Noah was good through and through. Carmine had no idea what he’d done to deserve this. Either way, he wasn’t going to lose him, no matter what.
If that meant telling his parents about his sexuality, then so be it. The risk was too great not to.
ELEVEN
NOAH
Noah had never liked midweek matches. Mainly because they were held in the evening. He found playing in the dark disconcerting. Also, the crowd were more subdued. Days at work and rushed meals ruined an atmosphere.
Add to the mix that snow was threatened and Noah was not in the mood. So he luxuriated in the last moments in the warm locker room before going out to do battle on the frosty pitch.
“Cheer up,” Adam said. “At least we’re at home.”
“Yeah,” Noah replied. “I’ll be in bed for eleven.”
“That reminds me, how is Carmine?” Ewen shouted across.
A ripple of amusement went round the lads.
“He’s very well, thanks. How’s your cat?”
This sent the team into uproar. Ewen shook his head.
“Good return, kiddo.”
“We christened my new house,” Noah said, chuckling.
“It’s not built yet,” Goran said. “It’s bloody cold for alfresco.”
Noah laughed. “Carmine hired a Jeep.”
“Nice,” Adam said. “I hope he doesn’t offer that to all his clients. He’ll be knackered.”
Noah gently shoved him. “I’m special.”
Adam chucked him under the chin. “Yes, petal. You are.”
“Thing is, I need to return the favour now. I don’t want to go all flash.”
“Why are you so tight-fisted?” Colin asked.
“Colin!” Adam shouted.
“Sorry. It’s true.”
“I don’t need to splash the cash to keep my lovers happy.”
Midway through the sentence, Meg, the club physiotherapist and Colin’s girlfriend, came in. She folded her arms.
“It isn’t the size of Colin’s wallet that I’m interested in.”
Colin blushed as they all cackled. Noah felt ashamed.
“You’re right and I didn’t mean it,” he said. “I’m sorry, Colin.”
“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have said about you being a skinflint.”
“Will you stop?” Adam cut in.
