Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Who the heck is that?” Ted asked with a grin after watching that spectacular attempt on goal from one of his new Richmond players.

“Jamie Tartt, top scorer on the team,” Beard explained and Ted nodded appreciatively. Then he watched as the man he now knew as Jamie Tartt slapped away the hand of a teammate who was offering assistance. Ted hummed, well that wouldn’t do.

“Nate what’s he like?” Ted turned to his insider source even though he bet that he could guess what Nate’s answer would be.

“Who Jamie?” Nate hesitated and Ted nodded to try and push him along. “He’s great … you know at football,” Nate stammered out and that confirmed what Ted was thinking. “Gets away with a lot of attitude because of the boss,” Nate’s added little whisper, pulled Ted back out of his thoughts.

“The boss?” Ted questioned, eyebrows nearly reaching his hairline.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to say that,” Nate blurted out, shock written all over his face.

“Hey there Nate, I asked you for the low down and if your brain thought I needed to hear that then who are we to stop it. The boss as in Coach Cartrick?” Ted shrugged. Maybe targeted questioning would get the gossip out of Nate.

“No, the new boss. Miss Welton,” Nate’s voice had dropped to a low whisper, so much so that Ted had to subtly inch a bit closer to him to hear.

“Oh, there something going on there?” Ted asked. Nate gulped.

“I’m, no, I’m not suggesting anything but they’re … close. Spend a lot of time together and everyone was shocked Jamie agreed to come on loan here and the Richmond rumour mill says its because Miss Welton went to see him in Manchester personally,” some of Nate’s hesitancy faded as he got caught up in the throes of gossip. Ted looked at him for a moment. This wasn’t weird, owners go to talk to prospective prospects all the time. Except Rebecca wasn’t owner then … and he guessed a lot of players didn’t usually interact a lot with owners once they arrive. Ted ticked it over in his brain … and then it hit him what Nate was trying to imply. Ted’s mouth fell open and Nate nodded.

“Yep he’s made it to the finish line of that subtlety,” Beard commented but Ted’s brain was still catching up. Oh … Oh. That was … not what Ted was expecting to learn today. He could certainly understand how that might make someone feel as if they were able to act out around the team. Ted looked to Beard and they both shared a knowing glance.

Ted and Beard’s plan when getting new players was the same. Yes, they were used to working with college age students but it should still be the same here. First you had to identify leaders in the locker room. That had been relatively easy, there were two. One was Roy, the captain and the legend of the game. He would be a tough nut to crack but would be a real asset to have onside. The other was unfortunately Jamie Tartt, the up and coming starlet with a major attitude problem and an ego the size of this fair island. The main issue with him was that he seemed to think he was protected and his talent and potential leverage in the club meant he could treat people how he wanted with no repercussions. No Ted speech or team building exercise would truly work until he knocked out those scaffolds. Unfortunately that would involve probably the most awkward conversation of Ted’s life if Nate was correct in his implications. So Ted had been watching Jamie Tartt like a hawk before he went and embarrassed himself in front of Rebecca and it wasn’t easing his concerns. Every time Rebecca seemed to be around the team, Jamie had a smug little smirk or a wink or started showing off (even more than he usually did). And then, Rebecca would smile a smile that she never showed to anyone else at the club. “I need to talk to Rebecca about Jamie,” Ted sighed, swinging back and forth on his chair.

“Yep,” Beard sighed, looking up from his book. They stared at each other for a few moments.

“Oh there’s no follow up there, I was waiting for,” Ted waved his hand, “ok, no additional help. Right I’ll go do that then.”

“Bye, it was good knowing you,” Beard waved, returning his attention to his book.

Ted stood at the door to Rebecca’s office for far longer than he intended to. As he stared at the wood he tried to work out what he would actually say. How does one start a conversation where you are going to accuse your boss of inappropriate workplace relations with a man twenty five years her junior? There’s no good way to begin. Hi Miss Welton … I have heard that you are having intercourse with one of the players which is messing with the team dynamic I am trying to build so if you could not do that I would appreciate it. Ted groaned quietly. In the end Ted raised his hand and quickly knocked on the door. His hands were shoved back in his pockets to hide the slight tremor tugging at his extremities. “Come in,” Rebecca called out. It was now or never. Ted pulled the door open and walked in with head held high. “Oh Ted, afternoon. I wasn’t expecting to see you, everything alright?” Rebecca tilted her head with a crinkled brow. She was sat at her desk with her laptop upon in front of her but closed it as Ted hurried in. She waved for him to take a seat. There was no chickening out now.

“I wanted to have a quick talk with you about Jamie,” Ted stared at a point over Rebecca’s shoulder so he could get through this only seeing her expressions in his periphery.

“Oh how is Mr Tartt doing? He is certainly a talent, we’re lucky that city could be persuaded to loan him to us,” she smiled that same little smile Ted had been seeing since he arrived.

“He is, yes, a talent,” Ted stammered. A deep breath settled him and he made his decision. “The problem I am finding is getting him to play as a part of the team not just on his own merits. It seems like he might feel like he is above working with his teammates, like he doesn’t need to,” Ted rambled. Rebecca looked confused.

“Oh, well I’m sure you’ll be able to get through to him at some point Ted. You seem to be good at that,” Rebecca waved him off dismissively.

“Um, well,” Ted stammered.

“Out with it Ted. You don’t seem like one to mince words,” Rebecca scoffed.

“I’m not, not one to usually make literary sausages but this is a bit delicate. There are rumours going around that Jamie may feel like he can act this way because you two do spend a lot of time together, intimately,” Ted blurted out and was ready for the screaming to begin. What he wasn’t ready for was the colour to drain from Rebecca’s face as she stared at him.

“Rumours that, rumours in this club that I, that Jamie and I. Oh my god, I’m going to be sick,” Rebecca panted before starting to uncontrollably laugh. “Me and Jamie, oh lord. Oh god no,” she panted out between laughs.

“I’m glad that’s not the case,” Ted muttered, making the mistake of bringing Rebecca’s attention back to him.

“Who’s saying this?” the frenzied humour dropped out of her voice as quick as it arrived.

“I wouldn’t want to be a tattle tale in my first month here. It’s not a lot of people but some have started to notice you and Jamie’s interactions,” Ted explained, hands raised in a placating gesture.

“I, god, we are not in a romantic relationship,” Rebecca sighed, straightening her jacket, likely a nervous tick. Ted knew how to recognize nervous ticks, he himself had seven. “He’s my godson,” Rebecca finally murmured under her breath. That was not what Ted was expecting to hear.

“Oh,” was all the reply Ted could muster.

“He didn’t want it to be open knowledge but I had to jump at the chance to get him here to Richmond when I learnt that Man City were putting him up for loan. I thought we were being more subtle about it than it seems we were,” Rebecca explained. Ted was worried that his face would be stuck in a permanent state of shock with how this conversation was going.

“I don’t mean to be presumptuous but I think I’ve already crossed over that line so why not keep digging, but you two don’t seem like you run in the same circles,” Ted asked and Rebecca nodded.

“We didn’t but we both needed something. Something that the other could give,” Rebecca shrugged.

This was one thing that Rebecca hated about being married to a football club owner. A cold wet, Tuesday night in Stoke was the baseline for bad football experiences. Well Thursday night in Manchester wasn’t much better. But of course she had to be there for Mannion to show off his shiny mid table obscurity football club and his shiny newish wife that he didn’t love as much as the football club. Rebecca groaned, her head falling into her hands as she shivered. He probably hadn’t even noticed she was missing, too many potential sponsors to woo after a draw at Manchester City. So she had left, just walked out and found herself sat on a curb in the car park, trying not to cry. “You alright miss?” a strong mancunian accent cut through Rebecca’s wallowing with his concern.

“I’m fine,” she immediately bit back but her resolve faded when she looked up to see a child, not even a teenager stood a couple of paces away. He was quite short and slight with a worn looking puffer jacket that was two sizes too big coming down to his knees. His hands were tucked deep into the pockets trying to beat the cold dampness in the air and a beanie pulled down tightly over his head.

“I don’t mean to doubt you and all that but you don’t look right fine,” he continued, twinkling grey eyes wide and little dimples when his mouth twitched into a smile.

“No I guess I don’t,” Rebecca sighed, pulling her dress down to try and stop her legs from shaking with the cold. She wasn’t ready to go back in yet.

“Here,” the boy rummaged in his bag and pulled out a couple of the cheap disposable handwarmers. He cracked them to activate and then pressed them into her hands. “My mummy swears by them and won’t let me go wandering in the cold without any,” his smile only grew as Rebecca held them tenderly in her hand.

“I can’t take them you’ll need them,” Rebecca tried to hand them back but he danced backwards out of her reach.

“Nuh-uh, I’ve got a coat and don’t look like I should be at a fancy party with heaters and everything,” he shrugged.

“Thank you, you didn’t need to be so kind. I just needed a break from everyone in there and didn’t realise how horrible the weather was,” Rebecca chuckled. The heat from the hand warmers was already causing a fainting tingling in her fingers.

“In there?” Jamie gawped, pointing up at the hulking figure that was the City of Manchester Stadium.

“Yes,” Rebecca replied, finally smiling a little bit as the boy bounced on his toes.

“That’s so cool. I’m like a massive city fan and I’m gonna play in there one day,” he stated with chest puffed out.

