It was finally Wednesday. Alice couldn't wait to see Nibby again. They'd spent the better part of the day before exchanging emails of what they were going to do and had agreed that Nibby would invite certain people for the after game drink to talk some business about the team. It had to be those he trusted and whom he thought wanted to take the direction of the team in. The same direction she wanted; to win at all costs. To hell with the motto that purported that winning wasn't everything. It was and those three points were all important if they were to rise through the ranks. "Whatta load of sh**t peddlers running this thing," she'd thought to herself. They were going to get recognition all the way around as far as she was concerned.
She made sure that Ted, the other co-manager wasn't invited. She loathed him because he didn't share her view and she thought his views were dangerous. He was well respected and she had to do everything in her power to discredit him. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to think everyone should have a go at the ball irregardless of their skills on the field. She made her decision as to what she was going to do to him when he had told her the Sunday previous that that was what it was all about. It wasn't. The three points they stood to gain from winning was far more important. She was going to destroy that bastard. And who best to do it through, but Nibby.
In one of her emails to His Royal Nibbs, she wrote,
"Nibby, I think we shouldn't invite everyone to come talk about the Ironmongers. Only those you think want to win. That they're not just playing for the sake of playing. I don't think it's a good idea to let Ted know what we're doing. At least right now. I know he'd put his two cents worth in and it wouldn't be what we want for the team. He seems to have this silly notion that winning isn't everything and really, we're out there representing our parent team. If that's how we thought, we'd really look fools especially to those second rate teams who's real teams aren't even good enough to even play Blackhorse in the league. Let me know what your thoughts are on this?"She wanted to make it look like he was in charge. That he had the final decision. But with Ted in the picture, he could be a detriment. She had to sway Nibby from thinking that two managers were necessary. He wrote back and while he hadn't thought that way, she put up a good argument to exclude Ted from the discussion for fear he might protest. He wanted to know Ted's position a bit better before he would include, if he would include, him in any discussions with respect to who played and who didn't.
"Alice, I think you could be right and maybe we shouldn't take any chances right now upsetting the apple cart. I think we should keep the circle quite tight. I've decided that we should only invite Scotty whom I've let be captain, Gary, Pauly and maybe Lester. The group is small enough so we can have a good chat and then maybe a bit later we can nip away alone and discuss it further in depth."Excellent Alice thought. No Minnie and no Ted. "Why the hell were they ever allowed to be involved in the first place," she thought. When 5:00 arrived, she slipped out of work unnoticed. She knew her boss had some extra work for her but she didn't want to stick around. She had to get ready. Ready for the game and ready for Nibby.
She rushed home as quickly as she could once she got off the bus so that she could freshen up and change before the game. She decided with that many people, she'd opt for a casual look. Finding a pair of khaki army-styled pants and a tight black ribbed T, she quickly eased into them also slipping on a light black coat. Once her make-up and bosom were just right, she grabbed a small purse and back out the door, she rushed to the stop that would take her to Blackhorse.
Alice hated where the grounds were especially in the twilight. Those immigrants who'd moved to the neighbourhood her beloved team played in gave her the hebby-jeevies and once off the bus, she walked as quickly as she could to the grounds. As far as she was concerned, they had no right to be there in the first place, let alone benefit off the economic spinoff the team brought to the immediate area. Feeling a bit safe when she met up with other supporters, she tagged along within the group. They may have been strangers, but at least they were going in her direction.
Into the grounds, she found her seat and eagerly awaited the start of the game. This should be an easy win for Blackhorse albeit competitive. City hadn't won a game in their stadium for many seasons. She looked around to see if she could see anyone she knew. Alice hoped she could spot a glance at Nibby but she couldn't see any familiar faces other than the couple who sat next to her that wouldn't speak to her.
The game was a charged one. Blackhorse barely squeaked by taking a goal in the last five minutes of the game. Pumped on adrenalin, she exited the grounds with the rest of the bubbling crowd. Everyone was on a high. Once out front, she saw Nibby and the guys he had invited were all ready gathered in a circle of chatter. They were all talking enthusiastically about the great conquer by Blackhorse.
"Come on guys, let's head to the pub and celebrate!" Nibby said with pride in his voice. They all headed in the direction of the pub, through the streets and through the park barely taking breaths in between their wild chatter. Alice quietly followed and was glad to be on the other side of the park. She was glad to be walking with them. Boisterously entering the pub, they headed to their table. Putting their orders in, they noticed that the pub was beginning to fill up with other supporters all as excited as they were.
After they'd belted down a couple, Nibby changed the subject. "Let's get down to the business at hand here."
Rendevous of the Minds (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
Explore The Characters In Their Natural Form!
Thanks Tripod
