Page 50 of Away Game

“I hate to say this, and correct me if I’m wrong, but after talking to your parents when you were in the hospital, I don’t think it matters what you do. This is totally unprofessional of me, but they seem like assholes. Trust me, I know them when I see them.”

“You’re not wrong, but if they find out, I’ll be cut off. How will I pay for school?” Food and housing, for that matter.

“We can work on getting you a scholarship for next year if you’re worried. I know your grades are good enough.” I must have given him some kind of look because he continued. “I know all my players' grades. I want to make sure everyone can play and that they’re not close to losing any scholarships.”

I smiled at him and admitted. “You’re a good coach. I’m glad I talked to you, but I still don’t know what I’m going to do, though.”

“It’s a big life choice. I don’t expect you to make the decision overnight. Give it time. Talk to your friends and West. I have faith in them.”

It would kill me if Oz no longer wanted to be my friend, but did I want to live the rest of my life unhappy or live a lie? No, I didn’t want that.

“Are you planning on going home for the holidays to be with your family?”

That was a strange question, but I answered anyway. “In all actuality, I wasn’t planning on ever going back. I’ve only heard from my mother the day I moved and my father once I got out of the hospital for him to tell me what a disappointment I am.”

“That sucks, kid, I’m not going to lie. You’re more than welcome to come to my house for Thanksgiving. It might help you to see what your future could look like.”

“Are you not having family over or going to see them?”

“My family disowned me after I got divorced, but now I’ve got a new family. I’ve got Archer, my kids, Kenzie, and my team. I want you to know you can come and talk to me anytime you want. My door is always open. I’ll even give you my cell phone number. I’ve been where you are, and I don’t want to see you unhappy like I was. Don’t waste ten years when you can be happy now. I’ll do whatever I can to help you; all you’ve got to do is ask.”

Placing my elbows on my knees, I let my hands hang down along with my head. I was overwhelmed by all of Coach’s words. I thought West was crazy for asking me to talk to Coach, but now I understood why.

“Thanks for agreeing to talk to me. You’ve given me a lot to think about, but most of all, hope.”

“You’re welcome, Fin. I know the struggle.” Coach got up and went to his desk. He picked up a card and wrote something on it. “This has all my contact info on it. I’m here for you day or night. Except during practice and games.” He chuckled to himself. “Speaking of, I’d like you to still come to both. While you can’t train, you can help Conley and me. The help would be welcome, and hopefully, it will make you still feel like part of the team.” I didn’t really want to help make Conley better. What if he got better than me, and then they didn’t need me next year? “Will I see you at tonight’s game?”

“I’ll be there.”

Coach looked me over. “Wear jeans and a button-down until you can wear your jersey. Did the doctor say how long you’d have to wear your sling?”

“Nope, but I have to go back every week for him to check me out.” Probably another way for him to make sure I wasn’t overdoing it.

“How’s the pain?” he asked, not taking his eyes off my arm.

“Worse after last night, which reminds me. I need to send you this video. Can I AirDrop it to you?”

Coach nodded, pulling out his phone. “Got it. What happened last night?”

“Watch the video,” I said as I started to leave his office. I didn’t want to tell him how they got the jump on me. “Thanks for everything, Coach.”

“Anytime. Good luck, Fin.” He waved as I closed the door.

Taking a deep breath, I headed toward West, who was waiting on me. Today felt like the first day of the rest of my life.

21

West

After Fin askedme if I would drive him back home to get changed for the game, he’d remained silent. I wasn’t sure what I expected to happen after he talked to Coach, but silence wasn’t it. Maybe he’d rage at me for finally having to speak about being gay.

Fin headed upstairs to change while I made myself a protein shake to drink before heading back to the field to warm up for the game. I was chugging my drink when Fin found me in the kitchen with a scowl on his face. His black hair was slicked back and out of his face, and he wore a black button-down shirt to match. He had on the same jeans but changed his shoes to a pair of black tennis shoes that looked brand new.

I couldn’t imagine being able to drop a hundred dollars or more any time I wanted for a new pair of shoes. Looking at him, it was obvious how different we were.

He stood watching me, making me feel a new sense of discomfort for the first time around him. Trying to break the strange feeling, I asked. “Have you heard from Oz?”

“He sent me a text saying he was going straight to the field since he was running behind.” Fin looked over his shoulder. “Shouldn’t you get going as well?”

---