“Oh really? I, my husband owns AFC Richmond,” Rebecca whispered but her heart leapt at the look of pure shock and awe that washed over her new acquaintance. He inched closer and thumped down onto the curb next to her.

“Now that’s mint. I bet you get to go to all the games and stuff and meet all the players,” he rambled, hands escaping from the comfort of his pockets to gesticulate wildly. The warmth from the handwarmers started to spread to Rebecca’s chest as she watched the kid talk. He was so energetic, so passionate. “Like my mummy can’t afford tickets and she doesn’t like to go to the matches anymore anyway but that’s fine as we watch on the tv at the spoons and then if I’ve done good at school she’ll come out with me to try and see the players and get their signatures or if she’s at work then I come out,” the kid rummaged in his bag again and pulled out a very well worn copy of The Official Manchester City Annual 2009. “I’m trying to get everyone’s signatures but it’s really hard,” he shrugged, showing her the different pages he had signed by different players and telling her all about their stats. Rebecca wasn’t really a football fan. She hadn’t really cared before Rupert but she understood why other people cared. Seeing this kid talk about the game and about his future career with such joy and passion … maybe this game wasn’t as bad as she thought.

“I’m Rebecca,” Rebecca offered her hand to him once he tucked the annual back into his bag.

“I’m Jamie,” he grinned, shaking her hand firmly.

“Thank you for this Jamie. I was feeling really terrible, but I’m not anymore. Let me give you money for the cab home,” Rebecca rummaged in her purse for the loose cash she always carried.

“No you don’t need to Miss Rebecca, I get the bus,” Jamie sprung to his feet, slinging his bag back over his shoulder.

“Consider it payment for the hand warmers,” Rebecca held out three twenties. Jamie’s jaw dropped again but he took them with slightly shaking hands.

“I, I think that could buy a box full no two,” he laughed softly, tucking it safely in the inside pocket of his jacket.

“Be safe Jamie,” Rebecca nodded to him as he turned to leave.

“I always am,” he jokily saluted and then Rebecca watched him leave. She continued to sit there, the lingering warmth from the hand warmers not to blame for the warmth that had rippled all the way through her. Rebecca reached up and wiped the tears out of her eyes before they could fall. That was what she wanted. But all it did was remind her why she was out here.

Rupert's voice cutting through her … “god no, why would I ever want kids? Little leeches, no we are going blissfully child free aren’t we darling?”

Jamie never got called to Rebecca’s office. Well it had only been Rebecca’s office for the last few weeks but in that time he had never been summoned. Jamie stood in front of the closed door frowning at it. He sighed and shook the slight worry out of his head. Jamie knocked a little tune and Rebecca called out, “come in.” Jamie stepped in and the tension fell out of his shoulders when he saw it was just them.

“Evening Becca, everything good?” Jamie slumped down on the settee, sitting cross-legged and pulling his favourite of her cushions on to his lap to lean his elbows on.

“Of course, how was training? How are you finding Lasso?” Rebecca mindlessly tossed Jamie one of his favourite energy drinks which he plucked out of the air with practiced ease. Jamie’s heart had fluttered the first time he came up here and found his drinks alongside her fancy waters in the mini fridge.

“He’s just so odd like we just practice eleven on eleven a lot but he wants us to pass and shit and like I can run rings round the second team why should I pass when I can shoot and get the goals myself,” Jamie scoffed.

“Yes he is very hold hands and talk about your feelings,” Rebecca chuckled and Jamie mimed throwing up. “He knows by the way,” she added with a shrug.

“He knows what? That he should fuck off back over the rainbow?” Jamie scoffed and Rebecca tried to hold back a laugh behind her hand.

“Jamie be nice,” she scolded softly as he smirked. “No he knows that you’re my godson and thinks that the team are letting you get away with things because they know we are close,” Rebecca explained. Jamie’s nose crinkled in displeasure and he studied his drink.

“You don’t let me get away with stuff, do you?” Jamie asked, emphasizing the let. He hadn’t really thought about that before, he was just Jamie in every situation. Nobody let him do anything, he just did what he wanted.

“Oh course not, I don’t meddle with the interpersonal stuff with the team. It’s your decision how you treat your teammates,” Rebecca finally sat down on the settee and Jamie kicked out his feet to lean against her side.

“Yeah, mint,” Jamie nodded, looking up with a smile.

“Do you remember when we met?” Rebecca asked as they sat quietly, Jamie fidgeting and messing with the sleeves of his warm up jacket.

“Course! I gave you handwarmers you gave me more money than I had ever seen in one go and I still got the bus home using that money to buy me new trainers and footie boots,” he smirked as Rebecca tutted. “Then the next week you made my fucking year,” Jamie grinned and Rebecca pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

Sexy Little Baby Jamie Tartt hadn’t really thought about his interaction with Rebecca Mannion after he went home, googled her then told his mum that he had met the wife of the owner of AFC Richmond. He didn’t think that his mum really believed him but that was ok because he had new trainers and boots because of her. Jamie stood leaning up against the fence outside the City of Manchester Stadium waiting for the players to come out. He wiggled his toes in his new trainers and delighted at the fact that they weren’t wet and the sole didn’t creak threateningly. Yes she had said to get himself a cab but he already had the return bus ticket so what was the point in wasting money like that. “Are you Jamie?” a security guard had walked in front of where Jamie was hanging onto the barriers without the kid noticing.

“Who’s asking?” Jamie bit back with his chin held high defiantly.

“I’ve just been given a description of a body who looks a lot like you pipsqueak and asked to bring you inside,” the security guard sighed with a sigh that Jamie recognized as exasperation. He caused that one a lot.

“I haven’t even done nothing!” Jamie whined.

“I didn’t say you had done owt. One of the marketing people just asked for you, are you coming in or fucking off?” the security guy shook his head.

“Fine,” Jamie grumbled, he wasn’t going to say no to getting a look inside anyway. He clambered over the fence and followed the security guard in with a smug grin at the other kids at the barrier. Jamie spent the whole time they were walking through looking at everything in amazement. It was all so shiny and the murals on the walls and it was incredible. If he closed his eyes he could imagine himself walking these halls in his Man City shirt having just scored the game winner.

“Ah you must be Jamie. Miss Mannion asked me to see if I could find you after the match today,” a sweet, slightly flustered woman ushered Jamie further down the corridor.

“Rebecca’s here?” Jamie asked. She had no reason to be, AFC Richmond were playing in Richmond.

“No but Mr Mannion is a, friend, of the owners and Miss Mannion asked for a favour. She told me that there was a young City fan who had been trying to get his annual signed by the whole team and had been struggling,” she smiled as Jamie was hustled through. The next half hour was the best of Jamie’s life. He was brought straight into the City changing room as they were getting ready to head out. Everyone signed his annual. Daniel Sturridge said that if he kept showing up at the recruitment camps it was only a matter of time before City brought him on and Joe Hart gave him a pair of signed gloves. Hart! Gloves! Jamie bounced all of the way on the bus back home and spent all night when his mum got back in from work telling her all about it and how his new friend Miss Rebecca had seen that he really wanted his annual signed and had sorted it for him. And Hart had given him gloves!

“Well I’m sure if we send a letter to Miss Mannion at the club she’ll get it. We need to say thank you,” Georgie smiled tiredly, messing the hair of the vibrating eleven year old. Both Jamie and Georgie wrote thank you letters to Miss Mannion and Georgie sent them the next day. In a last minute fit of madness Georgie wrote their return address on the back.

“And then you were never rid of me,” Jamie laughed. Rebecca stood up abruptly sending Jamie sprawling on the floor, presumably for his cheek.

“Not that I would ever want to be,” Rebecca smiled and Jamie sprung up and straightened himself off. “Now go on, Keeley’ll be waiting for you,” Rebecca shooed him out.

“See ya Becca, love ya,” Jamie saluted as he turned to live.

“Love you too Jay,” she muttered, opening her laptop and getting back to work.

“Oh no, no,” Jamie shook his head.

“Really?” Rebecca asked holding the silver short sequin number up in front of herself. Jamie was sprawled on the settee in her office, laid on his chest looking at his phone when she wasn’t addressing him. He knew, well almost everyone knew, how stressed she was about this gala and seemed to believe that just his presence would help. She absolutely was not going to tell him that his infrequent slightly bitchy comments were strangely comforting.

“The silohette will make you look hot but that much sequin, desperate for attention. Try the black,” he smirked, returning his attention to his phone.

“You really think I can pull it off?” Rebecca murmured and Jamie gasped.

“Fuck yeah. It’ll make you look well sexy. Show everyone that you’re rich, fit and successful,” Jamie grins and Rebecca can’t help but smile back.

“Afternoon boss,” Ted announces walking through the door and it is clear the moment he sees Jamie as the plastered on charm flickers for just a second. “Afternoon Jamie,” he adds slightly less enthusiastically.

“Ted,” Jamie nods and returns to doom scrolling on his phone. Those two really did not get on. It probably shouldn’t surprise her with the massively contrasting personalities but she could just tell that Ted was not going to let it go until Jamie jumped on the peace and harmony bandwagon. Rebecca’s smile grew and it was still genuine. Jamie didn’t know of her revenge plan. He would be disappointed in her and that would hurt more than anything else. He couldn’t know and he would be fine no matter what happened to Richmond, he was only here on loan. But that didn’t mean that Jamie wasn’t playing a key role in the revenge plan. As long as Jamie kept being Jamie, it would frustrate Kent and Lasso and stop Lasso’s harmony, everyone must like me mission which would make Richmond less likely to win.

