Steven smirked. There would be one reason for her to be calling. He would let her work for it.
“Not bad, thanks. Just been for dinner at Javier’s.”
“Oh nice.”
“Is it Mum? Is everything all right?”
“It’s nothing like that,” Naomie said. “I wondered if you were around at the weekend? Kyle is DJing in Manchester.”
Steven glanced at Udo.
“Maybe on Sunday. We’ve got a big game on Saturday so I’ll be knackered. Why?”
“Is it a crime to want to see my brother while I’m in the area?”
“Of course not. I’ll see you then.”
“Bye.”
He terminated the call.
“That’s sweet,” Udo said. “I think I missed out not having brothers and sisters.”
“Don’t be fooled,” Steven replied. “This is an elaborate cash grab.”
Udo frowned. “That’s very cynical.”
“It’s true. I’ll bet you any money.”
They drove on in silence for a while.
“Why do you put up with it?” Udo asked.
Steven sighed. “Because my career disrupted her childhood. She was always seen as Steven Cox’s sister. Kids would come to ours to play. They weren’t interested in her. They only wanted to see if I was home.”
“So it’s guilt money?”
He hadn’t thought of it like that.
“There’s nothing wrong with sharing good fortune with family and friends,” he said snappily.
“I’m sorry,” Udo replied. “It’s none of my business. I’m lucky, my mum doesn’t ask much of me. Of course, I bought her a house and we have holidays. She never demands anything. It’s not in her nature.”
Steven let those words settle in. His relationship with Naomie had become very transactional. Perhaps he needed to tighten the purse strings a bit. He was her brother, not her bank manager.
“This evening has been nice,” he said, changing the subject.
“It really has,” Udo replied. “I felt like a proper couple for the first time.”
Steven stared at him. “I’m not sure how to take that.”
“You know what I mean,” Udo replied.
“I know, I’m teasing. I think we’re going to be all right, you know?”
Udo kissed Steven on the cheek. “I think you might be right. Now let’s get to yours. I want to rip your fucking clothes off.”
Steven put his foot down. He wanted Udo naked just as much. In fact, he wanted Udo any which way. He was in love and this time he truly believed the feeling was mutual. And now it seemed as if the world was starting to come around.
