He smiled sadly. “A guy can hope. We were really good together. Probably the happiest I’ve ever been. I hate the way things ended between us. ”
“I know. I did, too. But we both knew we couldn’t keep up long distance like that.”
Out of the blue, I was hit with a metaphorical anvil about my internship. If I chose somewhere out of state, how would Preston and I make it work? Maybe we couldn’t, either.
I rubbed at the tightness in my chest, and looked at Evan. “If you could go back now, would you have stayed? Would you have given up your dream for me?”
Evan stared at me. “I don’t know how to answer that.”
I held up my hands and smiled. “Don’t answer that. I’m just wondering for my own curiosity. It’s okay to say no, because I understand making tough choices.”
He looked at me with concern in his eyes. “Are you okay, Nick? If you ever need to talk, you know I’m here for you. No matter what.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “Yeah, thanks, Ev.”
Of course, Preston took that moment to walk into the kitchen. I looked at him as I stood propped against the counter. It was impossible for me to be upset with him, because if the tables were turned, I wouldn’t like it either.
I smiled at him and held my arm open for him. “Babe,” I said, “I was just about to tell Evan about our trip to New York and the building.”
I wasn’t, but I was trying to assure him he was my number one now, and that wouldn’t change.
Evan ate a bite of cheesecake. “How did you guys meet?”
I started to answer, but I let Preston take the question. “Nick works for my best friend. We met through him at the bar.”
Evan smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “That’s cool. You still working there?”
We continued to talk about his career and how he liked playing in San Diego. I made sure not to let go of Preston until he went to the refrigerator and brought Evan a bottle of water.
He smiled at Preston. “Thanks, man.”
My man nodded. “You’re welcome.”
After Evan finished eating, he put the plate in the sink, then looked at his watch.
“I’ve gotta get back to the hotel. If you guys don’t have plans tomorrow, I can leave tickets for you at Will Call. They’re with my mom and stepdad.”
I looked at Preston, who seemed interested, then back to Evan. “Do you have my number?”
He laughed. “Yep, unless you’ve changed it. And mine is the same too.”
I nodded. “Okay, I’ll text you later and let you know for sure.”
Evan’s smile was genuine, just like he was. I had a soft place in my heart for him. “Sounds good. If everyone wants to come, just let me know.”
“You know I’ll have to support the Pirates, right? A couple of my friends are married to them.”
He grinned. “Yeah, which ones?”
“Cooper is married to their tight end, Greg Foster. And Christian is married to Alex Hayes.”
Evan looked impressed. “Nice. I know Greg, but haven’t met Alex. Glad to see them representing.”
“Are you out?” I asked, wondering if he’d ever shared his sexuality.
He nodded. “Yeah, to my new team. They’re cool with me being bisexual.”
I smiled, genuinely happy for him. “The Pirates are like that too. A lot of them come into the bar. They’re just regular guys.”
