I nodded, trying to think rationally when Ben came over.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to bring you the remote for the TV. Interviews are coming on. Thought you guys might want to watch your buddies.”
I managed a smile. “Thanks, Ben. We do.”
He tapped the table and walked away. I took the remote and turned up the TV closest to us so that we could hear. We ate a few nachos as we listened to Declan Miller and Alex Hayes talk. The interviewer seemed more interested in their personal life than football.
“So, are your families excited to be going to the Super Bowl again?”
Alex smiled and nodded. “Yeah, Christian is always ready. Our kids used to be excited about missing school, but that doesn’t fly when your stepdad is a teacher.”
“She’s new,” Cole added. “And she likes to flirt.”
I snorted, happy for the distraction. “Think she realizes they both are married to men?”
“How could she not? It’s not like they keep it a secret.” Cole’s tone was edgy and tinged with bitterness.
“Declan, what about you?” she asked.
Declan gave her the sexy smile that dazzled most people. “Yeah, my hot husband is ready to go. Have you seen pictures of him, Miranda? He’s smokin’ hot. And Meredith is ready to cheer.”
We laughed as Declan pulled out his phone to show her Callum’s photo. He’d effectively derailed her line of questioning.
“Callum is gonna kill him,” Cole added. “And I wish we could be there to see it when it happens.”
Declan’s antics had improved both of our moods with his interview. But when Patrick’s turn came to be interviewed by Miss Hot-to-Trot, I wished we’d missed it.
The reporter smiled up at him with all her teeth as she flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder. She batted her eyelashes at him. It reminded me of the girl in the drive thru and how she’d flirted with Michael.
“Holy shit, she looks like she might climb him like a tree.”
Cole picked at a chip as we waited for the commercial to end and go back to the interview. I could tell he was dreading this.
“We can turn it off,” I offered. “We don’t have to listen.”
He shook his head. “No. It’s okay. I’m used to it.”
“You might be used to it, but it doesn’t mean you have to look at it.”
“I know. But it’s always been this way, and it’s not going to change until he decides to change it. I keep hoping he’s going to come right out and say he’s in a relationship with a man.”
I nodded, unsure of what to say. But I didn’t have to worry about it for long. The interview was back on the screen.
“So Patrick, how do you like being part of the Pirates Organization?”
He smiled at her. “I love it here in Portland, and the organization is top-notch. I’m looking forward to helping my team win the Super Bowl.”
Okay, not so bad. I just prayed she didn’t get personal. But that didn’t happen.
“That’s great. Your name is on the list of eligible bachelors going up for auction in the Pirates End of Season Charity Event, ‘Win a Date with a Pirate’. A lot of our viewers are anxious to bid on a date with you. Are you looking forward to the event?”
Patrick smiled. “I’m happy to help do my part to raise money for charity.”
Hot-to-Trot moved in a little closer. “Are you open to dates from anyone who bids, or do you prefer only women or men?”
Anyone else watching him might not have picked up on how he stiffened at her question. But I did. And so did Cole. We waited with bated breath for his answer.
“Uh, sure. I’m okay with anyone who wants to bid. It’s for charity.”
