Push & Pull (The Midwest Series Book 2)

by Brigham Vaughn

  “Christ,” Micah said. “I’m sick of your hippie-dippy bullshit.”

  Justin stood. His expression was grave as he looked down at Micah. “Are you going to be able to carry groceries up to your fourth floor apartment by yourself? Do you have someone who can stay with you at your place and help you while you recover? Help you shower and dress? You know what a slim margin you have. ANY further strain or injury could destroy your chances of making a full recovery. I know that despite you complaining about this injury ruining your career, you’re hoping the doctors are all wrong. You want to be the one to beat the odds and make a miraculous recovery.”

  Micah sat in his wheelchair, stone faced, but Brent could see the words sinking in.

  “What gives you better odds?” Justin continued. “Staying with a physical therapist who will do everything in his power to give you the best possible recovery? Or stubbornly going it alone? You know the answer to that. Maybe you’ll have to address the rumors that you’re gay. But you wouldn’t be the only minor league player to come out.”

  Micah scoffed. “Sure, in the fucking minors. I want to make it to the majors. Don’t you fucking get it? That is all I have ever dreamed about. I have been working my whole fucking life to get here. And you know as well as I do that there’s a fucking reason no one in the MLB has come out publicly as an active player. Their career would tank.”

  Justin leaned forward and rested his hands on the arms of the wheelchair. “Tell me one thing, Micah. Would you rather risk the possibility of never getting called up because you’re gay? Or never playing baseball again because your shoulder is shredded? Because those are your choices.”

  The room was silent until a nurse strode in. “I’m going to need to ask you gentlemen to keep it down in here. You’re disturbing the other patients.” They all muttered their apologies before she continued. “I know you’re eager to get out of here, so I just have one question. Who will be driving you home? We can’t release you until that person gets your discharge instructions.”

  Micah was grim-faced as he used his left hand to point at Justin. “I’m going home with him.”

  June 30, 2013 - Evanston, Illinois

  Brent

  “Holy fuck!” Brent said under his breath as they stepped out of Justin’s apartment building in Evanston a few hours later. Justin had agreed that the SUV was the best way to safely get Micah to his place, and Micah was now set up in Justin’s spare room. “I can’t believe Micah just moved in with the dude he’s screwing.”

  Lowell snorted. “You’re telling me.”

  “I guess Micah is more or less out now, huh?”

  He shrugged. “Probably. There’s a chance him staying with Justin won’t be discovered, but now that the press has gotten their teeth into a juicy story ... I don’t see them dropping that bone any time soon.”

  “Me either. Wow.”

  “I like Justin though.” Lowell sounded impressed. “He seems nice but like he won’t put up with any of Micah’s bullshit.”

  “He has some seriously hard work cut out for him if he wants to date Micah though. Damn.”

  “Better him than me,” Lowell muttered.

  “I should hope so.” Brent nudged him playfully. “Because you are stuck with me.”

  “If you’d told me that a couple of months ago, I’d have run screaming in the opposite direction,” Lowell said with a soft laugh.

  “Not going to do that now though, are you?” Brent asked.

  Lowell glanced over and linked arms with him, leaning his shoulder against Brent’s. “Nope. I’m not going anywhere.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  August 3, 2013 – Chicago, Illinois

  Lowell

  “We’re going where?”

  “To my parents’ house. In Zeeland. I need to get my car and all of my stuff.”

  “Oh, God.” Lowell flopped back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It had only been a month, but Lowell was getting so tired of living here. Figuring out what to do after they got Micah settled at Justin’s place had been difficult. They’d talked about heading back to northern Michigan to finish their trip but, eventually, decided against it. Brent had made a handful of phone calls to the places where he had reservations. His story about having a friend in the hospital had convinced most of them to refund the majority of what he’d already paid, so he hadn’t lost too much money in the process.

  The next decision they’d made was where to live. Since they were both staying in Chicago, they’d agreed to get a place together. Brent had brought it up very hesitantly, like he’d been terrified Lowell would turn him down. Lowell had surprised both of them by saying yes. But apartment hunting took time.

