“Riggs,” he said. “A word please.”
He led Shaun away from the others.
“I owe you an apology,” Steven continued. “I lost my temper earlier and I shouldn’t have.”
Shaun nodded. “I suppose I should too. I let my mouth run away with me and I know better than that.”
“I don’t think it’s me you should say sorry to.”
“I’ve already done it,” Shaun replied.
“What’s going on?” Steven asked. “This isn’t like you.”
Shaun sighed. “It’s not the same anymore. I suppose I blamed Holtmann for that. When I found out you were giving him special treatment, I got angry. You didn’t do that for Jimmy, did you?”
This infuriated Steven. Once again, he mastered his emotions. He was getting good at this.
“Jimmy got away lightly. Don’t take that shit out on me.”
Shaun looked down sullenly.
“It’s not special treatment for Udo. It’s for the club. If we avoid relegation this season, who knows what next season holds for us? Surely you believe that.”
Shaun shrugged. “I guess. I’ll do better. I promise.”
Steven nodded. He watched Shaun jog away.
He hoped he’d got through to him. If not for Brockton FC’s sake, then definitely for Udo’s.
EIGHTEEN
UDO
Udo sprinkled paprika into the saucepan. He’d gone all out with the German goulash, a stew his mother used to make for him as a child, adding dumplings and potatoes.
Steven would be there at any minute. Udo wanted everything to be perfect.
He had music blasting. Udo was partial to a bit of dancing whilst cooking. What was the point in having a spacious kitchen otherwise?
The intercom buzzed, disturbing his fun. He pressed the button and put a lid on the pan to continue to simmer the meat.
He’d left the front door open. The state-of-the-art security system surrounding the house made it a bit pointless to worry about locking up at night.
Steven came in, still in his work gear of sweatpants and Brockton FC T-shirt. As soon as he’d got home, Udo had changed into navy shorts and a denim shirt.
“You look good enough to eat,” Steven said, crossing the room and kissing Udo.
The world of football revolved around comfortable andpractical clothing. He enjoyed dressing up now and again. Udo understood why his colleagues went for it when the opportunity arose. He’d studied a few of their nights out on social media.
“Thanks,” he replied. “I thought I’d make an effort.”
Steven frowned. “You should have said. I’d have called in at home.”
Udo grinned. “Don’t worry. You won’t be in those clothes all that long.”
“Is that right?”
“Dinner is going to be an hour. Have you got any other suggestions on how to pass the time?”
