“Don’t ask me,” he said. “I believe as long as the goals are scored, anything else is none of our business.”
“Quite right,” Adam said. “Mind you, Tito Lopes is the king of fucking goals. That’s what we should be worrying about.”
The people in front had moved.
“Come on, let’s put this game to bed,” Ewen said. “Oh and as for Shaun Riggs and his opinions. He can fuck off. You could be bumming Steven Cox every night for all I care. Just keep the goals coming. Oh and pass a few to me while you’re at it.”
They all burst into laughter.
Udo followed behind them. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep this up. So much for trying to enjoy it. His head ached. Still being with Steven made it all worthwhile.
NINETEEN
STEVEN
Javier’s house was a super-modern creation hidden in its own woodland. All that they saw from the road was an unusually high wall and severe gates.
Steven parked next to Javier’s bright orange Aston Martin DBX. He might want to avoid attention at home but he evidently didn’t mind being noticed on the road.
The house was a concrete structure with huge windows. It couldn’t be more different from the mansions of Udo and his teammates. There would be no mock Tudor or red brick on this estate.
Javier and his gorgeous wife, Nikki, were in the garden.
“Come round,” Javier called as Udo and Steven got out of the car.
In all the time they’d been working together, Steven had never been invited to the Tosar family home. Javier made it clear that he liked to keep those parts of his life separate. When he’d asked Steven and Udo to dinner, Steven had been flabbergasted. He suspected there might be an ulterior motive but he didn’t mind playing along.
The Tosars had set up a table on the terrace, which overlooked a small pool.
“Steven,” Javier said. “And Udo.”
“Hello, Javier,” Udo said. “And Mrs Tosar.”
“Oh please, call me Nikki,” she said, beaming.
They sat at the table that was filled with salads, olives and cheeses.
“Nikki is making her world-famous paella,” Javier explained. “Steven, would you like a glass of wine?”
He glanced at Udo. Whilst he absolutely would love one to take the edge off, it seemed unfair to Udo.
“I’ll have a sparkling water if you have it,” Steven said.
Javier raised an eyebrow. “Very supportive.”
“Our manager is a tyrant,” Udo said. “We have to be careful.”
Javier threw his head back and cackled. “A worthy response, Udo. The same drink for you?”
“Please.”
Javier disappeared into the house, leaving them with Nikki. She was so glamourous with a mane of dark hair and rich brown eyes. Steven had met her on many occasions in the players’ lounge. They’d never progressed past small talk.
“How is the interior design going?” Steven asked.
“I love it,” she replied. “I’m very lucky.”
“What did you do before?” Udo asked.