“What can I help you with Ted?” Rebecca asked, hanging the black dress back on the rail carefully so it wouldn’t crease. Jamie was right, she would look fit in it.

“Um, well,” Ted cast a look to Jamie as he stammered.

“If you want to bitch about me I can fuck off. Keeley will be waiting for dress up time anyway, looking this good is a process,” Jamie got up off the settee, waving his hand up and down his body.

“Thank you Jamie,” Ted nodded.

“See you tonight Becca, don’t worry,” Jamie gave her a little half hug. He nodded to Ted but flipped him off on his way out the door when he was out of Ted’s eyeline.

“So Ted, you want to bitch about Jamie?” Rebecca asked with a smile to show she was joking.

“Oh no, no I would never. But I did want to ask whether it was possible for myself, Jamie and Roy to be seated at the same table this evening?” Ted asked. God Jamie was going to hate her for this but it may do either her plans or Jamie some good.

“Sure,” Rebecca sighed dismissively, making herself a cup of tea.

“Great, I’ve got some fences to mend and this might just do it,” Ted chuckled and Rebecca could tell he was about to go offer on another anecdote and she really didn’t have time for that.

“I’ve already said yes Ted. Is there anything else as I’ve got a lot to get ready for this evening,” Rebecca tried to get rid of Ted but he didn’t move.

“Well I was just wondering if Jamie, well you seem to have known him for a long time,” Ted stated and Rebecca sighed. She wasn’t getting rid of him.

“Yes. The time I described to you was about eleven years ago. I had just married Rupert, but we got a lot closer a couple of years after that. Jamie made it into the City academy. I didn’t realise it at the time but Rupert was trying to cut me off from my friends and my family as part of his control. Jamie was going through a rough time and his mother asked me for help. It actually helped both of us. He’s,” Rebecca pauses and purses her lips for moment as she thinks, “he’s very important to me.” Ted nods.

“I want to help him. I think if he plays as a team player it would bring so much more of his talent to the front and will do so much more for Richmond. I don’t think he’s a bad kid,” Ted was in full flow now.

“Treat lightly with where you go now Coach Lasso,” Rebecca reminded him firmly. Ted raised his hands in a placating gesture.

“But I think he is acting like one and some day he’ll find out that he has burned more bridges than he has the timber to rebuild. Then it’s a lot harder to build new ones as well. I think you want better for him than that,” Ted finished and lowered his hands. Rebecca was stunned, actually fixed in place stunned. This was never supposed to be the place that Jamie built bridges. Rebecca hated AFC Richmond. But she needed to get Jamie out of Manchester and AFC Richmond was the only club she had sway over at the time. It was a loan, it was just supposed to be for Jamie to score some goals and then he could get a transfer to a decent club. She always hoped it would be London so that when she was free of this cursed place they would still see each other. But what she hadn’t thought about is this carefree, Richmond doesn’t matter attitude … what might other clubs think of that? Could this hamper him? Could Rebecca be hurting the career of the man who was basically a son to her?

“Thank you Ted, I’ll think about it,” Rebecca could faintly hear herself replying and then Ted was gone.

Rebecca sat down on the settee and decided to sit there for a short moment, to compose her thoughts. She needed to destroy AFC Richmond. Her hatred for everything that Rupert loves was what drove her, it was the only reason she got up in the morning. She gave up almost everything to get control over the club. To give up on her plan now would be mad, they weren’t saving relegation and accepting all of her actions would just be embarrassment. The boys would get jobs elsewhere. Ted talking about burning bridges. Would being part of the team that doomed AFC Richmond live on their resumes forever? Would it harm Jamie’s chances of playing for England? She would do anything for him. Rebecca was sure he didn’t realise what he had done but for the first time since she got involved with the Tartt family, Rebecca was doubting herself.

Rebecca had cried when she received Jamie's letter that first time. She had hoped that her surprise would have made it to Jamie despite knowing nothing about him except his first name and his football evening activities and to hear how much it meant to him, that meant the world to her. She wasn't expecting the letter from Georgie though. A mum who clearly had so much love for her son but had to sacrifice time with him to care for him. Georgie had said thank you, for being kind to her little Jamie when there was no need to be. Rebecca had written back and she had become sort of pen pals with the kind woman and her adorable pre-teen (they moved to email pretty quickly to save Georgie money on stamps). Rebecca had offered her services as babysitter whenever she might be up in Manchester but this was the first time that Georgie had texted to take her up on the offer. "Your mum is definitely fine with this?" Rebecca asked for about the fifth time in the last twenty minutes. But she did want to be absolutely sure that she wasn't going to be arrested for kidnapping, 

"You rang her and she said it was fine!" Jamie huffed rolling his eyes. "She was asked to pick up a double shift anyway so I would have been entertaining myself and wandering about being" Jamie did air quotes, "a nuisance around the neighborhood." Rebecca chuckled. The next day was Richmond away at Manchester United and Rupert had been surprised that Rebecca wanted to head up to Manchester a day early to see a friend but hadn’t cared enough to ask who this friend was. Rebecca assumed he was pleased that she was ‘happy’ to be going to a match. Jamie however wasn’t going to be seen dead near Old Trafford and assured her that he was a Richmond fan for the night in the traditional pattern of cheering for anyone but United.

“Well ok then. What do you want to do?” Rebecca held the door of her car open.

“Dunno,” Jamie shrugged, fidgeting around trying to find the best spot in the plush heated car seats.

“Well what’s something you usually want to do but haven’t been able to?” Rebecca asked. Jamie’s brow furrowed in thought, his tongue sticking out a little out the side of his mouth as he was deep in thought. After a few moments, Jamie’s eyes lit up and grin returned.

“I would have thought you would have been better at this,” Jamie smirked where he sat sprawled out on one of the fake rocks.

“Why would you think I would be good at this?” Rebecca exclaimed in frustration as the little golf ball clattered into the side of the rock she was trying to hit it through.

“Don’t you go to a golf club?” Jamie laughed, springing down off the rock to take his shot.

“Well yes but this is not like actual golf and I don’t play actual golf. I just sit with the wives, drink and listen to them moan,” Rebecca explained as Jamie’s luminious orange ball thumped into the hole. He did a little jump and fist pump before retrieving his ball.

“That sounds boring,” Jamie grumbles. He springs back up onto his perch to spectate Rebecca’s attempt.

“I guess, but it’s good to spend time with Rupert when he’s finished golfing and I do like to dress up and drink,” Rebecca shrugged, this time her shot went through the gap in the rocks. Jamie’s whoop and cheers echoed around the mini golf course. Rebecca felt her cheeks flush as she shushed him and they both started giggling.

“See this is way more fun then boring golf and drinking. You should do this with Rupert instead if you want to have fun and spend time with him.”

“I don’t think Rupert would enjoy doing something like this,” Rebecca sighed. She was lead by hand by Jamie to the next hole and he immediately started plotting his shots with the intensity of a professional showjumper walking the course before their attempt.

“Well he’s boring then,” Jamie announced once he had decided on his plan.

“He’s not, he just expects and likes different things to you and that’s ok,” Rebecca softly corrected but Jamie waved her off dismissively. No talking was allowed when Jamie was taking his shots. The lad was intensively competitive and would have to retake the shot if there was any outside distraction. The little ball skidded across the fake turf and clattered into the side of the skull they had to get round. It took all of Rebecca’s mental fortitude to not laugh at Jamie’s irritated pout.

The gala was going well. Rebecca still felt a slight tremor of nerves but people seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as rich people with too much money ever could be. Even Jamie’s girlfriend Keeley had been lovely to her on the red carpet giving her tips and compliments after Jamie and Keeley had put on their usual show. They didn’t have a musical act but Higgins was on that. Rupert was here and Rebecca definitely wasn’t hiding from him. Everything was fine. “Jamie?” Rebecca frowned as Jamie stomped right towards her where she was stood by the more private bar. His face was like thunder and his fists were shoved deep into his pockets no doubt hiding them vibrating with fury. “What happened?” she asked. Jamie gave no response and just stood in front of her and leaned forwards so his forehead was resting on her shoulder. “Do you want a hug?” Rebecca asked and the face against her shoulder moved up and down. Rebecca wrapped her arms around his shoulders and squeezed gently. “People will see,” Rebecca leant the side of her head against the top of his.

“Don’t care,” Jamie grumbled. “Roy Kent is a twat,” he adds eventually.

“I thought we knew that,” Rebecca tried to lighten the mood but it fell flat. “What did he do?” she asked.

“Joking about the charity auction. Him and Keeley ganging up on me to try and make me think that if they pay enough money then you’ve got to do, stuff,” Jamie murmured and Rebecca’s grip on him tightened.

“That’s awful honey I’m sorry,” Rebecca slowly moved them into one of the quiet areas behind the stage. Jamie’s hands had escaped to wrap around her but his shoulders were still up to his jaw.

“I don’t right?” Jamie sounded so young in that moment and Rebecca was very close to going to give Roy Kent a piece of her mind.

“You don’t, you absolutely don’t. They were just messing with you and should have been more considerate than to joke about that. I can pull you out of the auction if it makes you uncomfortable?” Jamie pulled out of the hug and shook his head. He did look a bit more like himself.

