Page 62 of Hidden Plays
“Yeah? What’s that?” If he’d spoken to Mom and Dad, it must be something football-related. Dad especially wanted to be informed of any developments regarding my NFL career.
“I’ve been hunting around for a good agent for you. It’s about time you got one, since you’ll be going into the draft in the spring.”
“Did Dad put you up to this?” My chest swelled. How manyinterested agents had he found? Surely more than one with the stats I’d had at ASU.
“No, actually, your mother asked for my help.” He chuckled. “She’s a football mom through and through. You know she watched all my games too.”
I knew that. But Dad should have reached out too. Oh well. “Okay, so who’ve we got?” I closed my laptop. Studying could come later.
“A guy named Henry Cowden. He’s worked with some of the top players in the NFL. He likes what he sees, JJ. I’m sure he’ll help you get a great contract.”
“Any idea of where he sees me playing?” Fuck, I’d probably be leaving Arizona. How should I approach this with Holden? I clutched my T-shirt over my chest. It was too soon to think about. A lot could happen in six months.
“It all depends on how the NFL season goes, you know that.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t be disappointed if the Niners gave you a contract, though.”
That wouldn’t be so bad. “Or what about the Cardinals?” They were building a powerhouse after some poor seasons. I glanced at my laptop and set it on the coffee table. I was useless today for studying.
“They’ve never been to a Super Bowl. Wouldn’t you prefer to be on a team that’s been there?” he asked.
“True, but it’s been a long time since the Niners were there too. I don’t care where I go, as long as the team understands my uh, you know.”
“Your sexuality? Of course. The Niners would. The Cardinals would too.” His breath snagged. “Henry knows all about it, so you don’t have to tell him.”
“Good.” I pursed my lips. “I want to be out when I play. No hiding.” I’d made this decision back when I’d come out in high school. I’d never hide again.
“Henry understands.” He paused. “He’s uh, he’s got a gay son, so when I say he understands, I mean it.”
Shit, was that the reason he picked this guy? “Okay. Good.” With a nod, I exhaled. “When should I expect a meeting?”
“He’ll call you in the next day or so and set something up. I’ll send you his contact information, so you don’t think it’s a spam call.” He freed a quick chuckle.
“Okay, thanks, Uncle Brian. I really appreciate it.” He was such a good guy. Warmth pumped through my heart. Everyone in Mom’s family was good people.
“You’re welcome. Now go enjoy a great season.”
“I will. Talk to you soon. Bye.” I chewed my lower lip. I should inform Holden after I settled this.
“Bye.” He ended the call.
The door to the garage opened, and Casey strolled into the kitchen. “Hey, JJ, who are you talking to?” A wide smile played on his lips. “Your new boyfriend?” Throwing his backpack onto the kitchen island, he bounded into the room and fell in beside me, his lashes fluttering. “I saw you two making lovey-dovey eyes at practice today.”
I bumped my shoulder into his. “No, we weren’t. We were strictly professional on the field.” Warmth rose in my cheeks. “Besides, even if we were, only you and the guys would notice because you’re aware of it.”
“Yeah, maybe.” He straightened. “Now that it’s just you and me, tell me the real scoop.”
“What real scoop?” I peeked at him. He was my best friend in the house. I could confide in him, right?
“You know, like how the hell did you transition from hating the guy to falling in love with him?” He lifted his brows. “Come on, Matthews, and how did you get a guy like that to switch teams?”
With a sputtering laugh, I shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know. He grew on me.” I glanced at my phone resting on the table. “And I’m not…” Should I lie about this? No. “Yeah, I’m in love with him.” I’d said it out loud, holy shit. It was real now.
“I knew it.” He slapped my thigh, and his face went slack. “Do you plan on telling Cooper about Holden?”
I stared at his hand, still on my thigh. “No, why does it matter? He’s all wrapped up in Myles.”
“Like it or not, JJ, he’s still one of us. Just because he lives with a bunch of weird hockey players doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to him.” Lines formed between his brows. “Don’t you think he’d be happy for you?”
“Yeah…” Did I care though? I tilted my head, pinching my lips together. “It’s up to Holden. He’s not ready to come out to everyone on the team.”