  Lowell had offered to pay for a room at The Park until they found a place, but Brent had been horrified by the idea. Nathan and Caleb’s place was way too small for them to stay in for more than a night or two. The only other option was staying with Lowell’s family in Winnetka, and they’d both agreed that was a terrible idea. Lowell had eventually hunted down a furnished studio apartment someone was subletting while they were out of state on business. It was temporary, but it gave them a chance to figure out where they wanted to live. They’d finally found an apartment of their own, and Lowell was itching to get settled there.

  “When I mentioned it before, you said you were fine with stopping by my parents’ place.” Brent was beginning to sound a tiny bit irritated.

  “Yeah, but that was when we were just friends. Now we’re ... more. So it’s a big deal. What if they don’t like me?” Lowell propped himself up on his elbows.

  Brent’s expression softened as he took a seat on the bed beside Lowell. “Baby, they’re going to love you. Everyone does.”

  Lowell cracked a smile. “I am pretty fabulous.”

  “Exactly.

  “I’ve just never done this before. The whole meet the family thing is overwhelming.”

  “I know. But all you have to do is be you. I love you. How could they not love you?”

  Lowell reached out and ran his fingertips down Brent’s cheek. “I love you too.”

  Brent leaned in and stole a kiss. “It’ll just be overnight. We get there in the afternoon, we leave the next morning. No big deal.”

  “Couldn’t you go while I get our apartment ready? I have so much shopping to do.” Lowell batted his eyelashes at Brent, not really serious but half-hoping he’d agree.

  “But I want them to meet you.” Brent’s expression was surprisingly serious.

  “Oh.” Lowell froze. “Well, I can’t argue with that.”

  August 8, 2013 – Zeeland, Michigan

  Lowell

  Lowell discreetly wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers as he walked up the sidewalk of the Cameron house. He’d agonized about what to wear. He didn’t want to overdress, but he wasn’t going to pretend to be anyone but himself either. He’d finally settled on a gingham button-down and a pair of slim cut jeans. He couldn’t go wrong with casual fabrics with exquisite tailoring. He hoped.

  The yellow house was cute. It was a typical suburban ranch, with green shutters and a brown roof. Lowell wasn’t overly fond of the color scheme, but the bright flowers and pretty landscaping gave it a cheerful look. The bike in the driveway and basketball hoop hanging off the attached garage left no doubt that there was a family living there.

  “Remember,” Brent said quietly as the approached the front door, “they’re going to love you.”

  Lowell was smiling when the front door opened and a gaggle of people flooded out before Brent even knocked.

  For a moment, it was sheer chaos, and they were surrounded by Brent’s immediate family, all of them talking at once.

  One of the little girls threw herself at Brent, and he swept her up into his arms. A woman, presumably his mother, hugged Brent from the other side.

  “Hey!” Brent called out. “Everyone calm down. We’re probably overwhelming Lowell. He’s an only child.”

  The noise subsided and ever
yone turned to stare at him. Lowell knew he probably looked like a deer in the headlights.

  “Mom, Dad, everyone, this is my boyfriend Lowell Prescott. Lowell, this is ... everyone.”

  “Oh, look at you!” Mrs. Cameron threw her arms around Lowell. He gave Brent a vaguely alarmed look over her shoulder as he patted her back. “You are just so handsome. Brent said you were, but I figured he was just biased. We are so happy to meet you.”

  Brent’s ears turned red as he set down the sister he’d been holding, and Lowell had to hide a smile.

  “It’s lovely to meet you too, Mrs. Cameron,” Lowell said, focusing on Brent’s mom again.

  “Oh, call me Alice, please.”

  Alice Cameron was short with an athletic build and honey blonde hair that just brushed her shoulders. Brent had her eyes and her golden tan. She looked a little tired but pretty and happy. And mostly, kind and warm in a way Lowell’s mother never did.

