“Bloody hell. He’s gone to town.”
“Don’t forget the meats and antipasti. In fact, we should probably get that stuff on plates so we’re ready for when they arrive.”
They set about transferring the smorgasbord of treats to serving dishes.
“Look at us,” Noah said. “Just a regular couple inviting some friends over for a meal.”
Carmine squeezed Noah’s arm.
“I’m very proud to do so.”
Before they sealed the deal with another kiss, the intercom went.
“I wonder who it is,” Carmine said.
“Steven and Udo,” Noah replied. “Adam is getting ready at Jonas’ flat.”
“No Tito?”
Noah shook his head. “He had an international game. He’s away for a few days.”
None of the Brockton players got picked for the England squad. They accepted the fact that there were many other players way further up the food chain than they were. Tito often got picked for his national side. Something he liked to remind them at every opportunity. Ewen usually fired back that the pool to pick from in Cape Verde was shallow. A fact Tito hated.
Noah went to answer the door. Carmine took the opportunity for a quick glance in the mirror. Anxiety swept through his system. Everyone at the table would have more money and more status than him.
Even so, he had every right to be there. Noah was his partner and Carmine needed to relax into this.
The fact that he was the oldest was also not lost on him. Steven was only a year younger than him. Even so, he could seehimself through their eyes. Why was a man rapidly approaching forty seeing a guy in his early twenties?
Carmine screwed his eyes tightly shut. That kind of thinking wasn’t helpful.
Tonight is going to be fun. Relax for fuck’s sake.
He forced a smile on his face when Noah returned with Udo, Steven, Jonas and Adam.
“All together,” Carmine said.
“We picked these two up on the way,” Udo replied.
They exchanged handshakes and pleasantries. Everyone had been so friendly to Carmine. It appeared Noah meant a lot to them. That made Carmine’s heart soar.
Noah was the perfect host. He got the players sparkling water.
“Shall we have a glass of wine?” Steven suggested to Carmine.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
He led Steven to the kitchen to open a bottle of red that Raoul had put in the package.
“Can the guys have a drop?” Carmine asked.
Steven shook his head. “Not during the season. Javier has a hard line when it comes to booze.”
Carmine nodded. It stood to reason. Carmine loved wine. He had been practically raised on the stuff. He couldn’t wait for the summer when Noah would be able to let his hair down.
“It’s nice to finally have someone to have a proper drink with,” Steven said.
Carmine poured them generous glasses. He passed one to Steven and held the other up.
