Page 27 of The Lady and the Footballer
“Very well,” she said, uncertain of what else she could do. “I suppose we have nothing else to discuss, then.”
He nodded, dismissing her.
“It was good to meet you, Mr. Pritchard.”
“Goodbye, Miss Evans.”
She turned around to leave, her breath leaving her momentarily when she saw who was standing in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, eyes warm, the hint of a smile on his face.
Colin Thornton.
Colin couldn’t help his slow-spreading smile when Miss Evans noticed him.
Her eyes widened so that he could see every bit of their blue ocean, and she stopped in her tracks, her arms wrapped around the navy volume in her arms that he assumed was her ledger.
“Miss Evans,” he said warmly as he stepped into the room, noting that the club’s treasurer hadn’t noticed him until now. “It is good to see you.”
He lifted his head. “Mr. Pritchard.”
He knew the club’s treasurer only by sight, as Colin had been a frequent visitor of The King’s Head since joining Manchester Central.
“Mr. Thornton,” the treasurer said, knowing his identity. “Can I help you?”
Lily nodded her farewell to them both before stepping forward, but Colin held out a hand, placing it gently on her elbow.
“Stay, please, Miss Evans,” he said in a low voice, looking up to see Mr. Pritchard’s furrowed brow.
“I do not think Miss Evans needs to be present for a conversation between us,” he said, but Colin shook his head.
“She should, for her concerns might be related to mine.”
“Very well,” Pritchard said, his visible swallow a sign that he had cause to be concerned.
Colin took the seat Miss Evans had been occupying, noting that she sat in a chair across the room, close enough to hear their conversation but not so close that she was immediately involved.
“It has come to my attention that the players have not been provided all of the funding required,” he said. “We are being short-changed for travel, uniforms, and other items.”
“I am certain that is not the case,” Pritchard said nervously.
Colin leaned forward. “Are you calling me a liar?” he asked. “I find it very suspicious that you would first tell Miss Evans she need not be concerned with discrepancies before telling me that I am incorrect in how much the players are receiving.”
“Players are not paid, Mr. Thornton. You know that as well as anyone.”
“I do,” Colin said as he wondered how much the treasurer knew about his understanding with Lord Harcourt. “But our expenses can be covered. They must be, or half of us could never afford to play.”
“The money goes to your captain to distribute. Perhaps he is misusing it.”
Colin sat back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. That was rich.
“Our captain has been making up the difference.”
Lily gasped while Pritchard only shrugged.
“I know that I provide him with more than enough. I am not sure what else to tell you.”
“Very well, if that is how you want to play it,” Colin said, standing. “I am sure we will be speaking again.”
“I hope not. You and I have no business with one another.”
