Page 52 of The Fullback
I didn’t actually want facial hair because it was a pain in the arse to deal with, but I kept growing it because I was a stubborn fucker and it was a point of principle now. As soon as I got anything half-decent, I’d probably shave it straight off. I didn’t think my face would look too different, or feminine, without it because I’d inherited my dad’s jawline. Alongside his inability to grow a fucking beard.
“Yeah, I suppose. Better than Greenie’s anyway,” Bacon said. He gestured at the two fridges nearest him, which had both died during the flood. “What do you want me to do with those?”
“They’ll need emptying.” I sighed. “They’re full of cookie dough. It’ll all need to go in the bin.”
Bacon thought for a second. “Can I take it?”
“What? It’s potentially contaminated cookie dough! You don’t want that.”
He shrugged. “I might.”
“Fine, but you’re not selling it. And if it gives you food poisoning, then on your head be it,” I said, shaking my head at him.
“Eh, I’ll be fine. Not the worst thing I’ve ever eaten.” He pulled open the fridge doors. “Mate, the water hasn’t even gotten in here. Everything’s fine.”
“Jesus Christ, Bacon! Does food hygiene mean nothing to you?” I asked as he began taking out bowls of cookie dough and inspecting them, checking the flavours rather than the state of them.
“Not outside of work.” He held out a bowl to Jonny. “Want some? I bet your team’d eat them.”
“Probably,” Jonny said. “Don’t know if they should, though. We’ve got a game on Saturday, and Clive’ll kill me if I give everyone food poisoning.”
“More for me then,” Bacon said with unrivalled glee.
“Eh, I’ll take a bowl,” Jonny said, holding out his hand. “I can always stick it in the freezer. Freezing it then cooking it should be fine, right?”
“I’m not getting involved,” I said. “I’m going to get some air.”
Leaving them to their discussions and negotiations, I walked outside, pulling my phone out of my pocket more from habit than need. The message from Hunter and Bailey was still there, burning a hole in my screen.
Would it be so bad to lean on them? Just for the night.
If I was going to Lincoln anyway, maybe I could sneak out and see them. Let them shut my brain down for a few hours so I could sleep instead of worry.
We’d cross the bridge of helping with the kitchen when we got to it. First, I wanted their arms around me and their mouths on mine.
Aiden
Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m coming to Jonny’s tonight because he doesn’t want me to be alone. Think I could pop round? Might not be until late. If that doesn’t work it’s fine, I know you’ve got training tomorrow
Bailey
You’re welcome whenever. Just let us know when you’re on your way
A smile clawed its way onto my face as I chewed my bottom lip.
Maybe, just once, it would be okay if I let someone else take care of me for a change.
And maybe that someone could be two people instead of one.
