I let her go and step back, as she tries to compose herself.
“I told you that you wouldn’t like it. Don’t play with fire if you don’t want to get burned.”
“You really do have problems,” she spits, bitterly, before disappearing hurriedly into the women’s toilets.
I stay standing there for a few moments, in the hallway of the pub toilets, asking myself what the fuck I’m doing. Why can’t I deal with things normally? Why can’t I meet anyone without being a bastard? Why can’t I let go of my anger and just live?
“O’Connor!” Jamie comes over to me. “What the fuck were you thinking?”
“I was just…”
“Another fuck-up like this and I’ll skin you alive.”
“Nothing happened,” I say, trying to brush it away.
“That’s not what it looked like.”
“She started…”
“Don’t bullshit me!” he says, stepping closer. “I don’t want to see another incident like this. Do you hear me?”
I nod, lowering my gaze.
“I never expected this from you…God.” His head falls into his hands. “I can’t believe it, Ryan. When did you become so…like this?” he says, his voice raised and his arms gesticulating wildly.
I rub my face with my hand. “I…I don’t know,” I respond, confused.
“One more fuck-up and I’ll kick you out on your arse.”
“I’m sorry,” I say quietly.
“I believe that. Now, go and get some air, you look like you need it.”
He stands there with his arms crossed, waiting for me to do as he says.
“We’re not on the field. You can’t order me around.”
“Don’t try me.”
“You don’t scare me,” I challenge him, lifting my chin.
“Out. Now,” he says, intimidating.
I drop my head and leave the pub, angry, realising that may have just cost me my place on the team.
