Tasty AF

Chapter 1

Tom

It’s not how it was supposed to be, but then I’ve made a habit of living up to that. Casting my eyes around the large hall, packed with people who all showed up for me, I can’t help but think that I at least did something right when I moved here from Scotland.

“Here’s to you, bro,” says Eddie, my best friend and teammate, as he claps me hard on the back before handing me a Jack Daniels. “Won’t be the same without you, man.”

I take the drink and knock back a good few mouthfuls, letting Eddie’s words sink in as the alcohol works its way into my system. It’s a party after all – my party – and I’m going to make the most of it.

When I came to the States, I never would’ve thought it would’ve ended up with me retiring at twenty-nine. But then, the lifespan of a pro athlete is never guaranteed. While the injury I sustained has been fixed, retirement is the only option if I’m to finish at my best. Not that I did that after six months on the bench.

As a kid with the athletic build and capabilities of those almost twice my age, I was always destined to be on the field. According to my father, this should’ve been the rugby pitch but, in true Tom McKenzie style, I went another way.

Football, or American football as they call it back home, isn’t the most obvious choice for someone with my skills and talent, but I’ve never been one to do what was expected of me. I wanted something different, something more. And when I was signed to the Vegas Raiders, I got it.

It’s a very different life from the one I would have had in Scotland. Like the football pitch, Nevada isn’t a natural choice for a Scottish lad – we’re made for the wind and the rain. But I’m no ordinary Scot, I guess. Since being here I’ve made the most of what it has to offer, from the weather to the nightlife. Then there are the women, of course.

Last, but definitely not least, there’s Inferno. That’s not something I’d be willing to give up, for sure. Before getting here, I never would have believed such a place existed, but I know better now – and hell, I’m glad I do.

Amongst the crowd, there are plenty of my fellow Inferno members. Between us all, there could be secrets enough to write a book or two, but that’ll never be the case. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. And what happens at Inferno…well, that never even happened.

“Everyone showed for you, man,” says Eddie, looking around at our teammates.

Though I’m not in the mood for celebrating as such, it’s still nice to know that these guys have my back. It almost kills me that we won’t be on the pitch again together, but I can’t focus on that now.

After being benched following my knee injury, I had plenty of time to get used to the fact I might never play again. Not professionally at least. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but I can’t let this setback take control of me – that’s not who I am.

Nevertheless, it’s not been easy, figuring out what comes next. I’ve already made the hardest choice and decided to retire, but that doesn’t mean it’s over – far from it. Now I have to work out what to do with my future.

It’s a strange kind of limbo and not something I’m used to. I’ve always known what I wanted, what to aim for. Now, I have no clue. It’s like I’m too young to be done but too old to start over.

Tonight I can’t let that get to me, though. These guys have organized an amazing retirement party for me. They’ve turned up, brought gifts, and have nothing but good things to say to me. I can at least be grateful for that.

“Well, better do the rounds,” I say, throwing back the rest of my drink before picking another one up from a server who is standing nearby. The booze is doing the trick, and I’m starting to feel the buzz, glad to be among the people that have welcomed me here in the states.

From across the room, I spot Katie and make my way over to her. As Eddie’s sister, I know her fairly well. There have been plenty of parties, BBQs, and fixtures where we’ve spent time together.

It’s as if she spots me before I even get to her as she looks up from the empty glasses that she seems to be collecting. Her dark curls fall over her bare shoulders and the cream strapless dress she’s wearing makes her dark skin almost glow.

“Here he is, the man of the moment,” she says, her smile dazzling as usual.

“Not many moments under the spotlight anymore,” I reply with a wry smile.

“Oh, come on, now. Not many things can keep Tom McKenzie down, surely? You’ll be okay.”

“Well, I’ve got my people, anyway. That counts for something.”

She smiles, and her head tilts to the side. “Sure does.”

“You working or something?” I ask, gesturing to the glasses she’s carrying. I know she’s not, of course, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have some fun.

“Force of habit,” she says. “Somebody’s got to keep things going, right?”

“Plenty of bartenders here tonight, but I’m sure you’re needed.” I smile. She narrows her eyes and tries not to smile back, but I can see she’s struggling not to.

“I’m always needed,” she replies. “Just ask my brother.”

“Yeah, he has mentioned it a few times,” I say, feigning seriousness. “Always one in the family that thinks they run the show.”

“Now, you had better be making this up,” she says. “Or I’ll be having some serious words with him.”

“As if I would lie to you! And especially about my best friend Eddie.”

She puts the glasses down on the table beside her, making sure they’re neatly stacked together. Then she calls a server who comes straight over and collects them, loading them onto a tray.

“Well, you never know with my brother. He might be the oldest, but that doesn’t always mean they have their heads screwed on the tightest,” she says.

“I’ll make sure to let him know.”

“Don’t you dare. It might be your party, but that’s an order!”

I look down at her, almost a foot shorter than me, and wonder where all that confidence comes from. It’s almost infectious. She’s so different from her goofball big brother.

“Well, like you say, it’s my party and I can give orders, too. And I’m ordering you to have a good time,” I say.

She laughs, and I join her. She’s always so easy to be around, even though there’s that little spark of competitiveness between us. She’s friendly and sweet but certainly no pushover, and I like that.

“Well, in that case, I suppose I better do as I’m told. For once.”

“Best do, and there’s a first time for everything,” I reply, raising my glass as if to celebrate this.

“You really are something,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I will do exactly as you say, Mr. McKenzie, sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to powder my nose.”

“But of course,” I tease. “Don’t be too long. Fun, remember!”

She taps me jokingly on the arm. “Fun,” she says, before smiling and leaving.

She walks away. It’s only when Cristoff, one of the Inferno guys, sidles up to me and begins to talk that I realize I’m staring after her, his voice almost taking me by surprise.

“I didn’t realize you had a girlfriend,” he says, getting a good look himself as she struts towards the door.

I laugh, wondering if it sounds sincere. I take a sip of my drink, then another for good measure. There’s no doubt about it, Katie is an attractive girl, but she’s the sister of my best friend.

“I don’t,” I reply.

She’ll never be a girlfriend.