  Brent’s dad stuck out his hand. “And I’m Drew. Nice to meet you.”

  He was a little less effusive than Brent’s mom, but his handshake was firm and his smile was sincere. He also had the blue-eyed, sun-kissed look of his wife, although his hair was a slightly darker shade of brown. He was tall, with broad shoulders, and had clearly passed his build along to his son.

  “Come in, come in, you two,” Alice said.

  The four children were still staring at Lowell intently as everyone trooped into the house and got comfortable in the living room. With oak furniture, beige carpet and walls, and huge overstuffed couches, the space was more cozy and well-loved than stylish, but it said “home” in a way the Prescott house never had. There were family pictures on the mantle and kids’ artwork hung on the walls.

  Brent took a seat next to Lowell and reached out to squeeze his hand. He pointed at a teenage boy. “That’s my brother Nick. He’s seventeen and a goalie for the varsity soccer team.” Nick was tall and rangy, still growing into himself, and he had braces and a bit of acne dotting his cheeks. But he looked a lot like Brent must have at that age, and Lowell had a feeling he’d grow up to be as good looking as his brother.

  “Hi, Nick.” Lowell gave a little wave. Nick didn’t return it, but Lowell wasn’t sure if it was because Brent’s brother was uncomfortable with him or just being a typical disinterested teenager.

  Brent continued. “My sister, Katie. She’s fourteen.” She gave a little wave and bit her lip. She was small and slender, with light brown hair in a braid that draped over her shoulder. “She’s the brains around here. She skipped a grade and is already in pre-calculus.”

  “That’s impressive,” Lowell said with a smile, and she shyly grinned back.

  “And Abbie and Lizzie are eleven. They’re star hockey players and amazing at gymnastics.”

  Abbie and Lizzie weren’t identical twins, but they were very similar looking. Both were pretty girls who had inherited their mother’s athletic build and blonde hair.

  One of the girls—Lowell was having trouble telling them apart—giggled. “You’re Brent’s boyfriend. So do you guys like, kiss and stuff?”

  Lowell wasn’t quite sure how to field that question, but thankfully, Brent did it for him.

  “Of course. Same as Nick kissing his girlfriend.”

  “Eww,” the girls said in unison.

  Alice stood with a laugh. “That’s enough talk about your brothers’ personal lives. Would anyone like anything to drink? We’ve got water, lemonade, soda pop, beer, wine ...”

  “I’ll take a beer,” Nick said and Alice leveled him with a glare.

  “You certainly will not, young man, unless it’s a root beer,” she replied. “Now, let’s start with our guest here. Lowell, what would you like?”

  ***

  A few hours later, they were all seated on the patio at a large picnic table for an early dinner. Alice looked over at Lowell. “I hope you don’t mind, but we’re pretty informal here. We try to spend as much time outside as possible, and Drew is a whiz at grilling.”

  “I can tell. The chicken is wonderful, thank you,” Lowell said. Brent had apparently warned them about Lowell’s anemia, and they’d gone out of their way to accommodate him with grilled chicken and a kale salad. Lowell felt slightly embarrassed that they’d gone to so much trouble, but he was touched nonetheless. The Camerons were louder and more numerous than Lowell was used to, but everyone had been very nice to him. They spent most of dinner discussing Brent and Lowell’s trip and what their plans were for the future.

  “May I be excused?” Katie said quietly when there was a lull in conversation. “Mrs. Parker is picking me up soon.”

  “Me too.” Nick pushed away his empty plate. He had eaten at least twice what everyone else at the table had. “I’m picking up Amanda in half an hour, and I need to shower.”

  It turned out Katie had a sleepover with a friend that night, and Nick had a date. After they’d said their goodbyes, everyone finished eating and helped carry the dishes into the kitchen. Lowell would guess it had last been redone in the nineties based on the oak cabinets and the burgundy and forest green border. An entire wall was covered with a calendar that seemed chock full of events and a cubby below it held backpacks and school supplies for the kids. Organized chaos was probably the best way to describe it, and when Lowell contemplated what it must take for Alice Cameron to keep track of her family, he decided she probably ought to be put up for sainthood.

