“Thank you,” he says.
“Can I ask what brought it on, or is that a rude question?”
He chuckles.“It’s fine.But first you have to tell me, am I wearing a backless gown, because I need a piss.”
“I have no idea, but I’m gonna hope for yes.”
When they found out Kyle and I are professional footballers—thanks to YouTube highlights-—they gave us our own private room with an en-suite so we wouldn’t be disturbed by the press or the public.Kyle gets up with the help of my outstretched arm.
“Woah, look at those globes,” I say, letting out a whistle.
“Fuck off,” he replies with no malice at all.
“You know, I think this color palette suits you.”
“You mean white with blue triangles?”
“Yep, it really brings out your golden balls,” I say, smirking.He does his best to cover his package, but it only makes his ass jiggle.He still holds onto me, though, as I walk him over to the toilet.
“Now, if you need any help at all, let me know.That hose of yours is huge, it should be a two-person job hold—”
He shuts the door while giving me a one finger salute.
“Okay, golden balls, you don’t need to show me that finger again, I know where it went last night.”
I hear him laugh behind the door.
Just as he comes out, a nurse comes in with a clipboard.
“Is everything all right, Mr.Thurston?”
She’s a short lady with a kind face, weathered with age and a beautiful Yorkshire accent.
“Please, call me Kyle,” he says, as I help him back into the bed.
The nurse gives him a warm smile.“All right, love, first of all, you’re going to be fine.Second of all, if you feel yourself getting stressed or anxious about anything—which I'm going to assume is quite often with your profession—” Kyle gives her a nod, and I give his hand a quick squeeze that goes unnoticed by her.He squeezes my hand back, and I swear my heart literally flutters.
“Yes, second of all, lovie, when you feel the walls creeping in, think of something good.Think of something you want more than anything—something that brings you joy.I’m not saying it’ll work every time, but it has certainly helped me in the past.You can also keep some sour sweets on you; they help too.One final suggestion is tight hugs,” she says and looks directly at me.
“Thank you.I appreciate that.Am I free to go?”
“Yes, just remember to drink lots of fluids too.”
Kyle and I exchange a look.
“I will be sure to do that at the next opportunity.”The flirty bastard actually has the gumption to wink at me.My cheeks burn red.
The nurse leaves us to it, and I plant a kiss on his forehead.
“Please don’t scare me like that ever again.Okay?”
“So, you were worried?”
“Understatement of the month, but okay.Of course, I was.”I hold both of his hands in my own.“I finally have my best friend back.”I rub my thumb on the back of his hand.
“Friend.Yes.But you know we can’t be anything more than that, don’t you?”
A thousand daggers in my heart.That’s what it feels like.I let out a shaky breath, “Yeah, of course.Friends, with some benefits, some of the time.I get it.”
