76
Ryan
I’m sitting at the bar inThe Bridge, gripping a half-empty pint glass, as Jamie comes and sits himself down next to me.
“She didn’t come to the match today,” he says, barely masking his curiosity.
“You’re observant.”
“Have you fucked it up again?”
“Of course,” I say, taking a sip that I can’t quite swallow.
“What happened?”
“Do you really think I want to talk about it?”
“Well, you haveEveryone fuck offwritten in block capitals across your forehead, so I think that’s a clear indication.”
“So why don’t you fuck off, then?”
“Because I’m Jamie.”
I glance at him.
“I never abandon anyone.”
“We’re not on the field.”
“I don’t abandon anyone off the field either: definitely not a teammate or a friend.”
“Maybe this time it’d be better if you just dropped it, Jamie.”
“I never drop anything.”
I smile, despite myself.
“Don’t count on me for anything. You’ll only be disappointed.”
“I already am counting on you. And, so far, I haven’t regretted it.”
“It didn’t go that badly.”
“I’m not talking about the match.”
“Maybe you should just stick to being the captain.”
“I can’t. All my other talents would be wasted.”
Jamie makes me smile – an impossible task these past few days.
“Come on, I’ll give you another chance, and you have to tell me everything in return.”
“There isn’t much to say. I just did what I do best: I hurt her.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s the only way I know how to defend myself.”
