The time had come for Steven to grasp the nettle. He stared up at Udo.
“So am I.”
Udo didn’t say anything for a second as he seemingly took the news in.
“I did wonder,” he said, eventually.
“Why?”
“Never had a girlfriend or wife. In most interviews you say you’re too busy. The stock answer that I use. Let’s face it, most footballers will find the time no matter what. It’s a weak excuse from both of us.”
An excuse that had run out of steam for Steven.
“It’s an open secret,” Steven said. “Javier knows and so do my family. I’m not telling the lads yet. Maybe one day.”
Udo nodded. “My mother knows and my agent.”
His face grew sad when he mentioned his agent. Steven wondered if that might be the root of his problems. He’d only recently signed with Rob Baron. Steven knew him from old and Rob had always come across as a decent guy. He doubted Rob would give Udo grief for his sexuality.
“I presume you’ve been told to keep it quiet.”
“Until I retire,” Udo replied. “Too much cash at stake.”
It was shit. A whole industry surrounding them, forcing them to live their lives in a certain way. And for what? Money and success. What did it all mean without honesty?
“I won’t tell anyone,” Steven said. “Not even Javier.”
“Thank you. Things are bad enough as it is. Imagine if Shaun got hold of that information.”
Steven remembered some of the things that Shaun had said about Howard over the years. He might be a damned fine player and, on some levels, a decent guy. Yet he remained a caveman in a lot of other respects. It absolutely would not be a good idea for him to find out about this. Not until Udo had solidified his place in the team.
“You leave Shaun Riggs to me,” Steven said. “The best thing you can do is get to know some of the others.”
Udo nodded. “I appreciate your help.”
“It’s all part of my job.”
“Is it?”
What did he mean by that?
“Of course. We should probably be getting back. It’s only April. If you catch a cold, Javier will be after my balls.”
Udo hopped off the rock and instantly cried out.
“What’s the matter?”
“Something stabbed me.”
“Here, let me.” Udo sat on the rock and held his leg up. Steven took hold of it and examined one of the most expensive feet in Lancashire. A thorn stuck out of Udo’s big toe. “Javier will kill me if that gets embedded,” he muttered.
Swiftly, Steven pulled it out.
“There,” he said. “All’s well again.”
He still held Udo’s foot as he stared up at him. What a view. Thick strong legs, a six-pack that any member of a boy band would kill for and the bulge in those pink undies.
Reluctantly, he laid Udo’s foot on the ground and stood. Any more of this and his own boxer shorts would have the impossible mission of hiding his arousal.
