“You’re our brother,” Hen says. “Of course we care, and fuck those other guys.”
Nodding, I pick at a fry on my plate. “Yeah, so, I’ve always been a private person. My family life was complicated and, I don’t know, it just felt safer to keep things to myself. One really big thing.”
The three men sit patiently, waiting for me to say it.
“I’m, um… I’m gay.”
No one says anything, but a slow approving smile spreads across Andres’s face, obviously reacting to the news that he’s not the only queer guy on the team. I focus on Hen though; the closest thing I have to an actual friend. His brow is creased and he looks genuinely confused.
Landham’s expression is blank, and my stomach twists with anxiety. Are they gonna reject me? Tell everyone? Fuck.
“Sorry, man,” Hen finally says. “You’re gay?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
“But… how?”
“How?”
Andres chuckles.
Hen shakes his head. “Not how, but—sorry. I’m confused. You’re… I mean, you’ve never…” He blows out a breath. “Give me a second.”
He stands and walks over to the patio doors. Andres pats my knee.
“Cool. I’m honored you felt comfortable enough to tell me.”
I nod, my jaw clenching as I shift my gaze to Landham. He smiles.
“I don’t care who you fuck. I’m surprised, I guess, ’cause I never had a clue, but it doesn’t change who you are or how you play.”
“Thanks.”
When I look over at Hen, he’s watching us with his arms folded across his chest.
“My gaydar is spot on,” Hen says. “And you never pinged it once.”
“What?”
“I just know. It’s like a sixth sense or something. All the times we’ve hung out at the bar, showered, talked, worked out—nothing. Nada. I’m floored.”
“Do you think I should sweat rainbows or some shit?”
Hen scoffs. “You’ve never checked me out.”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Every queer guy checks me out. I’m like catnip for queer dudes.”
Andres laughs while Landham just shakes his head.
“So because I’m not into you, I can’t possibly be queer?”
“How are you not into me?” He opens his arms wide. “Have you seen me? Have you seen my ass? I work hard to keep all this junk in my trunk.”
“You’re offended?”
“No. Just… confused, I guess.”
