us after the offenders are taken away. We all give our details, and I walk over to the officer with the homeless man.
A few minutes later, the second ambulance drives up to the pavement. We give another detailed account of what happened, and I provide my details to the ambulance officer. “If he needs further medical treatment, I’m happy to pay it. Can you give my details to the hospital to follow up with me as I assume there’s no next of kin?”
“That’s to be ascertained,” the ambulance officer says. “But thank you. I’ll provide your details.”
“What a night,” I say as we walk another block to my car after it’s all over.
Late Friday afternoon, Hunter and I head into the city to watch Chance’s team play against the locals. Chance is named as a standby player, so he’s one step closer to playing his first game. We have good seats and can see Chance on the bench supporting the players as they’re subbed on and off. His team beat Adelaide by one goal in a bloody fine effort considering the crowd gave his team a verbal lashing.
After the game, we head down the stairs to the locker rooms to speak to him—we have special passes to get past security.
Standing by a wall, we wait for Chance, listening in on the media interviewing different players.
“Is that him?”
Prompted, I turn to an elderly guy ogling me. At first, I think he has me mistaken for someone else until the brown-eyed beauty beside him says, “Hello, Reef. Not exactly how I imagined you two meeting.”
The older man continues to scowl.
I straighten from the wall and clear my voice. “Macy. It’s good to see you.” I hold out my hand, and she shakes it tentatively. “Sir.” I hold out my hand to the man I assume is her father. “Reef Burton.”
He eyes me a moment longer before taking my hand with a surprisingly firm grip. “Peter Reynolds.”
“It’s good to finally meet you.” I nod at him, although he doesn’t respond. “Oh, I remember you’re a fan of the team. Macy told me you support soccer rather than AFL.”
“It’s all football,” he says.
“True. I grew up with Chance. We banter about it constantly.” For some reason, his expression softens. “Did you enjoy tonight’s game?”
“Certainly did. Even though Macy continually asked questions, distracting me.”
I laugh then smile at Macy. “I’m surprised you’re here.”
“I wanted to bring Dad. Chance has a signed guernsey for him. So, we came down to pick it up.”
Chance walks out and gives us a wink. “Where are my fans?” He laughs, looking over my shoulder, pretending there is a line. “You have one here.” I nudge to Macy’s father.
“Hey, Mr R. How you doin’? Enjoy the game?”
“My word.”
“Give me a minute.” Chance heads over to the team manager and returns with a bag. “This is for you.”
Peter nods. “I’ll wear it every time I watch on the television.”
“He will,” Macy says and rolls her eyes. “We must get going.” She links her arms through her father’s, and he limps to balance as she pivots.
“Will we see you out tonight?” Chance asks.
Macy turns and shakes her head.
Her father pivots awkwardly. “Yeah, she will. Give her a half-hour, but she’ll meet you. Girl has to have a bit of fun.”
“I can follow you home and pick you up,” Chance offers.
“So could I.” I shut my mouth when Macy’s eyes round.
“I’d appreciate a lift,” she says not to any of us in particular. “See you soon.”
When she’s out of sight, I turn to Chance and Hunter. “Do you want a lift to the club?”
“Yep. You know I don’t have a car. I was setting you up to get Macy,” Chance says and nudges me.
Hunter chuckles. “Hurry up, so I can have a beer.”
Sitting in my car out the front of Macy’s, I’ve lost all positivity and ponder the reasons why we can’t be together. It’s easy to dismiss the small things, but the most important reason why she can’t be with me is the very thing I have kept from her. It’s a sensitive issue, and one she doesn’t need to know if we are only having fun together. After all we’ve been through if we were to get back together, I expect it to be more serious, not for fun—a relationship where we don’t keep secrets. She deserves to know everything before we contemplate a relationship. No point hurting her all over again when she finds out the truth, and I expect her