“Nah, no. I got to, it’s for the children ain’t it. Just rattled me a bit. Thought Roy was lying right but then Keeley joined in and made me doubt it. Invited a friend anyway so no risk even if Keeley won’t bid on me now so no worries about getting a low ball,” Jamie rambled, pulling back fully now and straightening his jacket and hair.

“Let me know if you need me to do something,” Rebecca patted him on the shoulder and he nodded.

“Always, now,” Jamie did a little turn and pose, “looking fit?”

“Always,” Rebecca laughed.

“Damn right. Now I need to go insult Rupert because he ain’t my boss no more,” Jamie winked and was gone into the crowd before Rebecca could stop him.

Rebecca watched Jamie’s auction from the back of the room with martini in hand. It wasn’t like him to get worried about people ogling him but it seemed that Roy and Keeley’s joke really struck a nerve. The beautiful girl in the green dress must have been Jamie’s extra plus one. Keeley did not look best pleased to have another young woman bidding on her man. With Jamie off the books with a number that he would be pleased with and a date with a woman he would be pleased with, Rebecca nipped to go freshen up after her emotional chat with Ted. Only to run into Keeley doing the same thing. Despite being Jamie’s girlfriend their worlds had never really crossed before tonight and Rebecca’s fondness for her had been slightly tainted by the earlier joke and the impact it had on Jamie. “Oh, hi Rebecca,” Keeley nodded as she came in.

“Hi Keeley, thank you for your help earlier on the red carpet. My first photos at something like this without Rupert,” Rebecca laughed hoarsely.

“No worries babe, you looked well good. Can I ask though, do you know who that other girl was bidding on Jamie?” Keeley asked hesitantly, casting one glance at Rebecca before returning to touching up her lipstick.

“Oh, well. She was Jamie’s other plus one. He said she was a friend he brought for the auction,” Rebecca explained, watching the shock hit Keeley.

“Cheeky little prick,” Keeley muttered without thinking then turned to Rebecca fully. “Sorry, I know you are close. Jamie told me you knew him growing up,” she added with a little nervous laugh.

“Oh yes that just means I know how much of a cheeky little prick he can be,” Rebecca smiled back.

“Can I have a bit of your drink?” Keeley asked bluntly. Rebecca waved her consent slightly in shock at how quickly Keeley changed the subject. “Thanks, I don’t really like olives in anything else,” Keeley commented, sitting on the plush chair and taking a sip. “Cause you know Jamie, do you think I should be mad that he invited another girl to bid on him?” Keeley asked, some of the nerves seeping back in.

“I trust him that she is just a friend. He doesn’t like to have situations out of his control, and so if he says that he brought a friend to bid on him at the auction then I think that’s the truth. I can’t tell you whether you should be mad or not and I can’t tell you what was going on in his head. If I could tell you that then his teen years would have been a lot easier,” Rebecca chuckled and Keeley nodded her agreement. “But I can tell you that he usually has a good reason for doing what he does, or at least a good reason in his head. It just may take some digging to unearth what that reason is,” Rebecca gave Keeley a little squeeze on her shoulder but was suddenly pulled into a hug.

“Thanks Rebecca. I should probably go find him,” Keeley sighed with a deep breath, reaching up to give Rebecca a kiss on her cheek. With Keeley gone, Rebecca took a deep breath of her own and readied herself to face Rupert again.

"You really don't need to be doing this Rebecca," Georgie sighed, nervously picking at the chips in front of her. Jamie was already face first into his burger like it would disappear if he stopped to breathe. 

"I know I don't. But I want to. You're both very good company when I'm on my own in this city," Rebecca smiled but the tension didn't leave Georgie. When Jamie's burger had been inhaled, he began rambling about the scouts that had been at his league finals and how he had been invited to his first shot at a Man City academy trial day. Rebecca's cheeks hurt from smiling by the time the three of them had finished chatting about his chances. She hadn't had this much fun since the last time she had seen Sassy. It had been too long. Jamie had been sent to go clean up and as soon as he was away from the table Georgie focused her attention on Rebecca. "You don't need to say anything I know this is weird and if you want it to stop that is fine," Rebecca blurted out, her hands linked in front of her to keep them shaking. It was weird how in a few months she had become so attached to this little family. 

"Jams really likes you," Georgie smiled, rubbing her hand over tired eyes. 

"He's a wonderful kid, you are doing an amazing job with him. I just, if I had a son I'd be so happy if he was like Jamie," Rebecca started welling up. 

"Oh love," Georgie reached across the table and grabbed Rebecca's hands. "You've been such a good friend these past couple of months and Jamie is infatuated. Yes this isn't how I usually make friends but beggars can't be choosers," Georgie laughed and Rebecca joined her. “I just, we don’t need charity. I know I can’t do everything for Jamie that he wants in this world but we get by just the two of us,” Georgie rambled. This time it was Rebecca to reach out comfortingly.

“Everyone can tell that. And he loves you so much. I don’t have many friends that are actually mine and all of Rupert’s money,” Rebecca laughs. “Let me help you, help him as a return for being so kind to me when you really had no obligation to do so. Rupert, doesn’t want kids. He never will. I, do,” Rebecca stammered and looked away from the look of sympathy on Georgie’s face.

"Well you can just be part of our family then if your idiot husband doesn't want a family," Jamie scoffs as he slid back into the booth. Rebecca barks a laugh at his bluntness as Georgie glares at him. 

"Jamie be nice," she scolds. Jamie just smirks and rolls his eyes though. 

"I ain't wrong though. He's an idiot if he doesn't appreciate you," Jamie says like these were facts of life. 

"He loves me he just doesn't want kids," Rebecca tried to clarify but it just felt like Jamie had handed her a spade and with every sentence she kept digging. 

"You don't need any kids you've got me, problem solved," Jamie's face shifted into the little half smile he did whenever he thought someone else was being stupid. 

"What am I? Chopped liver?" Georgie asked. 

"Nah you're my mummy. Becca can be like a cool aunt or something. There’s enough of me to go around, I’m ace,” Jamie shrugged. Georgie sighed and rolled her eyes but Rebecca just kept smiling.

“I’d really like that Jamie,” Rebecca straightened herself down and waved for the check.

“Sound,” Jamie grinned, “I need to show you the boots I bought with your cab money.”

“I knew you were going to get the bus anyway,” Rebecca muttered, setting both Tartts off laughing.

Rebecca stood sadly outside, once again contending with the fact that Rupert wanted to take everything she was even remotely proud of from her and had left with Jamie’s friend Bex. “You right?” Keeley asked stepping up next to her.

“I will be once I get out of these damn shoes,” Rebecca sighed, looking up at the stars to try and calm herself.

“Amen to that,” Keeley groaned. Rebecca turned to look at Keeley and saw the two bottles of champagne under her arm.

“How’d it go with Jamie?” Rebecca asked, raised eyebrow at the alcohol.

“I think I need to not date a footballer in his twenties for a bit,” Keeley hummed. “I do like him, he’s sweet and fit. Being with him was damn fun but I think we both wanted different things from each other and I realized that today,” Keeley shrugged.

“That sounds, tough but the best type of break up,” Rebecca smiled softly.

“Right,” Keeley nodded, “do you want to take these and get drunk?”

“I think I do,” Rebecca laughed.

Chapter Text

“Rebecca, I’m so sorry to call you out of the blue,” Georgie’s stuttering words stopped Rebecca in her tracks. She was just out shopping and had answered her phone without checking the caller ID.

“Georgie it’s never a problem what’s wrong?” Rebecca asked, ducking out of the shop to get a little more privacy than the sales rep was offering.

“I was just wondering if you had heard from Jamie. He was away at a holiday camp with the academy and then James took him to Amsterdam as part of his super bonding efforts and then I’ve barely seen Jamie in the last week. He’s going to school and to training and when I have seen him he hasn’t been himself. He, he had a go at me for smothering him,” Georgie sounded on the verge of tears. That was definitely not like Jamie.

“I’ll reach out, talk to him. Last I heard from him were the pictures he sent from Amsterdam and he seemed fine then,” Rebecca frowned waving down her driver to go get the car. “I don’t have anything on this week, seems like a good time for a visit,” she muttered.

“Thanks Becca, I’ll see you soon,” and then Georgie hung up. Rebecca was quick to get back home and put her plans into motion. It was mid week cup action for Richmond and Rupert had invited business partners along for the game. He’d grumble that she wouldn’t be there but he’d be distracted enough not to question it. She quickly texted him that she was going to Manchester to meet with potential donors for the foundation. Rebecca would do a donation later to make up for the fact there were no donors. With one of her drivers being paid overtime to go to Manchester with her, Rebecca was ready to go.

“Becca?” Jamie frowned when he opened the door to Rebecca on his step.

“Jay,” Rebecca smiled, pulling him into a hug which he quickly reciprocated.

“What are you doing here?” Jamie asked, ushering her inside still with the slightly bemused frown.

“Can’t I come up to surprise my favourite teenager?” Rebecca ruffled his hair. And that was the first sign that something was not right. Jamie just rolled his eyes, his hands tucked back in the pocket of his hoody and headed into the living room with his head down. Rebecca was left mirroring Jamie’s confused frown as she watched his slumped from go. Both Rebecca and Georgie ruffled his hair as a sign of affection but Jamie always protested weakly and straightened it back again immediately.

