With his grin still in place, the guy practically vibrated before me.
“You doing okay? Too much caffeine this morning?”
“I told the staff and the college players this morning. Came out to them.”
“Fuck, man.” I engulfed him in a tight hug, tears springing in my eyes. “I’m so proud of you, man. For real.”
I pulled away, not even giving a damn that my emotion was clear for him to see. His laugh was giddy, his own gaze watery. He sniffed and shook his head, clearing his throat. “Right, well, yeah. So that bit’s done. I’ll do the easy stuff later.”
“Easy stuff?”
“Yeah, you know, the fans, America, the Eagles.”
I laughed. “Well, I hope you know our team well enough to be confident that they’ll have your back, completely.”
“Shit, do you think they had a wager on me?”
I snorted. “If so, I didn’t hear anything about it.”
“Huh, I don’t know whether to be offended or impressed as hell if there were no bets going.” He bobbed his brows a couple of times, the energy pouring off him addictive. “You ready?”
I nodded. “Definitely.” I latched on to his enthusiasm and gripped tightly. He was riding such a high, and he deserved every single second of it.
“Let’s get going to the coach’s office then. There’s everything we need.”
* * *
I felt seventeen again.A giant ball of nervous excitement bounced around in my gut, much like it had when I’d asked Libby Henshaw to be my date for the prom. Back then, the ball had been the size of a tennis ball. Now, it was definitely the size of a basketball, this moment feeling more significant than the day I got drafted.
I tightened my rainbow laces, something we were all wearing to celebrate today’s events and our guests. I then shook out my hands.
Pearce had left me a while back. I just hoped he was doing a decent job of calming Jayden down. It was a risk not seeing him beforehand and waiting until we were in public to speak again. But this was my public declaration to him, and there wasn’t a doubt in my mind he’d lap it up.
Okay, maybe there was the slightest possibility that he’d slam the ball in my face first. But I was quietly confident he liked my face too much to do damage. And honestly, if for one moment I was seriously worried or uncertain about his ready acceptance of our relationship, I wouldn’t have organized it to begin with.
Certainty bloomed to life, and I smiled as I listened to the cheering kids who’d entered the court about thirty minutes ago. Coach Jenkins was emceeing. His voice over the microphone speakers reached me as I stood outside the doors, well away from the main locker room.
I gripped the cheap trophy that Max had managed to rustle up with the power of determination and cash and grinned at the#1 Lollipop Kingengraved on it.
Coach worked his way through today’s players, their names, the small crowd going wild. My heart thumped loudly at hearing Jayden’s name, and then there was just one left.
“Gale Sutton, star Eagles player.”
And that was my cue.
A final check that my Eagles hoodie was zipped up fully, I opened the door and jogged out onto the court. It took me just a couple of seconds for my gaze to land on Jayden’s. His eyes were wide, his focus intent, stare unwavering as I got closer to the rest of the guys on the court.
Before I forgot, I waved at our visitors, offering a big smile. Spotting Mike, I fired him a chin lift before refocusing on Coach.
“And these guys here will be entertaining you in a few moments. The only bets you should be making are on the coaching staff. You can be sure we’re going to be wiping the floor with these guys.”
At his words, the group cheered and our college players jeered. I laughed and zeroed in on Jayden. His focus hadn’t strayed.
“Before we get to teaching these kids how it should be done—” A round of coughs, most muttering lower-level jibes that wouldn’t get the players into trouble, interrupted Coach. “In recognition of you all, our distinguished guests, one of the newest members of our coaching staff is going to say a few words.”
I swallowed hard, cracked my neck, and took the mic from Coach with a smile. “Thanks, Coach Jenkins.” I glanced out to the group of kids, all wearing some sort of basketball paraphernalia, all sitting, eyes wide and seeming to pay attention. I doggedly avoided Jayden for a beat, sure his heavy gaze was on me.
“I know it’s unusual for me to be talking pregame, but before today truly kicks off, it seems only fitting that I say a few words—and I promise it’ll be just a few, as I know you’re looking forward to us taking these guys on—” I paused for some laughter. “But yeah, it feels right that someone just like you guys, someone who, like you, identifies as LGBTQ+, share a few truths.” A few grinning faces stared back at me, making my heart lurch in my chest, reaffirming I was doing the right thing. For me, for Jayden, and for them.
