Page 19 of Wedge

I know what I really want.

Hazel eyes. A deep voice that rumbles. A laugh that gets out before he can stop it.

I don’t know if I’m allowed to want it.

The microwave clock says 21:52. Not too late. Gavin might still be up.

Want to chat when you have a bit. Need advice.

Give me a few, then I’ll call. Need privacy?

Please.

Okay, gimme 10 then.

I add another finger to my Scotch and watch the clock on the microwave crawl through the longest ten minutes of my life. When the phone finally buzzes, I answer before the second ring. Gavin’s voice comes through low and easy, a door clicking shut behind him, and my shoulders drop for the first time all night.

“Talk to me,” he says. “Girl trouble?”

I clear my throat. “I need you to hear me out before you say anything.”

“Sounds serious. Okay. I’m ready.”

“It’s a guy.”

He whistles softly. “Wow. Okay, then. That’s a whole different ball game. Do I know him?”

“Don’t think so. Rookie, one of Ben’s scholarship players. He’s twenty-two.”

“Guy with a mohawk? Delicate face kinda like Tommy in Peaky Blinders?”

“That’s the one. Adrian.”

“I’ve seen him, never talked to him. Pretty. Annnd you’re attracted to him?”

“Yes.”

“And the problem is? He not into you?”

“He is. I’m sure of it.”

“And?”

“I’m on his bag all summer. Motels, long drives. Just the two of us.”

“Sounds ideal.”

“Gavin, I am sixteen years older than he is.”

He huffs a laugh. “Yeah, been there, Stephen. You were there for me and TJ. Age is not a barrier unless you let it be one.”

“I’m his teacher right now. Moving on him feels like a betrayal. And he’s carrying some heavy shit from before.”

“We all have baggage. Gonna have to let him learn to trust you. Take it slow. Be there for him.”

“Slow.”

“Yeah. But Stephen. I gotta say. This seems really out of left field for you. We hung out for over a decade. I never saw you look twice at a guy. Don’t go messing with this kid if you aren’t sure. He can’t be your experiment. Do that with other guys.”