  “Can we play in the backyard?” one of the twins asked, tugging on her arm as she stacked the plates. “Please, Mom?”

  “I wanna play hockey!” the other one shouted.

  Alice laughed. “Off you go then, you two.”

  The first girl tugged at Brent’s arm. “Will you play with us?”

  He glanced at Lowell who shrugged. “Go for it. Have fun.”

  “Can I help you with anything?” Lowell asked Alice after Brent and the twins disappeared.

  She smiled at him. “Oh, you’re sweet, but I’ll just pop everything in the dishwasher. It won’t take long.”

  “Would you like a beer?” Drew asked him.

  “I’m not much of a beer drinker, to be honest,” Lowell admitted.

  “I’m going to have a glass of wine,” Alice said. “If you like white, I’ll be opening a bottle.”

  “A glass of white wine would be nice,” he said. “If you don’t mind sharing.”

  After they had drinks in their hands, Drew invited him back out to the deck. Lowell leaned against the railing and looked out into the neat backyard as he sipped his wine. There was a swing set and a little shed. A small vegetable patch. Nets were set up in the back, and he could see Brent playing field hockey with the girls. It was all so completely middle-class and suburban. Comfortable. Homey. Everything about it explained how Brent had ended up the kind of guy he was.

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  Lowell glanced over at Brent’s father. “Of course.”

  “Do you think you’re maybe rushing things a little bit?” Drew said. “Moving in together already, I mean. I know you’re both intelligent young men, and you have bright futures ahead of you, but you are young, and you’ve only been together for what? Three months?”

  “It’s fast,” Lowell agreed, slightly surprised but pleased by the candor. “We’ve basically been living together this whole time though. And a good portion of it was spent in a car or a tent. If we can get along living in that close of quarters, I think we can handle it.”

  Drew hummed thoughtfully. “You have a point.”

  “And I love your son,” Lowell said. “Are we moving fast? Yes. But he is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I will do whatever it takes. I’m not afraid of hard work.”

  Drew smiled. “I’ve gotta admit, when you drove up in the Porsche, I thought, ‘oh, man, Brent got his head turned by some flashy guy who’s all surface and no substance’, but you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders.” He paused to regard Lowell thoughtfully. “I like how
happy my son seems with you. I just wanted to be sure you had both thought this through.”

  “We have,” Lowell said confidently. “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but we’ve got this.”

  August 10, 2013 – Chicago, Illinois

  Brent

  “God, this place is amazing. I can’t believe I let you talk me into it, but it really is incredible,” Brent mused as he walked around the apartment. At the moment, it was still a mess. Brent had driven his car, packed full of his possessions, to Chicago from his parents’ house. And Lowell’s belongings, which had been in storage all summer, had been delivered the previous day.

  It was a good thing it was a roomy apartment. Because, at the moment, it was packed full of stuff they needed to sort through and organize.

  They’d looked at apartments near Logan Square that were just around the corner from Nathan and Caleb but eventually settled on a place in Lincoln Park. It was closer to the lakeshore and, thus, more expensive. But it was also closer to where they’d be spending most of their time. Lowell was less than a fifteen-minute train ride from the Illinois Institute of Professional Psychology where he’d be doing his Master’s program. And Brent was a forty-minute train ride north to Evanston where he’d begin his internship at the Prescott Helmets headquarters the following week. When he went back to school at IIT in a year or two, he’d have a forty-minute ride south to campus.

  They’d agreed to split the cost of rent and utilities, but Lowell had somehow convinced him that it only made sense if it was 60/40. Brent still wasn’t sure why he’d agreed to it, except Lowell was very persuasive. He’d argued that since Brent would have the longer commute and Lowell needed a second bedroom, it only made sense. And then Lowell had dropped to his knees and unzipped Brent’s pants. He’d used his mouth and hands to tease Brent to a point where he probably would have agreed to anything.