Page 14 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“Lower your voice.” Zeppelin crowded in beside Tanner. “Cedarwood isn’t cool with gays. I’d come out, but I don’t want to lose my job.”

“They can’t fire you for being gay.” If he proved he’d lost his knack at the game, then yes, he could be removed, but not for his sexuality. Besides, he hadn’t pegged Zeppelin as being gay.

“They can trade us.”

“If you’re playing well and getting along with the others on the team, then there’s no issue.” He inched away from Zeppelin and finished washing himself. He dunked his head under the spray again. If Zeppelin was so worried about anyone hearing him, then why the hell was he standing so damn close? “No one has to know either one of us is gay.”

“So you’re fine with everyone knowing you’re gay?” Zeppelin asked.

“I don’t care who knows.” He washed his hair. “If you’re trying to get me to say I’m gay, save your breath. I am and I’m proud. I don’t make a big deal about being open, but I won’t lie.”

“You’re so popular.” Zeppelin shrank away from him. “I don’t understand.”

“You can’t be a favorite and be gay?” Tanner snorted. “I need to focus. I’m here for the team, not to get a date.” He rinsed the suds from his hair. “Happy showering.” He stepped under the showerhead once more, then turned the water off and grabbed his towel.

“Wait.” Zeppelin hurried through the rest of his shower.

Tanner strode back to his locker and donned a fresh T-shirt then stepped into clean boxer briefs. He draped the towel over the bench. He wasn’t in the mood to talk to Zeppelin. Why discuss his sexuality? If Zeppelin didn’t want a date and wasn’t trying to warn him, then what was the big deal? He withdrew his phone from his locker and checked the player app. Someone had logged in. Good. He hoped Dane had watched him practice.

“So you don’t want to club?” Zeppelin asked. “We’d make a great duo.”

“Maybe.” Tanner put on a pair of jeans. “I need to get moving. I’ve got laundry to do when I get home.”

“You’re a tough nut to crack.” Zeppelin stood beside him, clothed only in the towel. “How can I play alongside you and trust you have my back on the field if you can’t tell me the truth?”

“About what?” He donned his socks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m trying to get into a rhythm with the team. After my first game, we can discuss the club thing again.” He stepped into his shoes then stuffed his phone and wallet into his bag. “You know, I almost thought you were trying to get me to say something about coming out in front of everyone. The way you asked your questions and got so pushy, I’d think you don’t want gay people on the team. I’m told Cedarwood can be less than welcoming to the LGBT community, but I’m not worried.” He’d heard the rumors of threats and violence but ignored them. He wasn’t causing anyone trouble and wasn’t doing anything wrong. Hell, he wasn’twithanyone.

“I’m hurt.” Zeppelin remained in his towel. The terrycloth separated, giving glimpses of his dick. “I thought you were different.”

“Me?” He shook his head. “No.”

“I had to ask. Being a hot player—one popular with the ladies—and to make a big deal about coming here, it makes the coalition happy. They want our team to be straight. You being so good with the ladies makes it seem like you’re not gay.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Tanner shook his head and picked up his bag. “I’m not out to reveal anyone’s secret or date anyone from the team. I want to play ball. Whether I prefer dick or pussy isn’t important, but I am gay. So what?”

“Just remember you’re here for baseball.” Zeppelin folded his arms. “Oh, and I’m not actually gay. I lied to test you.”

“That’s fucked up,” Tanner spat. “You came on to me.”

“I just…it’s a test. I needed to know I can trust you.” Zeppelin shrugged but didn’t otherwise move.

“If you’re not gay, then you be the special one that the coalition can hold up as an example. Let me play ball. I can handle myself,” Tanner said. “Okay?”

“Cool.”

Tanner suppressed his irritation. He had to speak to Devlin and his head coach, Skipper. After the confusing conversation with Zeppelin, he wanted to know what he was up against with the coalition. The group of people wanting to rid the town of Cedarwood of gays was fucked in the head. Who cared if he sucked dick as long as he did his job? “I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m set to start in left field for the first game of the double-header.”

“Nice.” Zeppelin waved but didn’t look Tanner in the eye. “Just remember what I said.”

He’d never forget it. He left the locker room and headed straight to Devlin’s office. He knocked twice before nudging door. Devlin claimed he had an open-door policy. Instead of sitting at his desk, Devlin stood between a pair of legs in front of the desk. Tanner cleared his throat. He shouldn’t have barged in, but if anyone else caught Devlin and friend, they might not be so nice.

Devlin froze. The hands and legs around him stilled.

“We’ve been caught,” the man with Devlin said.

Tanner knew the voice—Dr. Raji, the team doctor. He didn’t care if Devlin screwed the doctor, but they probably shouldn’t be getting close at the stadium.

“Sorry.” Devlin detangled from Raji and stood beside him. “That was unprofessional.”

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