Page 89 of Everything's Better With You
What would Rick Payton think of the player and coach Leslie had become? How would he feel about the choices Leslie made in his career? Leslie often wondered, and knew that he wouldn’t change a thing. Rick had supported Leslie’s decision to come out; it had been one of the last things they’d agreed on before Rick’s condition deteriorated so much he could barely function as father and husband.
Barry found him in the throng of well-wishers and gave him a big hug.
“We did it, Brother Barry,” Leslie said as he hugged him tight.
“Youdid it,” Barry said, pounding on his back. “You did exactly what you said you would and I’m damn glad for it. So is everyone else in this stadium tonight.”
“Well, our baby brothers did a lot to make this happen as well. Make sure to give credit where credit is due.”
“Speaking of,” Barry said, looking around. “The cheerleaders were phenomenal. Regardless of what happens at their competition tomorrow, Joe has more than lived up to your high praise.”
Leslie grinned. “He’s something, isn’t he?”
Barry’s smile faded. “You going to do something about it?”
“I intend to. As soon as we get through with the season, I plan to ask him to move in. Scandal or no scandal, Brother Barry, he and I are going to go public.”
Barry nodded. “I’ll support the two of you. Not sure how your teams will feel, but they’ll get over it. By the way, the board seems to be pleased with his preliminary proposal for the dance degree. They’re a little unsure about his lack of experience in academia, but I’m sure we can work on it.”
“Good, because I’m hoping it’s enough of an incentive.”
“You mean besides settling down with you.”
Leslie smiled but it was pained. Because he was still unsure whether he could ever be enough for Joe to want to stay.
Barry started to speak but they were engulfed with well-wishers and the carrying on lasted for what felt like hours. Then there was press for him to talk to. Sandy led him into the newly reroofed athletic center where there were about twenty reporters waiting for a word from the famous Leslie Payton. But he was distracted by the sounds of the cheerleaders.
Leslie walked to the doorway of the gym and caught the team doing the last phase of their massive pyramid that ended their routine.
Joe stood in front of them with one hip cocked out, his arms crossed in front of him, chewing on his fingernail. When the team hit their final pose, he pumped a fist.
“Excellent. Now, go home, rest, ice, and make sure you’re packed. I ordered breakfast sandwiches from the Buzz for you all. You’ll be great tomorrow.”
Leslie’s chest swelled with pride hearing Joe address his team. Such a good leader, a great coach. He entered the conference room and faced the press with a confident smile.
Sandy dropped Leslie off at 4:45 a.m. in the darkness outside the athletic center with strict instructions to meet them at the convention center by eight. He wanted Joe to have all the support he needed, and Sandy was thrilled to be needed.
Joe was waiting with a thermos.
“Morning.” Leslie smiled broadly, over the moon excited to be Joe’s plus-one even if it was for a cheer competition.
“Hmm, morning, yes. I wouldn’t say a good one.”
“Why not?”
Joe’s dark eyebrows nearly met in the middle with the depth of his scowl. “I forgot how much I loathe these crack-of-dawn bus rides. I made coffee, that’s how much I despise being up this early.”
Leslie laughed, wishing he could pull Joe against him and hold him close, warm the chill he could tell Joe was feeling…but then the kids started trickling in, yawning and dragging their bags.
Joe greeted each one and asked about their sleep, whether they had everything they needed, how they were feeling. He was so thoughtful and engaged with each kid. Once they left him, they had a little more pep in their step and Leslie could tell they wanted to do their best for Joe Judd the coach, not so much Joe Judd the dancer. Joe had told him he worried that some of the kids might only try out for the cheer squad to get in front of him hoping he could help their career or so they could say they danced with Joe Judd. That was absolutely not the case anymore.
The bus arrived and Leslie stood back while Joe made sure all of the kids got on the bus with all of their things and then he turned to Leslie.
“You ready for this?” Joe asked from the door of the bus.
Yeah, he was asking whether Leslie was ready to get on the bus and drive two-plus hours in the frigid fall morning, but Leslie wanted to believe Joe was asking him if he was ready to take his hand, take the leap, and ride off into the sunset together, spending their happily ever after as one.
“I’m so ready.”
