Page 57 of Find Me Again

"And I'm guessing you haven't, during that time, and more specifically during the last two hours, watched any TV?" Neil asked in a more serious tone.

Ryan paused. "Should I?"

"Well, I don't think it has made national news yet, but someone spotted us at the airport. Your face isn't visible," Neil hurried to add as Ryan froze, staring at his stir-fry without really seeing it. "It's basically me talking and laughing with a guy."

"Okay," Ryan said slowly, even though he had no idea if it was actually okay, because he wasn't fully processing what was happening. Sure, they'd talked about it at length, but Ryan hadn't expected for them to be caught on camera so soon. "I'm guessing it made news in Georgia, at least?"

"That, and my, uhm, less than stellar response when I was cornered as I was leaving the office."

Ryan had so many questions now, and yet, no real answer.

"How about you send me the link, I watch it, and then we'll talk? Because I don't know what you're trying to say, here."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, and then, "Yeah, that makes sense. I'll send you the link, but call me right after you watch it, okay? Please?"

"I will," Ryan promised, hoping there wasn't anything in that clip that would make him not want to talk to Neil.

Really, really hoping.

They hung up, and when Neil sent him a link ten seconds later, Ryan sat at the kitchen island and clicked play.

On the screen, Neil had gotten cornered by a journalist who seemed to be blocking his way on the front steps of a building—the team's headquarters, most likely. The camera was to the side, so Ryan could see both of them.

"Fans were shocked to hear your statement about being gay," the reporter said without any preamble. "What would you say to them?"

"No comments for now."

As Neil tried to sidestep her, he turned and looked directly into the camera. Ryan could clearly see the realization of being caught on Neil's face, probably accompanied by some internal swearing.

"And what about the mysterious man you were photographed with?" The reporter shoved a photo at him, which Ryan did not appreciate. Neil should have a personal detail if this was how people thought they could treat him. "Any comment on who he is?"

Ryan bit his lip as he watched Neil stare at the photo.

"Who is he?" the reporter insisted.

"A bodyguard," Neil told her, making Ryan's heart clench painfully.

Of course. Of course Neil had said Ryan was a bodyguard. After all, it was a lie without really lying. But why did he think Ryan would like to see it?

Then the reporter's question brought his attention back to the video.

"Were there any threats against you?"

Neil visibly hesitated there for a moment, but then he straightened to his full height and looked back at her, determined.

"He's not my bodyguard. He's much more than that."

Ryan almost dropped the phone. He had to pause the video to get himself together, his heart hammering in his chest and his palms sweaty, because,damn, this was happening.

Neil was actually doing this.

Not only had he come out, he was also telling the world Ryan was an important person in his life.

He rewound the last few seconds of the video and hit play again.

"He's not my bodyguard. He's much more than that."

"A secret boyfriend?" the reporter said.

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