“I’ve bought a plot of land on the outskirts of Brockton,” Noah announced proudly. “It’s even got planning permission for a small dwelling.”
“Oh, Noah, that’s wonderful news,” Ashley said. “You’ve always said you wanted to build your own place.”
“Can I come and stay?” Ellie asked, not lifting her eyes from the console.
“Course you can.”
“And me?” Alfie added.
“Yes, Alfie. And before you ask, when I need some house insurance, you’ll be the first person I’ll call.”
They all burst into laughter. Except one person.
The expression on Gordon’s face suggested he disagreed with everyone else’s positive reaction to Noah’s news. It also appeared that he was about to gift them all with some life advice. Noah braced for impact.
“How ridiculous,” he said. “It’s only your first season at Brockton. You might not stick it out. You’d be much better staying in the apartment the club have paid for.”
Alfie shook his head and mouthed “Dick.”
Noah got up and gathered up some glasses from the table.
“Leave them,” Ashley said. “Settle yourself.”
“I’d better be going,” Noah replied. “I’ll help you load the dishwasher first.”
They grabbed the other empties and wandered into the kitchen.
“Sorry about Gordon,” Ashley said. “You know what he’s like. Mr Sensible.”
“I don’t know what you see in him,” Noah replied. “He’s such a downer.”
Ashley chuckled. “His big dick might have something to do with it.”
Noah put the glasses into the machine.
“That is way too much information.”
Ashley placed her load down on the kitchen counter and put her arm around Noah’s waist. By the time he’d hit fifteen, he had towered above her. She cuddled into his side.
“You take care of yourself, sweetheart,” she said. “I’m so glad things are working out at Brockton.”
Noah kissed the top of her head. She’d been a constant presence for more than half of his life. He had no idea what he would have done without her over the years.
“I have a good feeling about this club,” he replied. “There’s enough drama to write a TV series about though. Thankfully I’ve kept out of it.”
Ashley appraised him. “You could probably do with some excitement. There’s more to life than kicking a football around, you know.”
Here it came. The usual nag that he should find himself a decent man.
“Let’s not go there.”
“I’m only saying…”
“I know what you’re going to say. Let me build the castle first. Then I’ll find my knight in shining armour. Now I really need to be going.”
He had another call to make before hitting the motorway. On Christmas Day it would be pretty clear, which meant he could put his tunes on and sing all the way.
“Call me when you get home,” she said. “It could get frosty tonight.”
