Page 71 of Playing the Game
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jamie began. “I won’t keep you long. I know the booze is flowing. Well for about fifty percent of you. Anyone who wears shorts for a living can forget about it.”
Most of the players scowled at Ingvar. Last season they’d attended an industry event in London. Jamie had let them have a drink, much to the annoyance of Javier. Ingvar had overindulged a little. It appeared Jamie had jumped swiftly on board with the alcohol ban.
“I know there are rumours that I will be wielding the axe next spring if we don’t get some silverware,” Jamie continued. “This is true. However, I am a firm believer that sticks only work with carrots. With that in mind, I’m promising you all a six-figure bonus each if we achieve this target.”
A ripple of excitement rushed through the room. They might all be on salaries that most people only dreamt of, but a sweetener like that couldn’t be ignored.
“Quite the news.”
Adam snapped to attention. Jonas had sidled up next to him.
“Isn’t it?” Adam replied.
Jonas turned his back to most people. “Imagine if we put that together. We’d have the holiday to end all holidays.”
“Is that a proposition?”
“Bet your arse it is.”
They shared a brief moment before Jonas moved off toward his female friend who’d been cornered by Alain and Jerzy. Adam couldn’t blame Jonas for going to her rescue. Those two were notorious.
As he continued the search for his godson, he caught Steven watching him closely. Adam nodded, paranoia coursing through his veins. Surely Udo hadn’t said anything.
“Hey, how about I have a hold?” Adam said to Meg.
“Sure thing, Skipper.”
She got to her feet and gently handed a sleeping Petar over to Adam. The little one snuggled into him once more. Almost as if he sensed this adult would be there for him. Come what may.
“Won’t be long until it’s your big day,” Ewen said. “If you’re not firing blanks, Colin.”
Meg straightened her dress and stared Ewen dead in the eyes. “Have a heart. Colin isn’t as lucky as you with your two dicks.”
“Two?” Ewen asked.
“Yeah that tiny one between your legs and that massive one on your head.”
“Will you ever learn not to mess with her?” Edi said, ruffling Ewen’s hair.
Ewen chuckled. “I like it.”
“I’m sure you do,” Meg replied. “Come on, Colin, let’s go and mingle.”
She took Colin’s hand and led him away from their group.
“Oh, Ewen,” she said over her shoulder. “Come and see me on Tuesday for some soft tissue work.”
She held up her thumb. They all knew what that meant. Meg wouldn’t let any muscle become too tense. No matter how much it hurt.
“You asked for that,” Adam said.
“Hey, everyone,” Goran shouted, clapping his hands. “How about a team photo with Petar?”
They all cheered. It took quite a lot of arranging. Adam handed Petar over to Goran who sat in the centre of the large couch. Adam next to him. Instinctively he searched for Jonas, who was at the back with Tito and Edi.
“Wait,” Edi said.
He scuttled around the group and took a place next to Ingvar and Colin. Adam frowned.
