Page 146 of The Penalty

“What if we do? Any idea what happens after we lift the trophy?”

“Make millions in endorsements. Retire a global phenomenon. Perfect ending to my career.”

Hearing Cade mention retirement surprised me to a certain extent. We weren’t getting any younger. Several commentators already planted seeds of doubt regarding our ability to play at a high level. We both turn thirty-seven later this year. Not that I ever let my age interfere with my desire to excel.

“Retirement, huh? I can’t imagine having extra time on your hands is a good thing. Too much temptation out there.” I took a bite of cottage pie.

“Nah. I’d go right into coaching. Start developing young talent for the next generation of—” he gestured at me and himself “—us. Reckon your kids will play better than you.”

I choked on my food. “Kids? Fucking hell, Gallagher. You’ve actually gone mad.”

“Deflect all you want. My predictions are never wrong.”

Ridiculous comments aside, Cade is one of the best strikers to ever play the game. I never pictured him becoming a coach though. Maybe it’s not such an outlandish idea.

By the time we finished dinner, I was in a significantly better mood than when the day started. Sitting alone in my house wasn’t quite what I felt like doing, so I stuck around after Cade said his goodbyes. Dawn came over for a brief chat and mentioned someone wanted to meet me. A gentleman sitting at the other end of the bar lifted his glass when she gestured to him.

“Yeah, sure,” I said. “Tell him it’s fine.”

The man made his way over slowly. He appeared to be around the same age as my dad. Tall, salt and pepper hair, well-dressed. There was something oddly familiar about him but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Sorry for the interruption. Didn’t think I’d be running into England’s number one at this pub.” He extended his hand. “I’m Trevor. Nice to meet you.”

“Xavier,” I responded, shaking his hand. “Pleasure’s all mine. Can I refill your glass?”

Something warm and comforting reflected in his eyes. “I won’t say no to that. Thank you.”

Trevor and I chit-chatted about random things. I learned he grew up in Leeds and was definitely not a Royal City supporter.

“I am more than happy to cheer for you in England’s jersey but other than that,” he shook his head, “I’m afraid you’ll get no support from me on the pitch.”

I laughed. “You’re not the first person to say that to me.”

“Ready for the Dutch?”

“Think so. They’re tough but I’m confident we’ll get the points we need.”

“Good.” He looked down, turning the glass in his fingers. “So what brings you so far from London? I figured a popular young man like yourself would rather be out in the big city.”

“It’s a standing ritual for Cade and I. He was here with me just before. We always have dinner here after a home game.”

“Cade Gallagher? The striker with the golden boot.” Trevor smirked. “Same goes for him, you know. Love him in an England jersey. Will taunt him on the pitch every other time.”

“Too bad you missed him. He loves a spirited debate.”

Dawn came over to refill our glasses. “You gentlemen getting on alright?” Her genial tone matched her affectionate gaze.

“Always a pleasure coming here, Mrs. Halston. I’ll be sure to stop in again when I’m back in town.”

My phone vibrated while the two of them swapped travel stories.

Tori: Seattle is drizzly but good. Saw the final score for your game. Yikes.

Me: Yikes? We only lost by a goal

Tori: Only teasing. What are you up to?

Me: Dinner at Black Rose with Cade. Chatting with Dawn now

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