Ted and Bri are laughing with our two starting receivers, Jordan Tucker and Isaac Brown. While our reserve, Joel Moreau, talks to the reserve quarterback, Austin Blake.
“Yeah,” Marcus smiles, “I love this, we’re more than a football team, we’re family, and hanging out like this is important. It’s not always like this in the pros; some teams keep everything strictly professional. But in my experience, having this type of relationship with the coaches makes it easier to go to them for help.”
“How do you mean?” I ask.
“Well I don’t have a specific example on me, but after tonight, do you not feel like you’d find it easier to go to Ted for help or advice if you were struggling with something?”
I watch Ted, laughing and joking with Jordan and Isaac, it reminds me of how I am with my dad and uncles when we get together, and I can tell them anything.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I say, but I know that I could never talk to Ted about my sexuality and how it could affect my career, and the team.
My phone beeps with a notification, when I check it, a message flashes up on screen with the sender as a book emoji and I can’t help but smile.
Marcus nudges me. “Ooh, I know that smile, you getting a booty call?”
I laugh nervously. “No, just a friend from Winbrook.”
“Mm-hmm,” he smirks. “Well I’m gonna get another plate of this mac ‘n’ cheese and leave you to your ‘friend’.”
I roll my eyes at the air quotes he put around friend and wait for him to leave the table. Knowing he’s watching me, I try and control my expression as I open the message, I can’t help it, Donovan makes me smile.
Hey, just wanted to check in and see how training is going, hope you’re having fun! Donovan.
I quickly type a message back and hit send.
Yeah, it went well today thanks. Just at my coach’s house for dinner, it’s something they do every month which is cool.
I attach the photo I took of my steak and sides and send it through.
How’s your weekend going?
He replies instantly.
OMFG that food… *drools*
I can’t complain though, it’s nice to have my mom’scooking again.
A photo appears of an amazing spread, it looks like tamales, some kind of soup or stew, and lots of sides.
My weekend has been good so far, mainly lounging by the pool with Beth, and my brother showed up too. But right now, we’re just heading out to an art gallery opening.
Images of him lounging by the pool in swim shorts fill my mind and I quickly try to push them away. Now is not the time, those thoughts need to wait until my hotel room…
Sounds fun! Glad you’ve been able to catch up with Beth and your brother.
Didn’t have you down as the art gallery type ;) Photos or it didn’t happen!
Can I imagine him at an art gallery opening? Absolutely. Am I just using this as an excuse to get a photo of him? Maybe…
Oh wow… I’m not sure if I should be offended by that. But fine, I’ll send you proof, so much proof you’ll regret asking for it!
I can’t help but let out a chuckle, I don’t fully understand what he means, but he makes me laugh regardless.
“Things going well with your ‘friend’?” Marcus shouts across the room, so everyone else hears and immediately jumps on me for details.
I quickly put my phone on silent and away, while trying to ward off their many questions, only escaping when Bri announces that dessert is ready.
By the time Marcus drops me off at my hotel, I’m full of food and happy, definitely feeling like part of the team more than I did a few hours ago. I kick off my shoes and pull my shirt over my head, before crawling onto the bed and leaning back against the headboard with a bottle of water. I pull out my phone and see thirty new messages.
