“Really? That’s incredible. Now maybe you can live a little bit too.”
“I’m building a house,” he said. “And I’ve got a man. How much more living do you expect from me?”
Thankfully the conversation fell to more mundane things when they got to Ashley’s as the kids were home. They wanted to know about the club and if they were going to win the FA Cup.
Once he’d stuffed his face with Ashley’s roast dinner, Noah could quite happily have slept in the chair. He’d lived on his own since he was twenty and had moved out. Yet, sometimes he missed the madness of sharing a house with these people. There was nowhere on earth he felt more relaxed than in this house.
He’d even allowed himself to be persuaded to have a couple of roast potatoes. They looked too good to refuse.
Going out into the cold evening to watch football wasn’t that appealing to most people. Noah wouldn’t be anywhere else.Besides, training at Brockton was getting him used to being out in the rain.
He and Ashley got to the ground in time for kick-off. Seeing his brother’s face light up when he spotted him always made Noah’s heart soar. He and Ashley waved madly before taking a seat.
“He looks fired up,” Noah said, rubbing his hands.
“That’s because you’re here.”
Noah grinned. “I miss him you know.”
Ashley squeezed his leg. “Of course you do but he’s thriving. He looks like a different guy since he moved to Spruce Court. Be proud of yourself instead of worrying. Malcolm is lucky to have you.”
Now that Noah was sorting his own place, his natural instinct was to have Malcolm living with him. But Ashley was right. He was doing so well it would be wrong to change all that. Noah would be doing it for himself instead of Malcolm.
They cheered loudly as Malcolm’s team won by two goals. One being scored by the man himself. Noah couldn’t be prouder. As soon as the whistle went, Malcolm ran into his arms like a rocket.
“Brilliant goal, mate,” Noah said, kissing the top of his head.
“Did you see it, Ashley?” Malcolm asked.
“Of course I did,” she said. “You were amazing.”
They walked toward the changing rooms.
“We’re going for burgers after,” Malcolm said. “Can you come?”
“Not this time, buddy,” Noah replied. “I need to get on the road. I’ve got training tomorrow. I’ll need to practice how you crossed that ball. I’m stealing it.”
Malcolm laughed. “It’s yours. Will you come again soon?”
“Of course I will. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Malcolm gave him another bear hug before heading off to the showers.
Malcolm’s coach was standing outside the building talking to someone. He seemed stressed out.
“What do you think’s going on over there?” Noah asked, frowning.
“Nothing that is our business. Now how about we wait for Gordon in your fancy and very warm Range Rover.”
Noah couldn’t take his eyes off Coach Brooks. He shook his head as his companion left him.
“Leave it,” Ashley warned.
“I can’t.”
Noah walked over.
“Is everything okay, Coach Brooks?”
