Page 46 of Playing the Game
With limbs as stiff as boards he took hold of the dozing child.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Paloma said pushing her breast into thevest top she had on. “If you don’t practice, you’ll never get any better. That’s right. Support his head with your arm. See? He’s snuggling in.”
Adam gazed at this tiny creature. When he’d visited before he usually had Ewen or Ingvar in tow. They cooed over the baby like a pair of pigeons.
Goran placed a cup next to Adam and took a seat.
“You’re getting it, mate.”
A warm burst of pride washed over Adam. “He’s cute as fuck.”
Paloma shook her head. “I’m going to get dressed properly before you abandon us. Adam, I apologise for looking like such a dog.”
“As if,” Adam replied.
Paloma was a half Italian, half Mancunian beauty. Her jet-black hair and huge brown eyes had graced many a magazine cover.
She swept toward the door.
“Hey, wait,” Adam said. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“He’s all yours for fifteen minutes.”
She left them to it.
“Do you want him?” Adam asked.
“No chance. I’ve been holding him for two hours.”
Adam tried to get comfortable without disturbing the seemingly content Petar.
“So what’s up?” Adam asked.
Goran had a strange expression on his face. As though he had a secret.
“Nothing. I thought you should spend time with your godson.”
“I’m sorry, my what?”
“Your godson. If you’ll accept. Paloma and I would love it.”
Tears pricked his eyes. “Are you sure? I’m not exactly Mr Responsible.”
Goran playfully kicked him. “Get out. You’re the best captain in the Premier League.”
“Now I know you’re lying.”
He gazed down at Petar. The innocent little soul would grow up in a life of luxury. That came with its own pressures. To play a tiny part in guiding him was a huge responsibility.
If Jen could see him now. She’d always called him immature. The perennial lad. In fact that might have been the last thing she ever did say to him.
“I’d be honoured,” he said. “Thank you.”
“Nice one.”
Adam took a second to regain his composure. This had been the last thing on his mind when he’d arrived.
Paloma began singing at the top of her voice elsewhere in the house.
