“Then it’s a good thing you’ve never gotten any. I love them, and it’s my body. Anyway, about my relationship, you can say the word, you know.Husband.Brody’s my husband. We’re married. In love. Have been for years.” I made a rolling motion with my hand. “I’m gay. I’ve known it since I was twelve years old.” With each word, he recoiled farther, until he’d joined my mother by the door.
“I have to leave. The car is waiting downstairs.”
Frankly, I was surprised he’d come to see me at all, considering I barely remembered his presence during my childhood. My mother, working toward her tenure at Columbia, hadn’t been home much either. Both my parents were raised by full-time nannies, so it was all they knew.
“Good-bye,” I replied. I figured after I left today, I probably wouldn’t be seeing them again. I could hardly imagine them sitting at the kitchen table with Brody and his mother.
I waited for the front door to slam, then called Fallon. His mouth was running before I had a chance to say hello.
“How was your night? I’ve canceled all your appearances for the week, but we can put out a statement later for the press so they stop hounding you. Plus, I’ve got your masseur coming later this afternoon, and I have an appointment set up with a neurologist tomorrow. A nurse is waiting at your place.” His warm, reassuring voice was so good to hear, it made me emotional all over again, and I pinched my eyes shut.
“Thanks, Fallon. You’re the best.”
“Just get yourself home and let us take care of you. Ezra was already here this morning. I’m coming with the car and driver. We’ll be there at ten.”
“I’ll be waiting. Thanks.”
I moved slowly, but had no problem walking on my own. I opened my suitcase and tossed in the few items I’d taken out—phone cord and headphones, and made sure to take my meds with me as well. I showered and dressed, then made my way downstairs. Hugo was nowhere to be found, which I preferred. He didn’t deserve to be put in the middle. Outside, I set my bag on the top step and sat waiting. I couldn’t wait to get home, but the truth was, until Brody came back, it wasn’t a home to me.
Chapter Twenty-One
Brody
Division Championship Sunday
“Coach, have you heard from Dev?”
I figured I’d ask to make it seem as if I didn’t know. In fact, the two of us had been texting and FaceTiming nonstop all week. For me, the excitement of the championship season had vanished, and all I wanted was to go home and make sure Dev was okay.
When I said as much to Dev, he ripped me a new one, telling me I’d better put in a thousand percent on the field today and whip the Bobcats’ butts.
“Yeah, he and I spoke, and he said he’ll be watching.” Coach Jackson chuckled. “He told me, ‘Tell the guys to kick their asses, and let ’em know the Devil made you do it.’”
My lips twitched. “Sounds like him.”
I finished putting on my gear, and Luke Fontaine walked over to me. “Hey, Blink?”
“Yeah, what’s up?” The kid looked nervous as hell, and I couldn’t blame him. Stepping in for a future Hall of Famer like Dev wasn’t easy during the regular season. Doing it during the playoffs? I had to say, I had total respect for him.
“I know how friendly you and Dev are. I just wanted you to know I never wanted to play like this, and I wish Dev were here today.”
“You’re a class act, Luke. Wait a sec.” I took my phone from the locker and made a call. “Hey. Someone here wants to talk to you.” I held out the phone. “Talk to Dev.”
Luke froze, and his eyes bugged out. “What? No. He must be so upset. I—”
“Go ahead. It’s all good.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he took the phone. “Hi, Dev.... Yeah, I know.... Uh-huh.… I appreciate that.... Yeah.…” A smile curved his lips. “I promise.... You know it.... Yeah, I watched the tape.... We will. This one’s for you.... Yeah, sure.” He held the phone out. “He wants to talk to you.”
“Yeah. What is it?”
“Watch out for him. Make sure those bastards don’t hit him dirty.”
“I will.”
“Love you.”
“Same.”
