“It’s not like second is something to laugh at,” I concede. “But it’s notmyposition. So yeah, I’m pouty about it. And bitter. But it’s fine. I’ll take it. Because it means I get to be here with you guys for a little while longer. And I’ve really fucking missed you guys. Before this, I really thought the only future for me was a trade, but maybe…maybe this is how I can stay with you guys. I’ve got no shot against Stone, so I just need to suck it up.”
I turn to Paulie. Might as well throw it all out there. “Oh, and I told East already, but Paulie, I’ve figured out I’m bisexual. And I have the biggest fucking stupid crush on stupid Jed Stone Junior. I want his dick bad. And now I have to deal with that temptation every fucking day. Shortstop and second base? Like, is the world trying to torture me?”
I draw in a gasping breath after unloading all that. Silence blankets me, and my skin prickles. I cross my arms and glare at the ceiling. They’re not allowed to disown me after that. Theyforcedme to vomit all that up.
“Quite a bit to unpack in there,” Paulie finally says.
“Most important thing being how much he clearly loves us and wants to be stuck with usforeverrrr,” Easton sings.
Paulie grins and looks at East. “I think we should keep him. What do you think?”
Easton nods solemnly. “Oh, without a doubt. He’s ours.”
Ours. Something kicks around in my chest. I think my heart is line-dancing.
“You mean that?” I whisper, looking between the two of them.
Easton’s smile fades to something soft and fond. “Shane, we feel the same way. The three of us? Our friendship isn’t going anywhere. No matter the distance, no matter where baseball takes us. And you don’t have to pretend to be carefree and happy all the time with us. We’d be just as happy with sulky Shane as we are with smiley Shane. Wewantto be here for you. You’re always giving a part of yourself. Let us give you something too, you know?”
“I’m sorry about shortstop,” Paulie adds, his tone carrying all the understanding only another ballplayer could have. “I think we all know if Stone wasn’t here, that spot would be yours and you’d be looking at The Show soon. I can’t imagine how much it hurts to have to give up your position.”
“You’re allowed to be upset about it,” East murmurs. “We’ll sulk with you if you want.”
“Thanks, guys.” My voice comes out high-pitched and tight, and I quickly clear my throat. “Thanks,” I say again, much lower this time. They have no idea what this means to me: their support, their friendship.
“And don’t worry about how you played today,” Paulie adds. “Easier said than done, but you were going on shit sleep after traveling all day and thrown into a new position cold. You’re an incredible ballplayer. You’ll bounce back. Until then, let your bat do the talking. And just steal a bag—or three—like you always do.”
“Seriously, glove, wheels, bat…you’re, like, the total package, Shane Michaels,” Easton teases.
We chuckle and fall into silence. It’s comfortable, but kind of feels…anticipatory.
“So…” Paulie finally says. “You dropped a big bisexual bomb there, Shane. Jed Stone Junior, eh?”
There it is. I was waiting for that to be brought up.
“It’s nothing,” I mutter.
Easton clears his throat. “I quote,I want his dick bad. Don’t think that’s nothing.”
“Who wants my dick?” a smooth voice fills the room.
All three of us push up on our elbows. Frankie, Paulie’s brother, leans against the doorway, sleeves of his work shirt rolled up to the elbow. His top buttons are undone, revealing a glimpse of tanned skin and dark chest hair. He’s got that slightly casually undone businessman look to him.
“This looks like fun,” he says and lazily runs a hand through his hair. It’s long on top and tousled, shaved short on the sides. “I didn’t know we were having a sex party.”
“Ew, dude.” Paulie gags, his face screwed up. “I’m yourbrother.”
“Hey, some brothers share. Just don’t touch me, and I’m good.”
Paulie gapes at his brother.
Frankie grins. “I’m kidding! Kind of. Honestly? Not at all. But I do see two not off-limits men in a bed, and considering you’re the straight one in this room, I think there’s only one person who doesn’t belong.” He flicks his hand. “Shoo.”
“I am a happily taken man,” Easton points out.
“And I’m an unhappily hooked-on-a-guy man,” I add.
Frankie slides into bed between me and Paulie, then a loudthumprings through the room.
