Page 1 of Sliding into Love
PROLOGUE
ROYCE
I’m scanningthrough an itemized report on last quarter’s expenses when my phone rings. Since the sun isn’t quite shining into my spacious wall-to-wall windowed office yet, I know it’s still rather early. Time doesn’t mean much when someone works as much as I do.
Still, it’s never good when someone calls this early. I note my brother’s name on the screen and groan. It’s even worse when Jake calls this early.
I answer with, "You do realize some of us like to sleep in?”
"Hey there Roycey-poo! Missed you too." His voice holds a teasing edge.
Grinning, I drop the files on my desk as I lean back to listen. If he’s in a good mood, then maybe I won’t be doing any damage control.
Not that he really needs it. Jake gets into much less trouble these days. Or rather, he gets into less noticeable trouble.
"Get on with it. What's the reason for your call?"I prod, keeping up the act that I’m bothered by the interruption.
"It's for me, Royce. I'm sorry Jake decided to bother you so early."
The sound of our other brother’s voice brings me up short. Maybe it was too soon for me to relax. Bellamy and Jake together is ominous.
I huff. “It's fine. This isn't the first time our dear brother has woken me up early. It won't be the last. Go ahead and tell me what you called for. I have other plans for the day later."
There’s a laugh from our eldest sibling. “Right. Well, we called because Jake mentioned something about Kenneth Meyer."
My knee jerk reaction is to freeze. But even without them here, I know they’d pick up on any change.
Instead, I craft a lie.
"UGH! What about that asshat?"
"So, you do know him?"Bellamy presses.
"Know him? Of course I do. He annoyed the hell out of me when we were younger. Man couldn't understand I was never interested. It's a shame he's so pretty."
Anger and desire swirl within me. It’s the same dangerous mix I felt many years ago, when I was a young queer kid looking for answers in places I had no business going.
"Thanks for letting me know, Royce. Sorry you were given such a hard time."
Bell sounds sincere. I hate to continue this farce with him. It’s best if we just pretend instead of hashing out the reality of my past. The truth would be too much right now. I’d need a few drinks, some relaxing music, and a weighted blanket while trashy tv plays in the background to confirm any further details.
I hum in response to his apology. A thought occurs. And it’s really fucking important I get an answer.
“Why did you need to know about Kenneth?"
"Finn wants me to buy the baseball team. He feels like there needs to be more LGBTQ+ representation, and he thinks I'm the right fit to coordinate it."
"But you have a full schedule with football. How would you run the team?"
As usual, my brother’s tone is one that screamsI’ll figure it out. “That's what a management company is for. I could hire out the lead role. Jake didn't because he's obsessed with hockey. My role would be more political. I'd leave the little stuff to someone else."
"I'll do it.” The words leap out of my mouth before I have the chance to think through what this means.
Silence.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard both of my brothers speechless at the same time. I’ve really gone and done it now.
"What was that? You're going to manage the baseball team? You don't even like sports. You've said so your whole life." Bell says the words in a rush, almost like he’s worried he didn’t hear me correctly.
