Page 52 of Anteros' Return

“Well, then, right this way.” We followed Jerry through another door where the team was waiting to meet Liam. “Guys, this is Beckett Ashmore, and of course, our VIP guest, Liam.”

“Nice to meet ya, mate.” Ricky Towler high-fived Liam before walking him around to meet the rest of the team.

“Thanks for making this happen, Jerry.” I shook his hand in appreciation.

“No worries, fella, you know that.” He stroked his chin for a moment. “However, there is one way you could thank us.”

“Hmm, how might that be then?” I laughed, already knowing what he was about to ask.

“I think you already know.” He slapped my shoulder and smiled.

“Beckett, I think Ricky could beat you one-on-one.” Liam bantered as Ricky handed him his signed shirt.

“I don’t know about that, mate. Ashmore is a killer on the pitch.” Ricky laughed.

“If you say so, but I haven’t seen him play properly yet,” Liam chimed in through the laughter.

“Give it time and you will.” I said, ruffling his hair.

“So, Ashmore, what do we have to do for you to join us, hmm?” Jerry smiled, and I felt put on the spot as Liam looked up at me hopefully.

“I can’t promise anything. My career is in the hands of another team right now.” I responded, but as I answered, I noticed Liam’s smile falter a little.

“I get your life is in Spain at the moment, but have a think about it. You have my number.”

“Thanks for the offer. Let’s see if this leg still works and does what it’s supposed to do.” I politely replied.

“We’d love to have ya mate. You’re just what we need to stay at the top of the league,” Ricky spoke up from beside Liam. This guy was usually the class clown with his jokes, but when he spoke, his words were sincere and serious.

“You’re doing just fine without me.”

“Trust me, we want ya more than Sevilla Sols.” Ricky slapped my shoulder in good fun, probably hoping I’d say something along the lines of, “I’ll think about it.” Ultimately, I wouldn’t.

“My top priority right now is getting back into shape but cheers for the confidence boost.” I laughed.

Although he seemed to enjoy the rest of the meeting with the players, his mood had definitely taken a turn. I had no bloody idea if it was because of all the talk of me leaving soon, but that’s what it seemed like.

“Thank you both for coming and bringing us luck today.” Jerry aimed that comment at Liam, who only just mustered up the happiness to smile. “I meant what I said, Beckett. We’d love to have you.” He leaned into my space. “And before you start—no, I ain’t poaching you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I shook his hand in a goodbye and left with Liam trailing behind with a face like a wet weekend.

***

The ride home was a lot quieter than the one we had on the way to the stadium. Liam barely spoke, and when I tried to talk to him, he just grunted at me like a moody teenager.

“Mate, what’s going on?” I asked, twisting in my seat to look at him.

“Nothing.”

“You sitting there with a face like thunder tells me a different story.” I smiled slightly.

“Why did you take me today, Beckett? Why are you doing all this fun stuff with me if you’re just going to leave soon?” There it was—the explanation for his reserved mood, and the reason that my heart shattered.

He turned to face me with the straightest face I’d ever seen on him. “Did you only do this to make my mum happy? You know, since she’s your friend? I mean, why bother being so involved if you don’t really care?”

Ouch.

“I do care, Liam. Of course I do.” I sighed. “I wanted to do all this fun stuff with you because you’re an amazing kid. It wasn’t just because I’m your mum’s friend.”

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