I liked, but at least it gave me something to focus on. Besides, I wasn’t going to be training every day anymore, but I might as well try and keep in shape otherwise I’d turn into a fat blob.
Thankfully, Phoebe’s birthday party was this weekend, which meant each morning I found a to-do list left on the kitchen bench. Today’s list was longer than others, but it was obvious Elise wanted this to be the best three-year-old’s birthday party the world had ever seen.
After tidying up, I changed into a pair of jeans and a hoodie, grabbed my keys and headed to the adult version of the party supply shop. Forty-five minutes later, I was walking out of the grog shop, my wallet two hundred dollars lighter, pushing a trolley filled with everything an adult could possibly need to survive a bunch of screaming three-year-old’s. Beer, wine and enough hard liquor there was a chance we wouldn’t be feeling much of anything at all.
Overtime (Playing The Field Book 1) Page 22
