Page 6 of Sliding into Love
“You know Bellamy’s partner Finn?”
“Of course, I do. Everyone does after that proposal.”
I nod as I recall the very public Super Bowl proposal that shocked the nation.
“Well, Finn apparently loved that Jake bought the hockey team and then started dating two of the players. They’re trying to build a safe space for queer players. With two Bellport brothers headlining the other big sports in town, this is the only one without a pride flag or queer sibling at the head of things.”
Gillies’s hands go to his hips. “Wow! That is not at all what I thought you’d say.”
“Yeah, I know. Shocked the hell out of me when Bellamy told me in the meeting. He flat out said that he wants to redo it all so everyone is aware we have a zero-hate policy for anyone whowants to come out or for any openly queer athlete coming into the team. I think he even plans on recruiting some new trades and players.”
“Can’t say I’d mind that so long as I get to stay. I’d hate to miss out on the fun.”
I eye my friend. “You know you could have come out already if you wanted to. I wouldn’t have let anyone give you shit about it.”
His jaw drops. “Me? I’m not… this isn’t… You’re wrong. I’m straight, dude. I meant for anyone else. Or for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes, for you. We both know you’re still hung up on a certain someone and have been for years. Too bad you ruined it by being an absolute ass,” he says before chuffing a laugh. He glances back at the field, then bounces on his toes. “I’ve got to get down there. Drinks tonight? I’ll rag you about this more then.”
Before I can tell him we won’t be discussing anything about anyone at all tonight, he’s out my door. Only the scent of grass and sweat linger behind. It reminds me of my own history with the sport I love so much.
In a different life, I’d have been beside Gillies on that field. We’d have maybe gone on to play for a bigger team, somewhere far away from Bellport so we’d both get to live as our true selves.
Too bad for us both it didn’t work out. His shitty family and my overbearing one made sure of that.
So I did the next best thing. I bought a team and hired him.
And now I’ve gone off and sold it. I can only hope it doesn’t wind up being a big fucking mistake.
My cell goes off as I’m heading into Bellport Brews, the quaint coffee shop where Gillies and I have our “drinks” when we go out. For as much as I love a stiff drink every now and then, I much prefer to keep a clear head. The less loose I am, the tighter my lips. And the tighter my lips, the less likely I’ll spill secrets I shouldn’t.
“Let me guess,” Demi says as she leans on the counter with a flirty smile. “A large hot chocolate, a croissant warmed up for fourteen seconds, and a bottled water?”
Sure, it sounds pretentious. It’s not though. I’m merely specific. At least this way, there’s no confusion about what I do and don’t want. Everything is clear and straightforward.
“That sounds amazing. Yes, please.”
She winks at me, then turns to fill the order. I pull out my credit card, waiting for my chance to pay and tip as usual. Demi always complains that it’s too much, to which I remind her my family is loaded, and I’m not hurting enough to cut back paying someone who does an excellent job.
Hell, I even tip people who aren’t all that good at their work. I figure they could be having a bad day. Or maybe they’re new to the job. It’s not my business. If the economy paid the service industry better, I’d be less inclined to help when I can. As it stands, I’m doing more than my part.
“Here you go. Enjoy.”
I take the tray with my goodies over to a table in the corner as I wait for Gillies to arrive. He’s perpetually late. No matter how many alarms he sets, he just can’t seem to focus enough to make it out the door on time.
Knowing it’s no use in waiting for him to start, I sip on my hot chocolate as I take in the rest of the patrons of the shop. I recognize a few people who come around, though I don’t know any of their names. As my gaze sweeps across the door, I find one familiar face in a sea of strangers.
Bellamy Bellport struts into the shop with his husband, Finn, at his side. The pair is lost in their own world, oblivious to anyone else around them. My gaze stays locked on them through the entire process of searching for a treat, buying said treat, and then cuddling on a couch close to my table.
It’s only when Gillies struts in fifteen minutes late shouting, “Kenny!” that Bellamy notices me. His eyes whip my way, curiosity in his stare. I smile politely, then shush my friend.
“Could you be any louder?” I grumble.
He grins wider, then puffs his chest like he’s going to yell.
“Don’t. You. Dare.”
