As a footballer, my first touch of the ball was key. Control, timing, dexterity and skill were all needed to ensure I scored.

I figured it wouldn't be dissimilar in a relationship, only even though I was one of Manchester Athletic's star players, I didn't actually know for sure.

I'd never had a girlfriend.
I'd never, you know -scored.

I trained, I joked with my teammates, I helped my mum out with my cousins who she was bringing up. I was studying for a degree, even though it was going to take me years to get it. I hung around at Kitty's café.

The coffee was good, but coffee wasn't my thing.

Kitty was.

And I think she could be the one.

First Touch is a 12,000 word novella in the Manchester Athletic series.