“You don’t need to. I’ve just got school and training and stuff. And mum’s at work,” Jamie shrugged, slumping down onto the settee. Rebecca loved the Tartt household. Her home with Rupert was beautiful and sophisticated and he gave her executive design control but it was so big it didn’t really feel lived in. Georgie’s house certainly felt lived in. There was stuff everywhere. Every available surface was covered in either important items or pictures of Jamie from every stage of his life.

“I know I don’t need to but I want to. I hadn’t heard anything from you since you went away with James and you promised you would tell me all about Amsterdam when you came back,” Rebecca settled down next to him.

“It was cool. Dad took me to see Ajax which was fun, such a good vibe, and we got to see some stuff. He didn’t really want to do the museums and shit which is fine,” with every word Jamie hunched in on himself further grumbling dismissively.

“That’s a shame I know how much you were looking forward to it,” Rebecca sat down within touching distance but giving Jamie some space. Both Jamie and Georgie knew Rebecca’s opinions on James Tartt Sr and his thuggery but Jamie wanted his dad and neither of them could deny the boy and his father this chance.

“It was good to spend time with Dad off the pitch,” a little smile crept through the defensive façade Jamie was determined to wear.

“At least that’s something, how about you talk me through those photos you sent before Daniel drives you to training?” Rebecca knew when to stop pushing. Her and Jamie were more alike than Rebecca liked to think about and he would just lock up tight if she asked about his foul mood now. They sat there for a while with Jamie showing the pictures he had got developed of their trip and telling her all about the architecture and sights that he had seen. When he ran out of pictures though, he retreated back away again.

“My dad’s just trying to be a good dad ain’t he? Spending time with me and stuff,” Jamie eventually spoke out, the sleeves of his Man City training top getting more and more stretched as his fingers worked the fibers.

“I think this is him trying yes,” Rebecca said, carefully choosing her words.

“I think he wants me to go live with him,” Jamie muttered. Rebecca kept her face steady but her heart was pounding. She couldn’t influence Jamie here, he had to think about his own options and choices. “He’s got a job now and a house that’s closer to school and says it’ll be good for me not to have to travel so much and to have time away from mummy and more time with the lads,” Jamie continued to ramble with anguish laced through every word.

“What do you want Jamie?” Rebecca asked. Jamie stared at his legs. His knees bounced up and down with nervous energy.

“I want to stay here but I don’t want him to hate me,” Jamie rolled sideways to fall into Rebecca’s side. “He thinks I’m a mummy’s boy and soft and am not focusing on City and getting better enough. I want to be the best I can and he’s pushing me to work hard and be the best. But I don’t want to leave mummy,” Jamie groans.

“You work harder than anyone I know. Way harder than the players at Richmond when I go to training with Rupert. You are fantastic and I know you can balance spending time with your mum and your dad and school and training,” Rebecca pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “You just need to be open with your mum about what you want, she’s worried about you,” Rebecca sighed into his hair.

“I will I promise,” Jamie whispered.

“Thanks for coming up here Becca,” Georgie sighed as she sipped her martini the next night. Jamie had gone to training and then to his dad’s for the night after discussing with Georgie about how he wanted this to work. Unfortunately James was right about one thing. It made sense for Jamie to spend some nights where he had late training and then school the next day at the flat closer to both. But Jamie had been very clear that this would be two nights a week at most and he was still living with his mum. What this did mean is Georgie could have a night off and get drunk with her best friend.

“Always, you call and I’ll be there,” Rebecca raised her glass and Georgie clinked it with hers.

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about,” Georgie smiled weakly, fidgeting with one of the beer mats on the table. She kept picking it up and turning it over in her fingers in the exact way that young Jamie did whenever he was nervous.

“Whatever it is you can just ask,” Rebecca tried to comfort her but now the beer mat was being shredded.

“I’m worried about Jamie and James. This time at least he seems … invested and Jamie wants to be around him and if he’s not hurting Jamie then surely it’s good for him to spend time with his dad. But I’m just worried that James will flip again and if I’m not there to protect Jams,” Georgie rambled, voice fading away as she wiped tears out of her eyes.

"You're wonderful with him Georgie. No time with his father is going to take that away from you. And Jamie knows that. The reason why he was so upset earlier was because he wanted both. He wanted his dad but he wanted to stay with you," Rebecca replied softly, trying to comfort her friend. Rebecca wasn't really the comforting type. She didn't really know how to be soft and open and welcoming. But that was what Georgie needed and there was no one else here to help. Rebecca carried on holding the free hand as Georgie wiped away the building tears with the heel of her other hand. 

"James called social services once. He left when Jamie was two, couldn't deal with what was needed to raise a infant and we were fighting all the time. Then when Jay was about six, James tried to come back. He was full of apologies and just wanted to care for his son. He was worried about a single mother with two jobs raising a child. I was worried about letting him back into my life even though Jamie needed his dad. We were lucky that I was in and it was pay week so there was food in the cupboards," Georgie's voice had dropped to a whisper but any words of comfort had stuck in Rebecca's throat. "If they had come a week earlier to see the mess and a six year old cooking himself beans on toast then he would have been taken from me. He would have gone to James and I would have never seen him again. I'm worried that this time James will have it together enough. That this time he'll win so I didn't fight. I let Jamie go to him," Georgie sniffled, her hand shaking in Rebecca's grip. 

"Jamie won't leave you. He's old enough now, they'll give him the choice. And I'll be there fighting with you," Rebecca tried to smile but she could tell that it didn't reach her eyes. 

"That's why I wanted to talk to you tonight without Jamie. You've been such a good friend to us and I have a big thing to ask of you. I want to change my will and Jamie's paperwork to make it that if anything happens to me or if I am not fit to take care of him anymore he goes to live with you. I trust you, he trusts you and not gonna lie but having a millionaire in my support network is something that James does not have," Georgie couldn't make eye contact with Rebecca, which was good as Rebecca's jaw had dropped and her eyes misted over. 

"Of course love. It won't be needed but I would be honoured. So honoured," now Rebecca was the one sniffling as Georgie pulled her into a hug over the table. All the other patrons were politely ignoring the two women sobbing quietly into each other's shoulders. 

“Jamie?” Rebecca frowned as she turned on the light to her office and Jamie was face down, flat on the settee.

“Am I an asshole?” Jamie muttered, or at least that’s what Rebecca thought he was saying with his head smushed into the cushions.

“Don’t talk about yourself like that,” Rebecca scolded softly, pushing Jamie’s feet off the settee so she could sit down.

“But I am though. Like Lasso is trying to make everyone hold hands and love each other and everyone seems to vibe with that but me. Like we’re shit, celebrating Sam’s fucking birthday isn’t going to make us better so what’s the point but like what if I don’t want to be benched? Keeley says I need to stop fighting people,” Jamie rambles, turning to lay on the settee like a vampire in a coffin with his legs across Rebecca’s lap.

“Well I think it would be good for morale if you didn’t get into a fight with Roy on the pitch,” Rebecca sighed, pulling her hair down from the braid as Jamie tutted.

“You know what I mean, like being mean to people who are trying to help. Even if I don’t need it. There’s this fucking ghost ceremony tonight and Keeley thinks I should go even if it’s bullshit and ghosts aren’t real,” he continued to rant.

“I know Sam invited me. Are you going to go?” Rebecca asked softly.

“Are you?” Jamie bit back.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think when I took control that Lasso would start to make me feel things about the team,” Rebecca sighed. Jamie shuffled around so that he was sat up crosslegged and staring intently at Rebecca.

“I did wonder why you gave up so much to get the team when you don’t even like football?” Jamie asked, one eyebrow raised showing that he wasn’t leaving until he got an answer. Rebecca looked at him and her heart pounded. She was tired of lying. Everyone at the club had been so lovely and considerate and backing her over Rupert and she was even starting to enjoy being here. The Lasso Effect was truly a powerful force. Jamie would get her. Jamie would know what it was like to be powered by spite.

“I want to destroy it. I want to destroy the only thing that Rupert has ever loved,” Rebecca murmured with her eyes closed. There was silence. Rebecca inched her eyes open and Jamie was staring at her, mouth open and eyes wide.

“You, you what?” Jamie stammered, his brow furrowed. He slowly got to his feet and paced closer to her. Rebecca didn’t really know why she needed Jamie to know. Lasso had been fucking with her head ever since he arrived and she needed someone reasonable to tell her this plan was ok.

“I’m tanking the team,” Rebecca looked up and into his eyes. She was expecting Jamie to be surprised but she wasn’t expecting to see the hurt, the betrayal flash through his expression.

“You can’t, you can’t do this to us.”

“Us? I thought you didn’t care about them,” Rebecca exclaimed in frustration.

