The Beautiful Game –––––––– IT IS THEIR FIRST SUMMER TOGETHER. ‘Let’s go play football.’ ‘You mean soccer, right?’ Pippa asks, just to confirm they are on the same page; in case he is referring to Australian football, or worse, rugby league. Joshua nods, and she says, ‘Sure.’ They go back to Joshua’s apartment so he can change into his Azzurri jersey. Not having the required sports attire, she wears her Rugby Union Jersey. The Italian teasingly says, ‘Are you asking to be lynched at the park?’ She playfully punches him. ‘You’re there to defend me.’ Pippa is surprised to see how full the park is and that everyone there all seems to know him. She loses count of kids who call him Uncle. ‘Joshua, for someone who’s an only child, you sure have a lot of nephews and nieces.’ ‘They’re my

