Dean’s tee shot was not as dramatic, but he managed to score par for the hole.
Walking to the next tee, the adrenaline of Colton’s shot had worn off and Dean had begun to worry. He knew this was live TV, and he knew what just happened.
He turned to Colton. “Hey, Colton. I think I might have just fucked up.”
Colton gave him a confused look. “What do you mean? You scored par on that hole. You did fine.”
“No. I mean your ace. While we were celebrating, I kissed you on the cheek. I’m so sorry.”
Colton scrunched his eyebrows. “So what? There’s nothing to be sorry about.”
“I kissed you on the cheek, onliveTV. You don’t think that might stir up a controversy?”
“No. Why the hell would that be a controversy?”
“Ugh. You know the media. I just don’t want to cause any trouble for you.” Dean couldn't bring himself to lift his eyes from the ground as they walked to the next hole.
Colton put his arm around him, right in front of a camera. “Look, I’ve got my arm around you right now, and we’re on TV. Do you think I give a fuck?”
He smiled at the camera, giving a peace sign as they walked past.
Dean sighed. “Okay. I sure hope you’re right. I’m sorry again.”
“Stop it! I’m glad you kissed my cheek. It was a celebration. Hell! If I scored an ace and youdidn'tkiss my cheek, I would bepissed!” Colton assured him, squeezing his shoulder.
Dean smiled. “Okay, fine! But I still have a bad feeling about this.”
“Shut up! What you should be worried about is the fact that I’m kicking your ass in this game.”
The next morning, Dean woke to a message from Colton.
Colton: DO NOT look at the news this morning!
Of course, that prompted Dean to immediately grab his phone, and check the news.
Dean: FUCK! I KNEW this would happen! I’m sorry Colton!
Just as Dean had feared, some news outlets —mostly ultra conservative and far-right— had published the story of Dean kissing Colton at the golf tournament, painting it in a less-than-pleasant light.
Someone had taken a screenshot of the video footage, obviously looking for the most unflattering image they couldfind, of Dean kissing Colton on the cheek, with Colton’s face slightly scrunched to give the indication that he wasn’t happy with the kiss.
Every article used the same image, accompanied by an array of salacious headlines…
"PGA PDA!"
"Hands off the MVP!"
"Desperate DJ paws Merrick"
"Unwelcome advances"
"Pathetic Puppy Love"
Dean especially hated that last headline. It hit a little too close to home.
Dean had never experienced so much hatred and vitriol in his life, all over a stupid celebratory kiss on the cheek!
His social media was inundated with nasty, hateful, homophobic comments and messages. Luckily, Dean’s fans were having none of it and immediately clapped back at the negativity, shutting it down.
