Offside at Low Tide

The start of something. "So what the hell are you planning now?" "What exactly am I meant to do with what, Grant?" "Your career, maybe?" - He said dryly. - "My phone keeps blowing up and you still haven't decided anything." "Maybe that's because I still don't have an answer." - I shrugged. "Harry Styles..." - He sighed, dragging a hand over his face in frustration. "I don't know, alright? Drop it." "But just hear me out. Your contract's about to end. You need to renew it! They're even throwing 10 million more at you to sign with them again!" "It isn't about the money." "Then what is it, huh? This is your team, Harry Styles!" - He shouted, pushing up from the couch while waving his arms around. "But what if I'm just sick and tired of them? What if I wanna sign somewhere else, huh?" "You want to leave Manchester united? Have you lost your fucking mind?! Those people trained you! You grew up there, you were practically born into that team! The fans expect you to stay in Manchester until you retire! You don't get to just walk off like that, you're the best fucking player out there!" "And maybe I need some distance from them!" - I shouted even louder at him. Grant let out a sigh. "Then what the hell is it you want, then? I could get you signed with almost any other team, everybody will want you once they know you're available. Where do you want to play?" "I don't know, I could end up anywhere. France, Italy, maybe even Brazil." "And you won't regret it?" "I don't know... just don't tell anybody yet. I'll take some real time to sort it out." "But you've got to commit for next season now, we don't have time to wait." "We've still got four months before next season. Till then... I'll think. Maybe I'll even take a vacation." "On vacation? Are you fucking with me, Harry Styles?" "Nope. I need some time off. I told you." "I'm not waiting four months for you to decide, and neither are they." "Fine, then I'll give you an answer around this time next month. Does that work?" "Okay, yeah. But that's your last chance, and if you still haven't decided by then, I'm renewing your Manchester contract for another two years." "Fair enough." - I grinned. - "Now can you be a decent friend and book me a flight?" Grant sighed and nodded, pulling the laptop off the table and sitting beside me. "I'm not sure I even want to stay friends with you anymore." - He rolled his eyes. - "You're way too damn spoiled, Benny." I just shrugged. "Just book me a flight and be quiet." "Where to?" "Somewhere people have absolutely no idea who I am. Over in the States, people aren't nearly as into football, right?" "Right. They call it soccer over there, for fuck's sake." I let out a laugh. "Okay, then yeah. Just find a city where I can unwind and relax, yeah?" "Somewhere by the beach is alright?" "Yeah, that'd be great." "Okay, I've got the perfect place." "Yeah?" "A small place by the beach in Oregon. The population's under a thousand people." "That sounds nice. Yeah, I'd like that." "Should I look for a hotel too?" "No. Let's keep it low-key. Rent an apartment or something not too fancy. I'd love to stay unnoticed." Grant lifted his gaze toward me, brows knit. "What happened to my friend? You are not Harry Styles." I let out a laugh. "Yeah, I am. I just need a little break from, you know... being the world's best football player." - I mocked. "Fine. I'll get you somewhere to stay and a normal car too. Does that work?" "That's perfect." - I smiled. "And I'm guessing you won't need security either." "Nope. Nobody will know I'm there. Only you. And you are not allowed to tell a single soul, or I'm firing you." - I smiled as he let out a huff. "I really hate you." "Yeah, well..." - I shrugged. - "So, are we settled?" "Yes." "So when am I leaving?" "Tomorrow morning, now go pack your toothbrush."