Page 79 of The Tape Job
“Are you sure? You could always ask Mom for money if things get that bad.”
“All of Dad’s money is Mom’s anyway. Where do you think he got it?”
He doesn’t respond to that question.
“How did you get yourself into financial trouble, Vic? Because I’m pretty sure your salary can cover your half of your rent and stuff.”
“I’ve been living outside of my means, Johnny. So, I need to cut back on the shoes, makeup and stuff.” I keep quiet about the fact that the majority of it was used for flights and hockey tickets. He wouldn’t understand. I needed to fly to Toronto at short notice, and they had only had first class left, so I put it on my credit card. Okay, needed is a strong word, but I couldn’t help myself. I try and change the subject although it’s a poor choice. “How’s Dad?” I ask. It’s weird—I don’t want to care, but I do.
“He split up with Jayne. But he’ll get over it, I’m sure.”
I can’t help but laugh out loud. She used him to get to Ryan and Liam and since Dad didn’t deliver, it makes sense that she’d call it off.
Johnny tucks his phone away. “Speaking of Lee, I need to fix that, too. I’ve been such a shit friend.”
You’ve been a shit brother, too, I think.
“Well, yes and no. I’m grateful you didn’t tell him, but you shouldn’t have told Bettsy,” I say.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. My mind has been all over the place lately.”
I don’t press him any further. He clears his throat, looking ahead at the pitch, and asks if Liam and I are speaking again.
“We’re going to try being friends,” I say.
“Well, keep it that way because he’s got a shot at making something good from this season. I don’t want his mind wandering or his heart getting broken again. Or your heart, for that matter. I say this as a friend to Liam and a brother to you. You’re better off apart.” I concentrate on my job before I’m tempted to start another argument with Johnny. “Right, Vic, this is called a line-up, and you should be able to get some good shots from over there.” He points to our right and I shuffle along.
“How do you even know this?”
“Kirsty likes Rugby,” he shrugs.
“Is Kirsty your secret girlfriend?” I practically squeal at him, but he shakes his head.
“Nah, but we’ve been hanging out a bit as friends. We got on well at speed-dating and, if I’m honest, I was hoping for a connection but we just didn’t spark. She said the same thing, so it’s all good.”
Damn it. As much as I was hoping I’d just cracked the secret, I believe him. Even as the night goes on and Johnny mentions Kirsty a few more times, I become even more convinced he’s telling me the truth.
During half-time we make our way into the clubhouse to get some hot drinks. When Johnny excuses himself, I find myself scrolling through my socials.
“Hey, Vicky,” a deep voice calls out behind me. I whip my head around, coming chest-to-face with a guy about Liam’s height with broad shoulders. He’s got what looks likeday-old stubble, and he’s wearing a polo shirt that stretches across his chest.
“Yes?” I look at him, with a tiny feeling that I recognise him.
“Neil,” he says, holding out a hand. “Remember? We met at that speed-dating event.”
“Oh, Neil. Of course.”
I didn’t remember. And now I feel shit for not remembering.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t match, but I guess fate brought us together again.” I stare at him, willing myself to say something. “Sorry, I should have said I’m the captain, but I’m not playing tonight. Got an injury I’m working through, but I hear you’re going to be a regular with the photography?”
His hand is oddly smooth for a sportsman; I smile politely as I shake it.
“I remember you saying that you usually photograph ice hockey?”
“Yeah, that’s right. I have no clue about rugby,” I say.
“I’ll have to teach you the rules at some point. How about going out for a drink sometime? Unless you really weren’t keen on matching.”
