Page 8 of Serve
“Have you forgotten how much your career has done for you? Look at this house, and everything in it. You’ve been on the cover of magazines, for crying out loud. Damn, I hate it when you feel sorry for yourself.” Aunt Dixie didn’t mince words, no matter who it was.
“I know, I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t have to deal with this.” Tyler smiled. “At least they can’t publish a picture of me looking like this. Those assholes would kill for a picture of me all beat up.”
“You look great.” Chip murmured.
His Aunt took a swig of her beer, then burped.
“Bless your heart, Chip.”
“You are acting like a teenage girl, Chip. What the hell is wrong with you?” They’d put Tyler to bed, and now Aunt Dixie was on her third beer, her tongue loosening with each sip.
“Nothing, why do you keep asking that?”
The older woman giggled and shook her head. “Just ignore me, child. I’m enjoying my buzz, that’s all.”
“Aunt Dixie, why’s he so worried about the press? I thought famous people liked being in the news all the time?”
“It’s not that simple. He’s got a lot going on, and after you’ve been in the spotlight for a long time, it gets to be a pain in the ass.” She shook her head, thinking the same thing Chip was, but feeling the need to defend her employer.
“But it’s just a car wreck. If anything, the story of a famous guy nearly killing himself to save a dog is great… what’s the word... publicity?” Chip knew none of this was his business, but he was curious about Tyler. He wanted to know what made him tick.
“Sugar, I can’t speak for him. The main thing is, he doesn’t want people to know he’s seeing a shrink. I get that, because people will make stupid shit up about it. Also, he’s…” She pressed her lips together and looked at the ceiling.
“What is it? He’s got the perfect life. Money, fame, trophies, I mean, what the hell could be wrong?” He persisted.
“Are you blind, Chip? He’s gay, and afraid to come out.” She slammed her empty beer bottle on the table and stood up.
“Why? I didn’t think it was such a big deal anymore.”
“He’s thirty years old. When he started out, your career could be ruined if they found out you were gay, especially if you were a male athlete. He was given really bad advice over the years about it, especially from that son of a bitch coach of his, Scott. You see, when people look at Tyler, all they see are dollar signs. Scott depended on Tyler to get paid. He told him he’d ruin his career and lose millions of dollars if he was honest. Maybe that was true ten years ago, but not anymore.” Her voice grew softer. It was obvious to Chip how much his aunt cared for Tyler.
“He should just come out then.” Chip saw the issue in black and white, couldn’t understand what was holding Tyler back. He’d only just met him, but hated seeing him in such pain. Dixie patted his head and walked over to the floor to ceiling windows. The sky was clear, and the moon shone bright over the yard. Chip saw a tennis court and a swimming pool shimmering under the silvery light.
“Honey, the man has had so little love in his life, the thought of sacrificing the adoration of his fans to be true to himself is horrifying. He wants to, I know he does. But, I really don’t think he will.”
“Why not?”
“Love. He’s just like you and me, sugar. He wants love, and until he finds it, he’s going to stay alone and afraid. Damn it, I miss Sue.” She held out her hand for Chip. He stood up from the couch.
“Do we need to check on him? I thought people with concussions weren’t supposed to sleep?” Dixie asked.
“That’s not true, anymore. It’s not a serious concussion, and other than that it’s just bruised ribs and muscle soreness. Sleep actually helps concussion patients recover faster.” Chip replied. Dixie nodded her head.
“Let’s go to bed. Guest rooms are upstairs.” She pulled him forward a few feet, then he stopped.
“What is it Chip?” She looked at him perplexed.
“Nothing, I’m sorry. Just…” He shook his head, and allowed her to lead him upstairs.
Chapter Five
Tyler
“Would you like me to give a statement to the press? I will, but it will only fuel speculation if you don’t appear yourself.” Sania stated, a flicker of annoyance noticeable in her dark eyes. Tyler was thankful for her presence, even if she was being testy. She’d flown into town the morning after the accident. He was operating on little sleep, and was unsure of his words.
“No, Sania, I agree with you. I think the whole thing is stupid though. They won’t ask about the accident, or if they do, it will be minimal. It’s going to be about the retirement issue.” He sighed, wanting to disappear, and never address the issue at all. If he wanted to play, couldn’t he just show up at a tournament with his racket?
“Yes, and you need to be prepared. The time has come for you to decide. Are you going to resume playing, or will you move on to other things?” She’d taken over his home office, and he was uncomfortable sitting on the wrong side of his desk. He didn’t have an answer yet, but knew the moment had come.