“I don’t care if they don’t care. There’s so much talent and if they aren’t going to fight and work to get better then why should I try and help them when they can just pass to me right and I’ll score. Why should I pass to them? Roy spends all his time grunting and fighting with me not actually being a captain. Sam barely survives interactions with me yanking his chain let alone Premier League caliber defenders and he’ll be eaten alive by Championship defenders if they do get relegated. Colin could be dangerous if he just stops running at defenders and hoping they get out of the way. Richard on the other hand is ace at creating space for himself but can’t win the ball. Cut on Dixon and he’s on the floor without me having to try. These are all things that a decent fucking coach should be trying to fix but Catrick at least had the right idea of just telling them to pass to me instead. Lasso however is obsessed with making them believe in themselves. Belief does nothing if you are shit,” Jamie rants, gripping his hair by the root as he paces. “But that doesn’t mean that I think they deserve to be thrown under the bus,” he shouted, finally rounding on Rebecca. “All of this because Rupert is a fucking asshole? We all knew that Rebecca, everyone but you,” Jamie growled, and Rebecca’s heart plummeted into her stomach. “I’m sorry and all that but I’m not just sitting about anymore you are throwing your life away for him again and you’re not even married to the fuckwit!” he ranted, finally looking at Rebecca again.

“Jamie it’s not that simple you know that better than anyone,” Rebecca hissed, and Jamie visibly recoiled.

“Oh low blow. Fuck. Yeah alright I’ll bite,” Jamie growled, his frame tense like he was about to step onto a high wire. “I know what it’s like to hurt yourself because it won’t hurt as much if you do it. I know what it is like to sabotage all relationships you care about because if someone else says they don’t want you when you are actually trying then there won’t be anything else left of you. Ok I know all of that, and I know you do to. But this isn’t only harming you. It’s harming me, it’s harming Ted, it’s harming Roy fucking Kent for gods sake and I shouldn’t care about that but I do,” Jamie turned away as he ranted. Then he just stopped. The tension fell out of his shoulders.

“Jamie come on. I didn’t mean it like that. I need him to hurt like he hurt me,” Rebecca stood up, inching closer to him but still out of reach.

“You don’t. You need to move on. If you don’t stop this, and tell Ted and do everything you can to fix this then I’ll talk to Pep and end my loan,” Jamie whispered. Rebecca felt everything stop. She had thought that no matter what she would have Jamie and Georgie. Rupert took everything from her but those two, particularly Jamie, fought for her. She fought for him.

“You can’t go back there. You were miserable. I was going to, I am going to get you a transfer,” Rebecca reached out and rested her hand on his shoulder. Jamie tensed and after a moment brushed her touch away. Rebecca felt tears well in her eyes as the words she needed to say caught in her throat.

“I want to stay, I don’t want to go back to City and how things were but I will not be a pawn in whatever this is you are doing. Either you stop and come clean or I’m out. I’ll be at the curse fire tonight, you should be too,” Jamie stated, and then he walked away. Maybe forever.

“Like fuck am I pissing off you bellend!” Rebecca was greeted by as she wandered in from the garden. Rupert had heard the bell go when they were both out reading in the garden and had gone to get rid of whoever it was. It was only after five or so minutes had passed that Rebecca went looking for him. He had been adamant that they weren’t spending enough time together and so this weekend was for them even though Georgie had invited Rebecca over for the long weekend. And Rupert was right. He had been so busy with the businesses and the club and she had been so busy with the foundation that they had barely spoken in months. They needed some together time and that’s why it was weird that he hadn’t just slammed the door in the face of whoever was interrupting them. But Rebecca knew that northern twang intimately.

“Jamie?” Rebecca called out, her face twisted into a frown.

“Becca!” he shouted in reply, shoving Rupert out of the way to cross the threshold. Jamie was dressed head to toe in sky blue which probably didn’t help Rupert’s ire at the teen’s spontaneous arrival. “You’re ok? You weren’t answering the phone?” he questioned, grabbing onto her upper arms to pull her into a stiff hug.

“Maybe that was a sign that Rebecca did not want to be disturbed,” Rupert huffed but was surprisingly silenced by the death stare that Jamie sent his way. Rebecca managed to hid her huff off laughter as clearing her throat as Rupert didn’t quite know how to respond to the teenager with an overactive fight response.

“Sorry for worrying you love but I told Georgie that Rupert and I had decided that we were spending too much time on our phones so we decided to do a technology detox for a week,” Rebecca smiled, loosening into the hug.

“But this was supposed to be our weekend, to celebrate my EDS contract,” Jamie pouted. Rupert huffed a laugh and Jamie growled at him in response.

“I know I know. But I’ll see you next weekend?” Rebecca suggested.

“Next weekend we are in Monaco for the Grand Prix Rebecca darling,” Rupert chimed in and reminder her. She always loved going to the motorsport, and was shocked she had forgotten it was next weekend. They truly had been so busy.

“Well I’m not leaving London until we at least have coffee together,” Jamie practically growled and pulled back from the hug. This was so unlike him. Yes Jamie could be rude and abrasive and he had zero brain to mouth filter but he had never been like this with her before.

“There’s no need for that. You should leave Tartt before you say something you regret,” Rupert’s voice finally returned and he stepped out of the still open doorway.

“You can shut right the way up,” Jamie turned and snarled before spinning back round to face Rebecca with a much softer, hurting look on his face. “This is the first time I’ve seen you in a year Becca,” he pleaded. That stopped Rebecca in her tracks. Had it really been a year? They had talked on the phone but had she really not seen Jamie in a year?

“I, shit, I’m so sorry Jamie. I’ve been so busy that time has sped by,” Rebecca rambled.

“And we are still so busy so Rebecca will be in touch when she is next free,” Rupert added, stepping next to Rebecca and resting a hand on her elbow. Jamie’s face fell and he slowly stepped back.

“You need to see what he is doing Becca. He’s trying to keep you from us. Think about the last time you did something that wasn’t with or for him,” Jamie shouted so loud Rebecca was worried the neighbours would think someone was being murdered. Something must be going on with Jamie for him to be so agitated about her cancelling one weekend trip. Their eyes met as Rebecca tried to find some sign of what was up with him. His eyes dropped and he sighed. “I’ll be at that coffee shop we liked every morning this week. Please Rebecca, please come and see me,” and with that Jamie turned on his heels and left.

It would be another year before Rebecca saw Jamie again, and it would be the day that she worked out why he was so worked up that afternoon.

“I’d like to go,” Jamie whispered before he chickened out. He had gone home to scream, pace and panic on his own. Yes he hated Ted Lasso. Yes he hated Roy Kent. Yes he was by far the best player on the team. No he wouldn’t let their lives be ruined.

“Sure,” Ted smiled in a way that would infuriate Jamie if he wasn’t so nervous. He stepped through the crowd around the bin holding the boots in his hands. He couldn’t meet anyone’s eye or he would run. He just had to get this over with, show that he wasn’t all prick, and hope Rebecca didn’t call his bluff.

“Um, these aren’t my first boots or anything. My mum got me into football and raised me all on her own. My mum and dad split up when I was just a sexy little baby. So my mum had to work hard as hell to provide for us both. She always tried to get me new boots as I grew but always had to have them padded out or buying second hand. I worked hard and battled for her, to make her proud. She just wanted me to be happy and if football was what made me happy then football I would do. These boots were the only ones I ever bought new. They were in the sale of course but they fit and they were mine. Someone I really care about,” Jamie was in full flow and it was only at that moment he noticed that Rebecca had arrived. Jamie looked over and smiled at her softly. “Was going through a hard time. I helped her and she helped me and gave me the money for the boots,” Jamie paused and took a deep breath, no one would blame him if he stopped there but he felt the need to keep going and expose his vulnerable underbelly like a scared dog. “My old man started coming around when I got good and he didn’t care if I was having fun or if I was being a good lad. All he wanted was for me to win, called me soft if I didn’t dominate. I hated that, I actually fucking hated that. I vowed to be so tough he couldn’t call me soft ever again. But I’m now realising, looking at these boots again, that in putting up all those walls I forgot about making my mum proud. I forgot that letting someone help you with what you need isn’t a sign of weakness. I wasn’t weak for letting someone else take some of the weight off. It wasn’t soft to offer help to a stranger. So yeah, that’s it,” Jamie tailed off, eyes misting. He stared at the pile of things in the bin and placed the worn and battered pair of boots on the top. “Rebecca?” Jamie steeled herself and looked Rebecca in the eye. Her eyes looked as teary as his did but he could see the uncertainty in her expression. Good.

“Jamie is it alright if?” Rebecca asked at a whisper as they walked past each other. Jamie nods, ignoring the confusion of the other players. They’d get their answer soon enough. Rebecca walked up to the bin and pulled an familiar bundle of sky blue out of her bag. “Sam invited me down with great kindness talking about how the lads aren’t just the team. The team is everyone else here as well and that does mean a lot. I know I haven’t been the most engaged with the team since I took over. I hope this is a start. Um, I wasn’t sure what to bring. Most of the things I have I would be more than happy to burn as they are tainted by Rupert. My whole life has been tainted by Rupert and I have only just really realised that. That is partially my fault and the reason why I dug this out to bring,” Rebecca rambled. Jamie leant round her and it hit him what it was, and he smiled. “Rupert tried to isolate me from people who cared about me. But there was one person who fought for me, who refused to let me push him away. He was a young footballer, immensely talented, and just as cocky,” Rebecca chuckled and Jamie could feel the heat of a blush start at his collar. “I didn’t care for football at all then but he cared so much about everything. I just cared about him when I was so trapped and lonely. He saved me so many times without knowing it. Rupert still has his grip on me but I’ve got to stop blaming him for mistakes I have made. Maybe I can do that by asking for help and letting people worm their way in like that little footballer did all those years ago,” Rebecca was focused on the shirt in her hands, straightening it out. When it opened up it was clear to everyone what it was and the vague noises of disgust only strengthened. Rebecca held worn old Man City shirt with such tenderness that you wouldn’t expect from the owner of a rival team. When she turned it over to refold there was a rumble of mutterings and Sam audibly gasped. Tartt 51 in the blocky deep blue labels on the back plus a little inscription. Everyone started to crowd around and mutter.

