Page 145 of The Penalty

“You found a gray hair?” I asked, casually sipping my drink.

“Arse. No.”

“Well I figured with all the dramatics it had to be something life changing.”

“Like the sulky face you’ve put on the past few weeks? If you brood any harder, I’ll have to create an emo playlist to turn on when you walk in a room.”

“Just bloody tell me.”

“I will. Then you’re going to tell me what has your knickers in a twist.” He took a long swallow of beer. “You know how I went to the children’s hospital for a charity event?”

“Vaguely.”

He frowned at me. “Thanks for paying attention, mate. Anyway, I ran into some of the lads from Holwood FC. We got to talking until their marketing representative sucked the fun out of everything. I can’t remember her name but she was the biggest pain.”

I could already feel myself losing interest in this conversation. “Did she turn you down when you asked her out?”

He ignored my question. “This girl had the largest stick wedged up her ass. She was a bloody ice queen. You know me. I like to finesse my way with the ladies, throw in a few one liners, have a laugh. Nothing worked with her. It drove me mad.”

Now I was fully amused. My best friend wasn’t used to getting snubbed. “It’s called a challenge, Cade. Besides, not every woman has to fall for you. I like the sound of her.”

“Of course you do. Did I mention she’s American? Thought maybe you’d have some words of wisdom since you swept Victoria off her feet with your stupid dimple and all that so-called charm.”

The genuine laugh that fell out of me felt good. I’d never admit it to him, but Cade was right about my lengthy brooding streak. A small weight lifted from my shoulders.

“She wasn’t impressed by your jawline that could…what did that one girl say? Cut through steel like it was butter?”

Cade shrugged, taking another long pull of beer. “Dunno. Shit like this doesn’t usually bother me. I went on a date that same night but couldn’t stop thinking about this girl. And the other thing? She’s older. Like, our age.”

“Now I’ve heard everything.” I smirked, reclining an elbow on the bar. “Cade Gallagher, World’s Okayest Striker, fancies a woman his own age.”

“I will let that half-assed remark slide on one condition.”

“What?”

Cade’s expression turned serious. “Tell me what’s going on with you. And don’t do the fucking Maddox thing you always do with deflecting and avoiding and scowling. You might be able to fool the rest of the lads but I know better. Spill it.”

Any good will or lightened mood I’d felt deflated faster than I anticipated. Hiding this from Cade has been hard and not completely fair, but I also didn’t want to drag him into something so multifaceted.

“I know Bennet knows,” he griped. “And he’s been less than forthcoming with what’s going on in his gilded world of the posh and minted. The two of you keep shutting me out.”

“You’re right,” I admitted. “It’s just—” I paused, preparing myself for what’s to come “—Victoria was here unexpectedly the week I was benched.” I stared at the food one of the bar staff slid in front of us. “She’d gone to see Jordan.”

I glanced at Cade. His full attention rested on me. Taking a deep breath, I told him what happened. A streak of anger flickered through his eyes when I relayed the part about Jordan putting her in a chokehold. His shoulders sagged a bit when I mentioned the party years ago.

I didn’t leave out one detail.

More than a few minutes of silence elapsed between us.

“Our past selves weren’t model citizens, were they?” A chagrined smile pulled at Cade’s mouth. “We’ve both done a fair amount of maturing since then. Sounds like Victoria just needed some time to sort through it all. You still speak everyday though, yeah?”

“We do but nothing feels right.”

“In all the years I’ve known you, I have never once seen you admit to your shortcomings or weaknesses so readily. At least not out loud. She sees you, mate. All of you. More than Bennet or I could ever fathom.” He knocked back the rest of his beer. “I’ve said it a million times but I’ll say it again. You’ve worked too fucking hard to get yourself right. Victoria is an amazing woman. Create a future with her. What’s past is past. Let it stay there.”

Confiding in him actually eased some of my discomfort. Our conversation turned away from past mistakes to the upcoming qualifier against the Netherlands. We both agreed it will be a tough match but not impossible to win.

“I’m telling you, we’re taking the tournament next summer. Football’s coming home.” Cade’s enthusiastic declaration was contagious, if not bordering on unrealistic.

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