River grins as Byron is unaware of what is happening behind him.
“Why not?”
“Flicking a lion’s love spuds with a towel is asking for trouble.”
Byron turns. “Say what?”
River turns as though he is in conversation with Leroy, acting blasé.
“What has you distracted?” I ask Byron.
He smiles at me. “Giana’s art has received a national arts award.”
We shake hands and pull each other in for a hug, leavingenough space for his package not to touch me. “Friggin’ awesome, mate. How bloody fabulous.”
He shakes his head as he stares back at his cell. “She is so fucking amazing.”
I thump his back. “I’m really stoked you found happiness with Gigi.”
He nods and looks up at me as if wanting to say the same for me, but he hesitates.
“All good, man.” I understand his reservations. “But I’ll prove to you I am the one for Lottie.” I grin. “Even if I have to crawl up your arse until I see your tonsils.”
Byron cracks a smirk. Before we can say anything else, a commotion develops behind us.
“One minute you two are at each other’s throats, the next you’re hugging, balls swinging, like lovers. I can’t keep up,” Jye yells.
“Living on borrowed time,” Spencer adds. “I’d rather eat cat shit with a knitting needle than hug a teammate who is hung like a horse.”
Laughter erupts in the locker room.
“Don’t you worry about my snake,” Byron yells. “Forever flaccid around you idiots.”
This is my life now. Playing alongside dickheads, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My cell vibrates with a message from my mother.
Aubree had another baby. A girl. Her fourth child. No pressure, son.
No pressure?It’s my mother’s way of burdening me with her desire to be a grandmother.
Thanks for letting me know. I’ll message to congratulate her.
I tap away, sending a message to my friend.
Hey, Aubs, congrats on the new kid. Can’t wait to see her when I come home!
Home.
I have always considered Australia home, yet I have spent most of my adult life in the US.
Now…
I can’t imagine a life without Charlotte.
30
BRANDON