“Oh for gods sake you vultures,” Jamie exclaimed, stepping up and lacing his fingers with Rebecca’s. “There’s not enough room for you all to see. It says the first of many, thank you for believing in me, this’ll be worth a mint on ebay when I win the Premier League. Jamie Tartt,” Jamie explained, trying to keep the smile off his face and failing horribly. Rebecca folded it and laid it next to the boots Jamie had sacrificed. Two gifts from two people who meant the world to each other. “No questions, me and Rebecca knew each other when I was a wee lad. She’s my godmum. Are we ready to burn this shit?” Jamie leant into Rebecca’s side. She squeezed his hand gently.

“Thank you,” she whispered so quiet that only he could hear.

“We should do this bit outside!” Beard shouted before Ted got too excited with the matches.

“I’m going to talk with Ted after this, I promise,” Rebecca added and then Jamie’s heart finally settled. They were going to do this, save Richmond.

“I can’t believe we thought you two were fucking,” Isaac laughed as his punched Jamie on the shoulder.

“You thought what?”

Rebecca sat alongside Rupert as the final whistle blew. They had been doing this for long enough now that, even though she didn’t care for football, she knew the exact face to pull and words to say to commiserate the loss with her husband. Ten years it has been and they had definitely had their ups and downs. Unfortunately now was one of the downs and Rebecca would rather be anywhere but arm candy. There was only one saving grace and that was that she was sat in plush sky blue seat and her godson was one of the men in sky blue on the pitch shaking hands with Rupert’s AFC Richmond players. Unfortunately the match was too close, so Jamie did not make it out onto the turf until the full time whistle had blown. But she would make sure that she saw him before Rupert dragged her back down to London again, back to the monotony of the existence of being a trophy wife. “You seem distracted Rebecca,” Maya, one of the sponsors’ wives laughed, resting her hand on Rebecca’s shoulder. It had reached the point where Rebecca didn’t even know which wife matched with which lecherous old man anymore. Rebecca hummed and shrugged dismissively. Maya did not take the blindingly obvious hint that Rebecca did not want to be a part of this conversation. “One of those fit lads down there catch your eye. It better be a greyhound or Rupert’ll have your head,” she cackled and there was a smattering of laughter from the other assembled wives. Rebecca forced a tense smile to her face.

“I mean there is nothing better than watching twenty two sweaty fit young men run around is there?” Rebecca laughed despite her guit roiling with the nausea which that thought brought with it. But it seemed to get Maya off her back specifically as the group descended into discussing which Richmond player they would go for. Rebecca needed to get out of here before their focus turned to the Man City team. Hearing a fifty year old woman’s desire to flirt with a man in his early twenties was bad enough but hearing a fifty year old woman’s desire to flirt with Jamie Tartt who still in her eyes was an adorable pre-teen, horrific. She pulled out her phone to distract herself and quickly texted the man in question.

Rebecca: Sorry I didn’t get to see you play. Free tonight after you’ve been out with the boys?

It didn’t take long to get a reply from Jamie as Rebecca watched the distant figure of the player below pull out his phone.

Jamie: One day Becca. Always got time for you. 7 @ mine?

Rebecca: I’ll see you then Jay xx

Rebecca didn’t bother to tell Rupert where she was going. Ever since Jamie announced himself to Rupert all those years ago and Rebecca far too late wised up to what he was doing to her, Rupert hadn’t blatantly tried to cut off contact between her and the two Tartt’s again. She had even been allowed by him to be maid of honour at Georgie’s wedding to the lovely Simon. The lights were on downstairs in Jamie’s large detached house and Rebecca found herself smiling as she walked up the drive, bottle of very expensive wine in hand. The doorbell ringing cut through the silence of his peaceful neighbourhood. But Jamie didn’t appear. It was just before seven but not so early that Jamie shouldn’t be expecting her. Rebecca rang the doorbell again, concern marring her previous excitement. Before the jingly tune had finished for the second time, the door was inched open. Jamie looked unkempt. His hair had broken free from the gel he used to keep the fly aways down and was falling down over his forehead. His face was flushed and cheeks were burning red. “Jamie is everything alright love?” Rebecca questioned quietly. Jamie’s eyes flickered to the side and slowly he forced a smile to his lips.

“Yeah Becca. Sorry got caught up in the celebrations,” Jamie rambled, his voice one pitch too high and words coming out breathily. “Um, sorry you’ve trekked out her but we could do brunch?” his eyes flickered between hers and the back of the door every couple of seconds.

“I’m not leaving until I know you are alright so either tell me why you don’t want me to come in or let me in Jamie,” Rebecca stated, there was no room for argument in her tone. She held herself at her full height and stared Jamie down. Usually he would stare back with a cocky little smirk and then sass her back in the way that only an estate kid could manage. Today he shrunk under her gaze and the words caught in his throat.

“Junior I told you to get rid of who the fuck would be ringing round!” a croaky harsh voice echoed through the hall behind Jamie. The voice wasn’t instinctively familiar to Rebecca but the twang of Manchester and the tension that seeped off Jamie told her everything she needed to know even if the nickname didn’t. Not many people knew Jamie was a junior. Only one person called him it.

“Jamie, let me in,” Rebecca tried her hardest to keep the anger out of her voice but knew she didn’t succeed when Jamie flinched at her words. Her boy was stood in his doorway, shaking, and there was only one person Rebecca could blame.

“I can’t. I’ll see you for brunch yeah,” Jamie tried to keep his voice light and a weak smile was all Rebecca got before the door was slammed and locked in her face. Rebecca could hear faint voices moving away from the door as she stood there. Her anger simmering. Rebecca had never liked James Tartt but she understood Jamie’s need for him in his life and she understood the value of having both parental figures around for a child. But Jamie looked so scared. Rebecca stood on the doorstep. She was lost. There was a crash from inside, the sound of something shattering. The crash of noise caused a crash of clarity. Rebecca needed to get inside.

Georgie picked up on the third ring. “I need you to tell me if Jamie has a spare key before I break a window,” Rebecca blurted out while she paced, overturning every garden ornament that Jamie owned. Jamie was forgetful, there was no way he didn’t have a spare key hidden.

“He has one for the backdoor in a pair of gardening shoes in the back garden,” Georgie answered almost on reflex at Rebecca’s panic, “why, what’s wrong. I can get a taxi.”

“I’ll sort it George. James is here and Jamie blew me off for him and I’m just worried about him,” Rebecca hurried through into the back garden, only stopping to peer into every window for any sight of the two Tartt men. There was none.

“Oh,” Georgie croaked, the sound of her breath echoing down the line.

“I’ve got him Georgie. I’ll get him to call you,” Rebecca promised, retrieving the key.

“I trust you Becca,” Georgie whispered and hung up. Rebecca stood by the backdoor listening for any sound of movement. As she quietly slid the key into the door, there was a shout and the sound of a door slamming. Rebecca was torn. There was a part of her that wanted James Tartt as far away from Jamie as possible. There was another part of her that really wanted to be the one to remove him from the premises herself, forcefully. She clicked the door open and it opened directly into the kitchen. The kitchen looked like a bombsite. There was broken glass and shards of plates everywhere. “Jamie,” Rebecca called out hesitantly, striding through the debris.

“Go away Becca,” Jamie’s voice was hollow and distant.

“Not while you need me Jay,” Rebecca called out again.

“I don’t need you. I said we’d meet tomorrow,” this time Jamie’s voice increased in intensity as he practically growled in her direction.

“I don’t believe you,” Rebecca stated. She stepped cautiously into the living room but only Jamie awaited her there. He was sat in the centre of his plush light grey settee, the settee he was so proud of when he bought it because it was new and you couldn’t feel any of the springs when you sat on it. That first time, he had sunk into it with a grin but now he was perched and barely sitting on it looking lost and distant. He was cradling his left hand in his lap and even from a distance Rebecca could see the blossoming red mark settling on his jaw.

“Get the fuck out,” Jamie screamed. His breath was hissing frantically through his teeth as his chest rose and fall far faster than it should be. Rebecca didn’t fuck off, Rebecca’s course stayed true heading slowly towards Jamie. “I don’t, get out!” Jamie shouted again. Rebecca found herself approaching Jamie like a feral kitten you had just found round the back of your bins when you were putting them out at dusk on a Monday night. Keep low, keep quiet, don’t flinch or give up if it hisses at you. And the most important one, it is more scared of you than you are of it. Rebecca inched closer and sat down on the end of the settee as soon as it was possible to do so. “Becca please go away,” the fury in Jamie’s voice faded and was now pure pain. “Becca please,” he repeated when she inched forwards. Despite his words Jamie had not moved an inch since Rebecca entered the room. “Please just go I,” he stammered as she pulled him gently into a hug. As soon as his head was resting against her chest and his ear listening to her heartbeat, all of the tension seeped out of Jamie like that was all that was needed for the floodgates to open. “Please Becca,” Jamie begged breathily. Rebecca pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

“I’m not going anywhere Jamie,” she whispered and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Sobs tore through Jamie as Rebecca carried him through the storm of emotions.

