“To Brockton.”
“Brockton.”
They clinked glasses.
The wine was welcome. The fuzzy glow instantly banishing a few of his nerves.
“I should get this food out,” Carmine said.
“Let me give you a hand.”
They grabbed the plates he and Noah had stacked with treats.
“How are things going?” Steven asked.
Carmine glanced through to the lounge area where Noah held court.
“Really well,” he said dreamily. “I’ve never met anyone like him.”
“He’s a special guy. It’s pretty unusual to find a soccer player so focused on other people.”
That was one of the things that Carmine really loved about Noah.
Loved?
“I know,” Carmine replied. “He really is one of a kind.”
“I’m glad that he’s thinking about himself more too. The house you designed for him is a step in the right direction.”
Instantly Carmine’s hackles raised. “Noah is adult enough to know what makes him happy.”
“Oh I get that. Sorry. I didn’t mean anything.”
“I know. I guess I’m defensive of him.”
“Another good sign,” Steven replied with a wink.
Carmine relaxed again.
“It’s a good thing when a player’s home life is stable,” Steven continued. “It makes things so much easier.”
“I’m getting the impression you want to say something, Steven.”
Steven took another glug of his wine.
“Cards on the table, I have a side mission tonight.”
“Oh yes?”
“Javier wanted me to ask about the future. Do you think you’ll go public?”
Carmine sighed. Why did everyone obsess over this? Also why had Stephen come to him instead of Noah?
“Maybe one day,” he replied. “At the moment, I haven’t told my family that I’m gay so we’re keeping things on the downlow.”
Steven raised an eyebrow. “Really? You’d think it would be Noah with the secrets to tell.”
“Because I’m older?”
