Udo raised an eyebrow. “Then what?”
“Monopoly, of course.”
Udo laughed. “Idiot.”
A day of doing nothing with Steven did appeal. Surely that was what Sundays were for? The season was drawing to a close and more relaxed days were waiting. He would have to visit his mother at some point. She hadn’t been over to the UK since he’d transferred to Brockton, and he hadn’t been home. He missed her.
“What are you thinking about?” Steven asked.
“Mum,” Udo replied. “I need to see her soon. It’s been a while.”
Steven considered it for a second.
“I usually take my family away in the summer. Why don’t we combine the two and rent somewhere fantastic?”
“That sounds fun. Although perhaps you and I should go to Germany first. It’s a lot to expect my mum to meet all your lot and you in one trip.”
Steven grinned. “Taking me home to meet Mother? You must be getting serious.”
“Oh believe me, I am.”
Udo lay back and let the sun’s rays cascade over him.
“I know you’re watching me,” he said.
Steven sniggered. “The football superstar can see everything.”
“Correct.”
The intercom went.
“That’ll be Naomie and Kyle,” Steven said. “I’d forgotten about those two.”
Steven got up and threw a shirt on. It should be a crime to cover up a body like that. Even so, Udo would enjoy taking it off him later.
Once Steven had gone, Udo grabbed one of the papers. The picture of him suspended in midair was pretty awesome. He allowed a smile to creep on his face.
Fuck that had felt good.
He read the glowing review. What meant the most to him were quotes from fans who were singing his praises. The supporters always made the job worthwhile. When he’d heard them cheeringhis name as he warmed up, it had ricocheted through his whole body.
“Look who’s here.”
Steven walked out onto the terrace with Naomie and Kyle. As usual Kyle skulked behind his girlfriend and her famous brother.
“Udo,” Naomie said. “Have you moved in? You’re always here.”
He got up and kissed her on the cheek.
“It’s too nice a day to be stuck at home on my own,” Udo replied. “Steven offered up one of his sun loungers. Who am I to say no?”
He nodded at Kyle, who returned the gesture. His eyes boring into Udo. Why did he always make him so uncomfortable?
“What brings you here?” Steven asked.
“Do I need a reason?”
“Of course not,” Steven replied. “But you usually do these days.”
