“Looks like it to me. You made some good throws, especially to your favorite receivers, Rio Durant and Troy Watkins. You clicked right away on the field after you came to the Kings.”
“Yeah, we’ve gotten into a good groove, but it’s a team effort and everyone contributes.”
“Thanks, Patrick.”
“You got it.”
Dev was waiting with the microphone. “Well, Trick, you certainly lived up to your name. You came with a bag full of them today. Massive win against your former team. Did you feel like you had anything to prove?”
“I don’t know about that, but I did want to have a good showing. I love the fans here in San Diego, and it was great getting to play in front of them again.”
“I’m sure. And you’ve certainly gained lots of Kings fans as well. What’re you looking forward to? You play the West Virginia Wildcats next, don’t you? That’s a division rival.”
“Yeah, and it’s been a couple of years since I’ve played them. They’re tough—their quarterback is quick, and they have a young, strong offensive line. It’ll be a tough battle for sure.”
“Thanks, Patrick, and enjoy the bye week.”
“You know it.” Dev shut off his mic, and it was several yards before I realized he was following me. I waited until we passed the crush of reporters and players and stopped. “What’s up, Dev? Did you want to talk?” I was curious if he’d bring up the picture.
“We had dinner with Fallon yesterday.”
“That’s nice.”
His eyes narrowed. “I’m gonna put it right out there. Fallon is like my little brother. He’s had it shitty his whole life, and I’ve always tried to watch out for him.”
I wasn’t about to take his bait. “I’m glad he has a good friend.”
“I don’t know what game you’re playing, but whatever it is, don’t. Not with Fallon.”
Nose to nose, I glared at him. “I don’t play games on or off the field. I don’t know what the fuck you’re getting at, so I’m done talking.” With those words, I walked away, and this time he didn’t follow.
It didn’t feel good to lie to Dev—he was my friend, but more importantly, it ate at me that I had to keep denying my relationship with Fallon. He was worth more than hidden elevator kisses and secret hideaways.
In the locker room, Rio patted my shoulder. “Yo, Trick. Those bastards really came after you. I’m glad we buried their asses.”
Since that first time I’d set the tone about shit-talking, things had settled down somewhat in the locker room. The blow-by-blow of Rio’s sex life often had me cringing, but I kept out of it. He was a beast on the field, and that was what mattered. In this game alone, he’d run for over two hundred yards and made two touchdown catches.
“Thanks, man. Yeah, they had it in for me, but you were like the wind, blowing past their tackles.”
Milo chuckled. “They didn’t know what hit them.”
“Candyman, you were cool as ice even being double-teamed every damn time. How many catches? Seven?” They knocked their fists together.
This was what I loved about the game—the camaraderie and single-minded focus on getting the job done. Who someone had in their bed in the evening shouldn’t have any bearing on how he played the game. Listening to Rio and Milo praise their glory on the field, I couldn’t help wondering if they’d turn on me if I came out as bisexual. The endorsements and money didn’t mean shit to me—I had enough invested to last me a lifetime, and if a company dumped me for loving a man, did I really want my name on their product?
It was something I contemplated on the ride to the hotel, getting so lost in my head, Rio had to nudge my shoulder twice to leave the bus when we arrived.
“Dude, what’s goin’ on? You’re all spaced out.”
I blinked to come out of my brain fog. “Nah, just thinkin’. Can’t wait for the bye week and some time in the sun. What’re you doin’?”
“Gonna go see my mama. Gonna get me some home cooking.” We walked off the bus together. “You gonna hook up with your blond hottie again?”
My gut twisted, and my lips thinned. “Damn, a guy can’t even take a piss without it being news. Nothing’s going on.”
Rio’s grin was all sorts of wicked. “Mmmhmm.”
“Go on, get outta here.” I sought to lighten the mood and gave him a friendly shove.
