He was late.

I had already finished my second beer of the night and ordered my third before Matt eventually arrived. He glanced my way briefly then ordered his own before he made his way over to me. I tried to read his expression but failed. The guy was good; I’d give him that.

I’d made sure to get a seat at the bay window so I could watch him arrive. When he’d texted an hour ago to say he had some things to discuss with me, I knew whatever it was couldn’t be good. Normally he wouldn’t think twice about stopping by Tanner’s apartment. Day or night, he’d drop by like the sack of shit he was just to fill me in on any new developments. I knew instantly when he’d said to meet here that it was serious. I hadn’t planned on drinking tonight. I wanted to practice first thing and I needed a clear head. But I also needed to prepare myself for whatever it was he had to say.

When he was just a few feet away, he tipped his chin in greeting. “Sorry for the short notice. I hope I didn’t get in the way of any plans you might have had.”

“Somehow, I think you already know the answer.”

“Hmm…” he grumbled in response, taking the stool opposite me. “Well, I would’ve preferred to meet with better news, but I guess you already know that’s not the case.”

“Spit it out. Where do I stand?”

“Look, Jake, I’ve just come out of a meeting with Gibbons and it isn’t good news. You won’t be signing a new deal at Winslow. Not for the foreseeable future, at least.”

“Right. We knew this, though, Matt. You said you were sorting out new deals elsewhere. That’s what you’re being paid to do.”

“Jake, you have to understand…” He sighed. “For a club to even consider signing you, you’d have to be back to full fitness. That isn’t the case and because of that, no one will touch you. At least not while you’re still vulnerable and a risk. I’m sorry. My hands are tied on this one.”

“So, what are you saying?” I ground out in frustration. “That’s it? My football career is over?”

“No. That’s not what I’m saying. Who knows what will happen in the future? For all we know you could be back to full training next week. We just don’t know. And I’m afraid, until we do, the chances of you playing anywhere this season is extremely unlikely.”

“That’s bullshit, Matt. That’s bullshit and you know it.” I shook my head and gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white as I fought to keep a cool head. “Don’t you understand? I have to play. I have to play.”

“I know. I know, son. And I believe you will.”

“Just not now.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What about Southampton? You held a meeting, right?” They wanted me. I knew they wanted me. They had to.

“Well, yeah… I…”

They didn’t.

“You have got to be fuckin’ kidding me? I couldn’t shake ‘em last season. What the fuck changed? I wasn’t even fit for training and they still fuckin’ wanted me.”

“I’m sorry,” Matt said, shaking his head.

Lifting a hand, I ran my thumb across my jaw and shrugged. “I guess that’s it then.”

“Look, when the dust settles and things get back to normal, I’ll be there.”

It was over.

Matt stood to leave, but before he could, I gripped his arm to stop him. When his eyes met mine, I said, “Don’t say anything to anyone. Not yet.”

His eyes softened. “Okay. But you know you can’t keep this a secret forever. The press will be all over this soon enough.”

I knew he was right. It wouldn’t be long before the whole country knew about this, but I needed more time. “I’ll tell them… soon.”

Matt nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Until then, take care, Jake.”

I nodded once and lifted the bottle of beer in salute. “See ya, Matt.” I smirked, knowing full well I wouldn’t hear from him again. My career was over. Gone. Finished. And there was fuck all I could do about it. Just as that realisation hit me, my phone vibrated on the table. I glanced down to read the message and was hit with another blow to the chest.