The other young player in their midst stared at him earnestly. Was this another soul on his side?
“So you say,” Shaun muttered.
“Yeah I do.”
Shaun got up. “And what about when we’re getting changed?”
“Here we go,” Udo said. “I knew you’d say something like this. As upsetting as this may be, I have no interest in seeing your dick.”
Shaun squared up to him. “Like arses, do you?”
“I’m looking at one and no, I don’t like what I see.”
In a split second, Shaun shoved him. Before he landed a punch, Ingvar restrained him. Shaun could not match his muscles.
“Riggs. Stop!” Adam shouted. “Udo. Out now.”
The unfairness at being ejected stung. However, Udo believed in living to fight another day.
He stormed out of the canteen, letting the doors slam behind him.
Once out on the landing, he paced up to the window. In the distance the reporters were waiting for him.
The canteen doors burst open. Adam and Goran came over to him.
“You okay?” Adam asked.
Udo nodded.
In reality he was dazed at what had just happened. To be fair it didn’t come as much of a shock. Even so, Udo would like a break from drama and get back to playing football.
“He’s bang out of order,” Goran said, squeezing Udo’s shoulder.
That was enough to let a stray tear escape his eye.
Shit. I don’t want to cry in front of them.
Adam leant against the window next to him.
“Don’t let Shaun Riggs get to you.”
“He’s only saying what the others are thinking.”
Goran shook his head. “Not me. Not Ewen or Ingvar or Adam. And most importantly, not Javier. It isn’t that bad.”
He had a point. When Udo had opened his eyes that morning, he’d felt more alone than ever in his life. More than coming to the UK for the first time. And more than finding out his ex, Alex, was on his manager’s payroll.
But he’d been wrong.
“Thank you,” he said. “I really truly mean it.”
“As if anyone would pay any attention to Riggs’ cock,” Goran said with a shudder.
A shrill ringtone sounded.
Goran got his mobile out of his pocket and answered it.
“Hi, babe. I’m having a shit day, babe. What?”
