“Him and Baird McMillan. They came to Beth’s parents’ Sunday dinner.”
Harry and Zac exploded into renewed excitement behind me and Lily shook with laughter.
“What will it take to be invited to one of these Sunday dinners in which people you know entertain Caley United heroes?”
Her grin got wider. “You’re fangirling!”
“Uh, yes.” I gave her a gentle shake. “He’s Callan Keen.”
“Oh. My. Goodness.”
“My darling Lily.” I pulled her into my arms, squeezing her tight and comically stroking the top of her hair. “I’ll do anything. Do you need a kidney? I have two.”
I could feel her laughter thrumming through my chest.
“A foot rub for life? Because I could get over my aversion to feet for you.”
“I have nice feet,” she mumbled against my chest, still laughing.
“Back massage? Every day for six months.”
“I think that’s more of a treat for you, Bas,” Zac cracked.
Lily snorted and shoved me away. “In all this time I haven’t seen you watch a game or even talk about football.”
Harry huffed. “How is that possible? Bastian was on course to be a professional football player.”
My gut tightened and I cut Harry a dirty look.
“No way.” Lily gaped at me as if she’d never seen me before.
“Yes, bloody way. Sebastian played forward on a team at our boarding school and while he was on the team, they slaughtered all the others. He was scouted at sixteen but …” Harry suddenly stopped talking, his expression tightening as he realized the subject he’d almost stumbled onto.
“But?” Lily queried, eyes wide at this new information.
“But nothing.” I shrugged nonchalantly. “I didn’t want to play professionally. Now, let’s order some food. I’m starving.”
Everyone, thankfully, let it go, and we watched the rest of the game while we waited for our food to arrive. Zac and Harrypestered Lily with more questions about Callan and Baird, and Harry googled Beth and Callan.
“Jesus. Fuck me. Keen is a lucky bastard.” Harry gaped at his phone. “Lily, your cousin is a prime piece. I’d give my left nut to hit that.”
He was rewarded with a smack across the head from Lily.
“Ow.” Harry rubbed at the spot. “I’m only saying she’s a gorgeous girl, for fuck’s sake.”
“Women aren’t pieces, Harry.” Lily glared at him over the top of a forkful of red Thai chicken. “We’re not walking holes for your cocks to ‘hit’ like they’re targets.”
I almost choked on a bite of food.
Harry wrinkled his nose. “Well, when you say it like that, it sounds disgusting.”
“See, to my ears what you said sounds equally disgusting.”
My friend’s brow furrowed as he sincerely seemed to contemplate that. He stared at Lily like he’d never seen her before. “I’m going to take this on board,” he assured her.
Lily visibly fought a smile. “I’m glad.”
“Hey, so, Lil.” Zac nudged her. He was sitting on her other side. “I downloaded that album you recommended. That band. White Lies.”
