Page 111 of Game Changer
Scott rolled his eyes. “Fine. Make fun of me.”
Kip laughed again and kicked Scott under the table. But he stopped laughing when he realized there was really nothing funny about Scott’s closeted life. It was sad that he was nervous about going to a gay bar. That he had never gone out with a group of supportive friends, or enjoyed flirting with a cute server.
He decided to try something even though he knew it wouldn’t work.
“I know all the reasons why you’ll say no,” he said, “but you should think about coming out with us tonight.”
“Oh. No, I—”
“I know. But going to a gay bar doesn’t mean you’re gay. It’s just a group of friends at a bar. It’s no big deal. It’s not like we’re going to be grinding into each other on a dance floor or anything.”
Scott seemed to consider it, but then shook his head. “Your friends would be wondering what I’m doing there. I mean, Elena knows, but...”
Kip deflated a little. Scott was right. Elena was one thing, but the others...
Scott would cause a commotion in the Kingfisher, even if everyone believed he was a straight guy hanging out with his gay friend. Even if no one knew who he was, he would attract a lot of attention. He kind of stood out.
“Well,” Kip said, “if you change your mind, I’ll text you the address of the bar.”
Scott looked like he was about to say something, but they were interrupted by two men who had approached their table, looking very excited.
“Hey! Scott Hunter!”
“Hello?” Scott asked.
“Holy shit! It’s you, right?” One of the men held out his hand. Scott gave a small smile and shook it.
“I’m a huge fan,” the man continued. “My opinion? You’re taking us to the cup this year. All the way!”
“I share your opinion,” Scott said, smiling politely at him.
The second man spoke. “Can we get a picture?”
“Sure,” Scott said, standing up. “No problem.” He gave Kip an apologetic glance, but Kip just waved his hand. He was actually enjoying this.
“Would you...?” the second man said, handing Kip his phone.
“Oh, sure. Of course.” Kip stood up so he could take their picture. Scott threw an arm around each of the men and they all smiled at Kip.
“Thanks, Scott!” the first man said. “You’re first-class, man. Lookin’ forward to seeing you hoist that cup for us. Enjoy your lunch, all right?”
“Thank you,” Scott said.
The men left and Kip grinned at Scott. “That was nice.”
“That was fine,” Scott said. “Sometimes it’s not so fine.” His eyes darted around the restaurant. “We should probably get going soon. It always starts with one and ends with a mob.”
They didn’t talk on the way back to Scott’s place. Scott’s jaw was clenched the way it always was when he was worried about something, and Kip knew exactly what was bothering him.
He hates that people saw us together.
Kip shoved his hands in his jacket pockets, and walked quickly to keep up with Scott’s long strides.
* * *
Scott was nervous. They were sitting on his couch, Kip stretched out at the opposite end with his feet in Scott’s lap. He was replying to a birthday message from his sister. Scott waited until he was done.
“So, um,” Scott started, “I, uh... I have a birthday present for you.”
