Page 10 of Hidden Plays
Arden sat typing at our dinette, a garage sale find with black legs and a dark wooden top. “Hey.”
“Hey.” I dropped my backpack on the kitchen island and took the chair opposite him. What would he think about this shit with JJ? Fuck, he’d find it hilarious. “Guess what?”
“What.” He stopped typing and lifted his gaze toward me, his brows raising.
“The asshole wide receiver I told you about?” I rested my forearms on the table, a smirk spreading over my lips. Should I tell him about this? Why not? He could keep a secret.
“Yeah?” He picked up a glass of water from next to his laptop and sipped it.
“Our offensive coordinator suggested I have lunch with him to understand him better, so I did.” I inhaled. “In order to gain his trust, I have to go to the gay bar with him.”
Spraying water across the table, Arden said, “What?” He broke out in a fit of laughter. “Dude, you’re not gay, so why the fuck would you agree to that?”
“He somehow thinks I’m homophobic and wants me to prove to him I’m not.” I’d already told Arden all about what had happened in high school. I shifted. When would JJ want me at the gay bar with him?
Arden balked. “You’re not homophobic, are you?” He cocked his head, eyeing me. “You seem to get along just fine with Justin.”
“I know.” Justin was a gay man in our classes. I twisted my lips. “But I think in JJ’s twisted mind, me not passing to him in high school was because of him being gay. He accused me of sabotaging his high school career.” My gut tensed. How could anyone who knew me suspect me of that? JJ never really knew me. “He came out to his dad the summer before that football season. I guess it didn’t go well.” It all fell into place now. Maybe all his bravado was an attempt to be seen by his father.
“Do you really think going to a gay bar is going to mend things between you?” Arden peered at me and closed his laptop.
“I don’t know, but I guess it’s worth a shot.” I glanced at his open book. “How’s the women’s soccer team?” He worked as a student trainer for them.
“Great. What’s not to love about a bunch of sweaty women?” He smirked. “I’ve found that some of them aren’t gay.”
“You can’t date a player, can you?” I hooked a brow. I never researched it, actually. Was it policy?
“I don’t see why not. It’s not like I’m their coach. And besides, no one has to know.” He lifted the corner of his lips.
“I see how you are.” With a snicker, I shook my head. He was always on the prowl. “Anyway, wish me luck with JJ. He’ll be a tough nut to crack.”
“I can’t believe you agreed to go with him to a gay bar.” His shoulders shook as he laughed, and he rubbed his eyes.
THREE
JORDAN (JJ)
Glaring at Cooper’s backside, I stomped into the weight room behind him and Eli, chatting away like besties. They’d been getting along well lately. But as much as I hated to admit it, Cooper was a decent guy. If he weren’t, I never would have given him my blessing to date Myles. I mean, at least he had the balls to ask first.
Cooper and Eli strode toward a leg press.
My gaze snagged on Holden, watching me with a smug grin on his face, and my chest tightened.
Had he thought he'd won our little pissing match? Fuck no. He’d probably find a way out of going to the gay bar with me. But hell, the guy filled out his athletic gear so damn well.
“Matthews, come over here.” Holden up-nodded at me.
“Anything you say, dear.” With a snigger, I strolled toward him.
“Dear?” Eli grinned at me while piling plates onto a bar.
“Yeah, it’s a term of endearment. Holden’s about to be my best buddy.” I narrowed my eyes at him. What did he have up his sleeve? And why was he focused on me? He was supposed to train more guys than just me.
Eli cackled.
“Hilarious.” Holden tsked. “After you warm up, I want you to try these IT band exercises.” He handed me a sheet that had been tucked under his iPad.
I scanned the sheet. Resistance band and BOSU ball work featured prominently on it. “Yeah, sure.”
