Page 47 of How To Tackle A Crush
“That definitely includes you,” I tell him.
Connor slows as he walks past, jerking his chin toward Ava. “If she’s coming back next week, I’m actually gonna start trying in training.”
“You should try that anyway,” I reply.
“Feels unnecessary unless someone’s watching.”
“I’m watching, that needs to be good enough for you to move your arse,” Dave tells him as he passes, still rubbing the spot where the ball hit him earlier.
“Still hurts,” Dave adds for effect.
“You’ll survive,” I say.
“Say that now. Wait till I can’t lift my brew later.”
“Occupational hazard.”
From further down the line Jamie calls back, “If she says I’m class will I start Saturday?”
“If she says you’re class,” I reply, “I’ll check she’s watching the right training session.”
“That’s cold.”
“That’s football.”
A few more laughs follow them into the tunnel before the door swings shut and the noise fades, leaving just the quiet of the pitch.
I glance sideways at Ava. She’s watching the team like she’s just witnessed something she didn’t expect to enjoy.
“Well?” I ask.
She looks back at me. “Well what?”
“You’ve seen it up close now. What do you think?”
She considers that for a second, then folds her arms like she’s about to deliver a professional assessment.
“I think,” she says slowly, “it doesn’t look that difficult.”
I let out a short laugh. “Is that so?”
“Yes. Bit of running. Bit of shouting. Occasional dramatic falling over.”
“That’s your technical analysis?”
“I believe that’s the official term.”
“That’s a bold assessment from someone who’s never kicked a ball.”
“I have kicked a ball.”
“When?”
“Primary school. I retired after I hit a teacher.”
I glance at her. “There’s a pattern forming.”
“That was also accidental.”