“Let me look at you,” Rebecca sighed when the wracking sobs had faded down to just sniffles.

“I’m fine,” Jamie huffed.

“Like fuck you are, give me your hand,” Rebecca scolded gently and it said a lot about Jamie’s mindset that straightaway he passed her his hand, fist tightly closed. She guided his fingers open to reveal a palm full of abrasions and dried blood. “Jamie,” Rebecca sighed, his name dragging as she tried to put all her exasperation into that one word, luckily she was well practiced.

“He started throwing shit,” Jamie whispered, his head still tucked under her chin. “I dodged most of it but he got lucky. Better me hand than me head.” It took every ounce of self-restraint that Rebecca had to not storm out of that door and hang James Tartt from a lamppost by his balls for daring to hurt Jamie.

“We need to get this cleaned up Jay and then we can deal with making sure it never happens again,” Rebecca stated. Jamie’s head shot back to look at her with fearful confusion.

“He’s ma dad?” Jamie questioned, his eyebrows furrowed.

“Yes Jay, even if he’s your dad he’s still not allowed to do this. How often has this been happening?” Rebecca’s frown probably matched Jamie’s in this moment. Jamie shrugged, his head falling back into the comforting spot resting against her collarbone.

“That isn’t exactly a comforting response Jamie,” Rebecca pushed for more details.

“Whenever I play shit or bench warm. He don’t usually throw stuff though,” Jamie whispered.

“Jamie I need you to look at me so I know you are listening,” Jamie slowly blinked and looked up at her.

“No matter how good you play or what you do, that doesn’t give anyone the right to hurt you.”

“But he’s ma dad?” Jamie huffed again.

“No one gets to hurt you,” Rebecca replied in an instant.

“He doesn’t usually throw stuff. Just shouts and shit,” Jamie muttered, his eyes dropping to stare at the floor as his good hand bunched in his hoodie.

“Being shouted at is still hurting you,” Rebecca wouldn’t back down on this but Jamie still wasn’t getting it.

“It’s fine Becca. You don’t need to worry.”

“Unfortunately you don’t get to decide when I worry. I’ll help you Jamie, I don’t know how yet but I am here for you,” Rebecca squeezed his shoulder as Jamie started to shake again. They stayed there, in silence, for a while. But eventually Jamie’s breath evened out and Rebecca could breath again.

It was later that night when Rebecca was laid in bed waiting for Rupert to get back from his important work drinks that her words to Jamie really settled in. “Being shouted at is still hurting you,” Rebecca whispered to herself. And she was right. Jamie didn’t deserve to be treated like that by James. But Rebecca did worry, how could she get Jamie to safety if he didn’t want to be saved. It was mad that Jamie could be hurt like that and still stay with the man that hurt him in that way. Georgie had been so brave to leave an abusive relationship. That thought circled back around again. A relationship doesn’t have to have physical abuse to be abusive. A tear dropped down onto her blanket. A relationship doesn’t have to have physical abuse to be abusive. Jamie wasn’t the only one who deserved to live a safe and happy life. That night was the first time Rebecca turned on the incognito browser and searched for divorce lawyers.

“This is all or nothing for AFC Richmond today here at the Dogtrack. Champions Man City come with nothing to fight for except for pride and a chance for some of their fringe players to prove their worth. Even with that, the draw that Lasso’s Richmond need to avoid relegation is going to be hard to come by.”

Jamie’s leg was bouncing up and down as he listened to the radio commentary through his headphones. He had been thinking about this match ever since he decided to try and help Richmond stay up. There was a chance that they stay up with a loss but a draw at least kept it all in their hands. And Jamie couldn’t be out there. He had spent all week with Beard (which was an experience) running through everything he knew about City’s tactics and the team. Tactics, he could always guess at knowing the senior team like he did but he hadn’t played for City this season. The team however, he knew a lot of the EDS players like the back of his hand. It hurt a little bit telling Beard the few flaws in Paddy’s game but Paddy would forgive him. Or maybe he wouldn’t when the transfer went through in August. Jamie smiled to himself. Eleven million, he was worth more than that but at least Rebecca got a steal. Jamie Tartt was very close to officially being a Richmond star, come hell or high water. Therefore he would really appreciate it if they stayed up. Jamie’s leg started going again.

“It’s going to be a tough game for them Arlo. Since the return of Dani Rojas from injury, Richmond have seemed a more cohesive unit but in this match they are without their prime goal scorer Jamie Tartt.”

“That’s right. With Richmond playing against his home team Tartt is spending the day up in the owners box with nothing else to do but drink champagne and twiddle his thumbs.”

“Fuck off,” Jamie whispered under his breath.

“Who are you telling to fuck off?” Keeley asked. Jamie jumped out of his skin at her voice as she slipped into the seat next to him.

“Commentators,” Jamie grumbled and Keeley huffed her agreement. She handed him a glass of champagne and Jamie nearly threw it on the floor in principle of the whole thing. But you don't waste free alcohol so he sipped it angrily instead, on principle. Keeley settled into the seat next to him, drinking her own glass. Jamie was trying to be better and his relationship with Keeley was one of those things he was trying to be better with. She was right to break up with him and it shattered his heart, and a mug in his kitchen, when he found out she had easily just gotten together with his arch nemesis after they broke up. But he was taking the high ground and being the better person. Being her friend was better than not being in her life at all and if that meant he had to tolerate Roy, then that was a sacrifice that he would make.

"Do you think they'll be able to do it?" Keeley asked, thankfully breaking the awkward silence. 

"I hope so. They've come together as a team in the past few months but this is Man City and they don't have me or Roy. I don't know if yee haw is going to be enough today," Jamie sighed, another gulp of the champagne. 

"You're a ray of positivity today," Keeley huffed. She reached over and squeezed his knee where it was shaking up and down. "I thought you would be happier heading back up north now?" Jamie turned to her slowly with a grin. 

"Becca didn't tell you? I thought Richmond PR would get advance warning. Guess who's soon to be an official Greyhound," Jamie chuckled, bracing himself. And he was correct to do so as Keeley screeched and threw herself on him nearly spilling both of their glasses of champagne. 

"Jamie!" she yelled holding both sides of his face with a matching grin. 

"We've got to wait until the window opens for all the paperwork to go through but the deal is done on principle," Jamie leant into her hug. 

"I should have guessed it would be you two causing trouble," Rebecca chuckled softly as she slid into the free seat the other side of Jamie. 

"Sorry Becca, Keeley's just glad she'll be seeing more of this face about these parts," Jamie smiled. Keeley pecked him on the cheek and untangled herself from him. 

"So am I," Rebecca pecked Jamie on the other cheek. 

Jamie stared at the floor as he sat next to Colin and had his arm wrapped around the trembling Welshman's shoulders. Tensions in the changing room were still high after Jamie's previous behaviour but they knew he was trying to do better. This was Colin's second relegation, and he was not taking it well. Ted's speech was washing over him as he contemplated the year. This was not where he thought his loan would go. He thought that he would have been heading up to the Man City box with all of his goals and assists and asking to be put on the transfer list. Probably eying Arsenal as his best shot for success. But he thought he wouldn't care about this team and their sad little consolation speech. Lasso had broken him. He did care and he was going to get them prompted, whatever it took, not just for himself but for the team. Ted nodded his speech over and people slowly started to move. "Sorry coach can I have the floor for a sec before everyone pisses off?" Jamie called out and Ted looked around confused but nodded. 

"Um, I know I haven't been the best teammate and made some of your lives here hell this last year and yeah I'm sorry for all that. I've been trying to be a better teammate and it really sucks that the year ended this way," Jamie stood up and took Ted's place in front of all of them. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets protectively. His eyes flitted around the room trying to read people's opinions, everyone but Roy because he was not subjecting himself to that. "You all put your heart on the line out there today and should be proud. Man City aren't to be messed with. If they can afford to bench me then their other players must be godly right," Jamie managed a smile at the fondly exasperated chuckles from Ted and some of the team. "I wanted to invite people over to mine tonight. For a little pre-emptive celebration right because like no team with me on it is staying in the Championship for more than a year so we can have a future promotion party," Jamie stated. There was a beat of silence as everyone just stared at Jamie in various degrees of shock. 

"You what mate?" Isaac eventually broke the silence. 

"Turns out my jobs not done here if you'll have me?" Jamie smiled.

"Oh course yes Jamie Tartt, a greyhound for good!" Dani bounded out of his seat and wrapped Jamie in a hug which started a doggy pile including all of the coaches. Everyone but Roy. 

The team started to trickle out promising they would be round at Jamie's soon. Roy and Keeley were the last ones out. Roy hopped on forward on his crutches and Jamie thought he might escape without an altercation with the club captain. Roy stopped next to him and caught Jamie's eye, just for a fleeting moment. "Look after them for me," Roy whispered. "Don't be a stranger," Jamie replied firmly. They both knew this was it. Jamie knew as soon as Roy limped off the field, what he had played with his idol alongside him for the last time. Roy nodded back slowly, and then the interaction was over. Roy was gone. Jamie looked around the empty changing room with a smile, ignoring the twisting of his chest. He tapped the believe sign and then jumped to tap the Tartt sign above his spot. And turned the lights out as he left. But he would be back soon.