End Zone by Van Cole

Author:Van Cole
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Van Cole

Chapter Six

Diego

I knew that it was foolish to think that Connor might be ready after such a short period of time. Hadn’t I just spent a week telling myself that exact same thing, trying to manage my disappointment that he wouldn’t take my calls? So it didn’t make sense that I was so stung after our interaction in the hallway.

I just thought, for a second, that I’d seen a flicker of attraction in him. I let myself believe that he’d come around to the idea. And coming back down from that hope was painful.

Luckily, I knew exactly who to call.

Toby Mendez and I had been friends since I arrived on the team. Of course people assumed that we were dating. Two gay guys on the same football team? It was unthinkable to them that we might not be attracted to each other, or that we might just get along as friends. But in truth, that was exactly how we did get along. Sure, there may have been some playful flirtation between us, but that was just in both of our nature.

Okay. More than flirtation. But that didn’t mean we felt anything more than friendship for one another. The public wouldn’t understand that. Neither would Connor, which was why I hadn’t really told him the full truth that evening.

In any case, the kind of no-strings entertainment that Toby and I had together was exactly what I needed to take my mind off things. He understood almost the whole story between Connor and I. In fact, he had been one of the first people to call when the news broke, and I had seen no reason not to tell him the truth. The only thing we hadn’t discussed was exactly how I was beginning to feel about Connor.

As it turned out, however, we didn’t really have to. He’d already guessed it for himself.

“You know I’m going to have to yell at you if you call me ‘Connor’ tonight, don’t you?” he asked, his tone of voice playful as he poured me my first drink. His place was the kind of playroom that bachelors dreamed of—a big open space with its own bar, which we were both leaning on right now. “Just so we’re clear.”

“I am not going to call you Connor.”

“You sure?” he said, passing the drink over—and then taking the glass back to refill it, smirking, once I had immediately downed it. “Because I’m not stupid.”

“Neither am I.”

“I don’t know,” said Toby. “Falling for a closeted guy is kind of stupid.”

“Who says I’ve fallen for him?” The look he gave me answered that question, so I continued on. “Look, it’s just… messy. I feel bad about it. It wouldn’t even be out in the public sphere if not for me. Can you imagine trying to come to terms with yourself under that kind of pressure?”

Toby wrinkled his nose. “I mean. He had years to come to terms with himself before you turned up in his life. You’re beautiful, but… I’m sure he’s seen other men before.

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