Then there was Adam and Jonas. They were doing a great job of keeping things secret. Plus they were a much bigger story than Noah and Carmine.
Yet, that wasn’t the way he wanted to come out of the closet to his parents. Raoul would have a field day.
“I don’t want to be responsible for Papa having another heart attack.”
“Is that what you’re worried about?”
“Of course it is.”
“Darling, your father loves you. Monica tells me how his face lights up when he tells stories about you.”
Was that true? Carmine had always thought his father to be disappointed in him.
“Maybe soon,” he said. “I’m not ready to let the whole world into our relationship.”
“Bubbles pop,” Samantha replied. “The trick is to make sure you’re holding the pin.”
FIFTEEN
NOAH
Carmine’s apartment overlooked one of the canals running through the centre of Manchester. Far in the distance, Noah saw the Old Trafford stadium where United played.
The first time Noah had walked out onto that iconic pitch had been one of the scariest things he’d ever done. It was up there with Wembley as a professional milestone.
His father had dreamt that Noah would one day play for Manchester United. The familiar stab of sadness lodged in his heart. God he wished his parents had seen his career soar.
Turning from the window, Noah sat on the dark green velvet couch. The flat was open plan and he watched Carmine busying himself in the kitchen area, loading up the dishwasher.
“I don’t know why I can’t do that,” Noah said.
“Because you wait on me when I’m at yours,” Carmine replied. “Let me spoil you when you’re here.”
Noah shrugged.
“Put the TV on if you like. I won’t be long. I want to scrub these tins. My father drilled into us that you never relax until everything is as it was.”
He could easily imagine Stefano saying that to his children. Noah sneaked a glance at Carmine.
I bet he was the cutest kid.
Carmine had cooked an incredible meal that the nutritionist at Brockton would have been impressed with. A whole chicken beautifully seasoned and a ton of roasted vegetables to go with it. Noah had had seconds.
He appreciated the effort that Carmine had gone to.
Instead of switching on the television, Noah grabbed his phone. Steven had sent some YouTube clips of Canonbury. Ironically, they were probably going to be Brockton’s biggest rivals in the FA Cup. They hadn’t met yet, but Canonbury were cutting through their opposition on the road to the final too.
The first clip was of ex-Brockton striker, Shaun Riggs. A divisive figure in the Brockton locker room. Some of the lads were still on friendly terms with him. Most weren’t after the way he had treated Udo during the previous season.
Either way he remained a danger on the pitch. Noah would have to watch him like a hawk when they met. In the video, Shaun was tearing up the right wing. He dodged at least three players on his quest for the goal. Once lined up he jettisoned the ball into the back of the net. He would be a formidable foe.
Carmine perched on the arm of the sofa.
“Do you ever take time off?”
“You’re passionate about what you do. It’s only the same thing.”
“I don’t watch construction videos on Valentine’s Day.”
