“Ian’s my brother.”
“And I’m Riley’s brother. We’re basically in-laws.”
Ian laughs next to me, enjoying the show.
“Come on, tell your Uncle Jamie everything…”
“Jesus, not this again!” I throw my hands in the air, exasperated.
“You thinking of playing for another team?”
“Not in the way that you’re thinking.”
Jamie bursts out laughing again. “You’re not my type, Nick O’Connor. And seriously, you couldn’t handle me.”
I laugh, despite wanting to kill him.
“So…?”
“So what?”
“What are you planning on doing?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I don’t have a back-up plan.”
“Well, you need one now.”
“What can I do? I only know how to play rugby and pose half-naked on a beach.”
“You’re rubbish at both of those things…”
“Jamie…” Ian warns him.
“Okay, I’ll be serious,” he says, scrutinising me. “You’re a bit too old to play now, mate.”
“Wow, thanks!”
“And you’re out of shape.”
“I’ll show you out of shape!”
“But maybe, something…”
Jamie smiles, satisfied, as his mind tries to work out a way to get involved in my life, just like he has with my brothers. I don’t know if his interest in me is a good thing, but judging by what happened for Ian and Ryan, maybe I should give him a shot.
“So?” Ian presses.
“O’Connor brothers, you’d all be lost without me.”
And the funny thing is that he really believes it.
6
Nick
Ipull in to the UCD centre at eight forty-five, and walk around to the field at the back of the building, where the hopeful members of the young Leinster team are training. Jamie asked to meet me here. It’s a bright, clear day and the sun is already warming the air, promising a nice morning. The centre is basically closed, apart from the staff, and the team using the field for unofficial training sessions during the summer break.
I sit down on the stands, sipping at my takeaway coffee as I wait for Jamie. I see him then, with an armful of the coloured bibs we use for friendlies. He lays them down on the first step then lifts his gaze, noticing me. He takes off his cool-guy sunglasses and flashes me a guilty smile. I start to fear the worst.
