The way Kyle brushed past those defenders was nothing short of brilliant.Everyone always said he was better than me.And there is nothing I love more than proving people wrong.I pick up the pace, and my heart thuds in my chest.Everything is a blur: the trees, the people, the birds by the lake.I leave nothing in my wake, and I love it.I run around the lake twice at full pace.There truly is nothing like running in nature.It beats running on a treadmill every time.
I get home and put another ice pack on my knee as a precaution.It feels fine, but the last thing I want is for my over eagerness to cost me a game in the cup.
Pulling out my phone, I see I have a few messages back from Kyle, and my heart does a little skip.
Kyle
Thanks!And you looked great out there too??
You know what I mean
Golden Boot, eh?Not a chance.It’s already got my name on it.
A smile breaks out on my face.Kyle was always great at the banter.Great at everything, in fact.I shoot him another DM as I make myself a fruit smoothie: as ordered by my physio.
AJ
Ha!You wish.Seriously though, congrats on breaking my record.Even though you did it from the bench and I did it from the starting eleven.
Kyle
Playing the semantics card, are we?Let’s make this interesting, shall we?You’re in the semi-final game I assume?
AJ
I am yeah.
Kyle
Okay, great, how about this.First one to score a hat trick is the winner.
AJ
Ooh, interesting.
Kyle
You do know, though, if we both win, we’ll play each other in the final?
AJ
We’ll have to make another bet then.
My cheeks flush red.There is so much I want to say, and I have no idea why I want to say it.Maybe it was seeing him in those shorts.How his body looked sculpted.He might not even be gay.As far as I know, I was the only closeted gay at our club.My parents know, and they’re absolutely fine with it.My inner circle also knows, but that’s it.No one at my club knows.It’s “dangerous” if my secret comes out.And would “ruin my career.”I think that’s bullshit, but that’s the hand I’ve been dealt.I let myother braindo the texting after I see his response.
Kyle
So, we know it’s pride for the winner.What about the loser?
AJ
How about we finally hang out, like back in the old days?We’ll be close by as both games are in the midlands.
Kyle
Like a date, eh?I can go with that.
AJ
