Billionaire Flawed 2(152)

I suppose you should, she said equally as disappointed that the conversation was coming to an end.

Come on Danny, Rod said pulling his arm.

See you after dinner? Danny asked.

I'd like that, Amber replied.

Dinner was a long drawn out affair. There were speeches by old players who re-lived the match all those years ago. Danny listened with interest for as long as he could, but soon his thoughts were with the leggy American. He looked for her but didn't see her. He craned his neck and looked to the back of the room. She was sitting with Josephine on the last table next to the door. She saw him looking and waved; he acknowledged her wave with a movement of his head.

He's fit isn't he? Josephine said.

Fit? Ah yes. He's very fit.

He likes you, I can see. Do you know how rich these young guys are?

No idea.

Two hundred and fifty grand a week, pounds not dollars. That's a million a month sterling, so in your money about one point seven million dollars a month.

That's ridiculous. For kicking a ball? Amber said in amazement.

It's a bit obscene if you think about it. A fireman only gets twenty-five grand a year. That puts it into perspective. Josephine took a gulp of wine and Amber noticed she was a little drunk.

Crazy, Amber said. She looked across at the back of Danny's head and smiled to herself. She liked him. She didn't know why. Was it his cheeky disposition, his stunning looks or the way he complimented her without inhibition? Maybe she was just charmed by his English accent. Whatever, I might as well enjoy it, she thought

Finally, the speeches stopped. The band leader introduced himself and his colleagues and began to play some dance music that was popular fifty years ago. A lot of older players took their wives to the dance floor and soon it was full.

Amber saw Danny deep in conversation with a Spanish looking man. She wanted him to look around at her, but he didn't. The conversation became animated, and Danny stood up and kicked his chair over. When he stormed out of the room, Amber instinctively stood up and followed him. He turned left and walked through the revolving front door onto the street. As he sucked in the night air, his face was lit up again by the photographers.

Fuck off you ass-holes, he shouted. He grabbed a camera and was about to smash it on the ground.

Danny, stop, Amber shouted. She ran to him and pulled him away. Come on. Let's walk, she said. Danny was breathing hard, looking for a fight, but none of the photographers were brave enough.

Shit, he said as they walked away from the hotel. That'll be all over the tabloids tomorrow. More trouble.

Calm down. So what if it is in the papers tomorrow? You're Danny Constance, brilliant footballer. You're not the Prime Minister or a policeman. Everybody expects a young man like you to be a bit wild. She took his arm and threaded it through hers. Come on take me to one of your famous pubs.

The White Horse was busy inside, but it fell silent when people saw Danny.

Danny Constance, you are a hero, ain't he lads, the barman exclaimed. The pub exploded into raptures of applause and cheers. Danny turned around and smiled. Thanks. Thanks a lot.

They sat in a cozy corner next to a real fire. People love you. I can see that. Why worry about a few stupid photographers, Amber said.

I'm not worried about photographers, but I'm worried about what my manager just told me.

Amber looked at him quizzically. Do you want to tell me? The pained expression on his face made her push her hand across the table and take his.

I was in a nightclub a few weeks ago. Me and Rod were dancing with a load of girls. One girl pushed her breasts against my chest; I gently pushed her away from me. Now she's made a case against me for sexual assault and Miguel, our manager, has just heard the police have passed the file to the Crown Prosecution Service and recommended they take me to court.

Amber looked horrified. If all you did was push her away, where is the proof?

Exactly, he said.

Well, it hasn't got that far yet. I'm sure it won't.

I wouldn't be so certain, Danny said staring into the top of his glass.

Come on, there are much more cheerful things to talk about than this. Tell me about where you grew up.

Danny laughed. A young man came to the table and asked politely for his autograph. Danny obliged. If you think talking about my childhood is more cheerful than talking about possible prosecutions then you're mistaken.

Don't care, tell me anyway.

I was born in London, in the east end. The poor bit. My dad was a thief and spent most of my childhood in and out of prison, and my mom earned a living on her back.

Do you mean she was a …...?

Whore? Yes, I suppose she was. But she loved us; she was only trying to do the best for us.

Wow, that's quite some upbringing.

Yes and the worst is, I can't..... He stopped.

Can't what?

It's nothing. It's okay.

They spent the rest of the evening talking about their respective lives, deeply interested in what the other had to say. When the pub closed, they went to a fast food restaurant and ate a burger. They looked like a couple and in a state of inebriation, Amber wanted them to be. He was so handsome and sexy, and she loved his ironic sense of humor.