and trying to read the labels on cans and jars.”

“In less than a month, you’re going to be a married man,” Niko says, finally joining the

conversation. “Nervous?”

Steve doesn’t miss the grateful look in Gabrysz’s eyes.

“No...yes. It’s a bit more than three weeks, actually.”

“And no matter how much you start with the intention to keep it simple and intimate, you end

up with dozens of guests and they all need dinner and cake and a bit of music to dance to,” Gabrysz

teases.

“The part that’s about Danny and me signing the marriage certificate is no problem at all, but

it’s all the rest that makes it so complicated, to be honest. We’re getting married in Holland for

obvious reasons, moving everyone back to Kinbridge for the party and, hopefully, getting a bit of rest

in between. You bet we gratefully accepted the offer of the Goldmans to use their private jet during

two days. And that’s including crew members and any costs for fuel, airport fees and what have you.

Makes it all a lot easier. They’re very generous people who care a lot about the club.”

Both Niko and Gabrysz nod their approval.

Steve sighs. “Take it from me, without Danny I wouldn’t have a clue how to even get

married...that sounds a bit weird.”

“That’s just nerves. I bet the press has shown interest too, to make it even more complicated.

Two footballers of the same club getting married to each other and all.” Gabrysz munches on a piece

of bread he used to wipe up some sauce.

“If we could, we would ignore it. Had we both been with a woman, we would have gotten away

with it, too. But now ...” Steve sighs. “There’s going to be an interview a week before the wedding.

That’s being filmed at my place; makes it a bit more informal and personal. We’re going to move to

our new home anyway. It will be free for distribution on TV and internet, under certain conditions.

And we decided to provide photos from the day but, just like with the interview, not to sell any

exclusive rights. They can choose whatever photos they want and place them wherever they please.

We’re just asking everyone to donate whatever they can miss to a charity of their choice. We hope that

will be enough. “

“Clever.” Niko frowns in thought. “Pity some people have to make such a fuss about what in

the end is nothing more than two people liking each other enough to say a few words, sign a contract

and celebrate it with family and friends.”

“I hope the two of you get some peace and quiet after that. You sure deserve it. Going on

honeymoon?” Gabrysz asks.

“Gael offered the use of his family’s cottage in Spain, it’s got a private beach and all, but we

decided to get used to our new home. We would have to travel outside Europe to get any real privacy

and in the end, I just want to be with Dan.”

Gabrysz grins. “I bet.”

“Don’t tease the poor guy,” Niko laughs. “He’s getting as red in the face as Levee when he’s

having trouble with the ref. Oh, hi Dan. Your fella just told us about how you’re going to deal with the

press when you get married. Sounds like a sensible solution.”

Dan smiles, ruffles Steve’s hair, takes a seat and joins them. “I hate it that we can’t keep it as

private as we would prefer. But I’m not stupid enough to pretend that it isn’t what it is. At least this

way we have some say in the whole matter. But I would feel dirty getting any money out of it. Or for

anyone else earning even a penny because of what happened to Steve, for that matter. Wouldn’t be fair

on you guys, too.”

“How so?” Gabrysz asks.

“The first months when I was with Steve in the hospital day and night, you had to put up with

everything they were throwing at you. And it wasn’t all nice.”

Steve looks at Daniël, supporting him with a little nod and a smile.

Gabrysz shrugs. “Not all, no.”

“You know how creative the fans can be with their chants when they think a player has done

something they don’t agree with. The club is sacred and they make sure you’ll never forget it. But we

were pleasantly surprised, too,” Niko says, continuing on from Gabrysz’ words. “It took them less

than a week to make the first banner to support the two of you.”

Daniël nods. “I remember having seen the photos on the Internet, yes. Did me good. But still,

you can’t tell me everyone on the stands was being nice and polite about it.”

“But exactly when is there a match where everyone’s nice and polite? I bet it would be a boring

one, too.” Gabrysz gets up. “The gaffer’s getting even less smiley than usual. So I guess he wants us to

get some work done. You’re going to the gym, too, Steve?”

“Yeah, worked on my balance this morning with one of the guys from physio and this

afternoon it’s all about getting my leg muscles stronger.” Steve accepts Dan’s supporting hand as a

matter of fact. The time anyone even looked up because they’re touching each other for whatever

reason has long passed.

“Still no news about the result of the trial? Does it always take this long?” Gabrysz asks while

they walk to the gym.

“Perhaps it has to do with the the media attention?” Daniël shakes his head. “It’s not like I’ll

get what I want, is it? We’re happy as it is Steve didn’t have to testify again.”

“Nasty business that must have been, from what Gael told me. Making an honest man sound

like a liar by putting words in his mouth in the hope some murderous thugs get away with a slap on the

wrist.” Gabrysz shakes his head. “What a sad way to make your money.”

“Criminals have the right to be legally represented too. But I still hope they get locked up with

the keys thrown away,” Niko says, giving his view on the matter.

“I’m sorry, guys, bringing it up again,” Gabrysz apologises while entering the gym.

Steve puts his hand on the goalie’s shoulder. “That’s okay. It’s not going away by pretending it

isn’t there.”

“Still ...” Gabrysz trails off and doesn’t finish the rest of his sentence. “Have fun on the bike.”

“First bike, then a round of treadmill for added fun,” Steve pretends to complain, but he’s

almost okay with it. He’s trying to make peace with the limitations that remind him what he has lost

every single time he’s doing any kind of exercise, while at the same time trying to push his body and

mind a little bit further. He knows he will never be near the same level as any of the others, but it

doesn’t stop him from enjoying his own progress. And he certainly enjoys Daniël’s flirty, admiring

looks when they use two bikes next to each other.

“Going to take a look at our home later? They promised the bathroom would be finished and

some furniture should have been delivered today. Please help me to remember that tomorrow we must

get our suits fitted again to see if they need any final adjustments. I’ve told the caterer we’re happy

with the food she suggested. And I think I forgot to tell you the contract on my apartment expires next

week, so I have to move some of the stuff to our new place and ask a charity to get the rest. I doubt

I’ve been there even half a dozen times in the last couple of months,” Daniël says while working the

pedals.

“I would love to see our home. I can’t wait till we live there.”

“You’re going to be thrilled with the main bathroom,” Daniël promises.

And when he brought him to their home later that day, Steve acknowledges that Daniël was

right.

“See, heated floor, non-slippery too. Handles so you don’t have to be afraid of falling. Double

washbasin of course. Chair. Cabinet. Extra roomy shower with corner bench. There’s a shower head