Scoring in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

  “Are you coming to either game today?” Devlin asked.

  “I’m not sure. I’m scheduled through set hours and will have a full house during the walk-in time. Plus, I’m on call for the rest of the weekend. Why?”

  “I’ve got bad news,” Devlin said. “Someone defaced the stadium.”

  “Are you serious?” His stomach lurched. He’d hoped this wouldn’t happen—why wreck a perfectly good public space? “What happened?”

  “The person or persons spray-painted hate speech on the parking lot and the Wildcat statue,” Devlin said. “The police have already taken pictures and once the grounds crew arrive, it’ll be cleaned up, but still.”

  “That’s terrible.” He wasn’t sure why Devlin felt the need to tell him, though. “It can be fixed by game time, right? I don’t know anything about removing paint, but I’m guessing the stadium crew will.”

  “Just…I can’t get a hold of Tanner. I’ve called the other members of the team, but I wanted to touch base with him in particular because the hate speech concerns him.”

  “Because he’s gay.” Dane sighed. “Fuck. Was it the coalition?”

  “Not sure,” Devlin said. “Would you call him? I want him to be on guard when he comes to the stadium. I’m pissed, hurt and annoyed. This should be Tanner’s big debut, but instead it’s a mess. Fans don’t want to see anti-gay messages on the stadium grounds. They want to see a game. And what’s worse? The coalition is already having a ball with the incident. They swear it’s not them, but they’ve posted on social media. Raji brought it to my attention.”

  “They know about Tanner being gay.” Dane sank onto his desk. “This is getting out of control. This isn’t something to be proud of.”

  “Tanner hasn’t come out, per se, but he’s never said he’s not gay.”

  “He’s not flaming because he knew shit like this would happen,” Dane snapped. “And you can’t guarantee he’ll be safe. If the coalition wants to throw stuff at him or deface his car, they might not be caught.”

  “I’ve increased security and am working with the police to have more patrols, but damn,” Devlin said. “I want my players to be happy here. I’ve already had two threaten to quit the game if they have to fear coming to the stadium.”

  “I can’t say I blame them. It’s scary.” He wasn’t sure what else to do. “I’ll call Tanner when I’m off the phone with you.”

  “Raji’s freaking out. He found the posts and arrived with me at the stadium. We were the first to find the graffiti. He keeps checking on me,” Devlin said. “I’m worried someone will destroy my field.”

  He paused. He’d heard Raji’s name mentioned twice now. “I’m glad you and Raji finally got together.”

  “I—we…” Devlin fumbled. “You knew we… Dane?”

  “I knew you liked each other. It wasn’t hard to see and you told me earlier you were a couple. You have a thing for tall, dark and handsome, plus, you’re attracted to doctors.” Dane bit back a chuckle. Devlin certainly had a type.

  “I am.”

  “It’s natural that you’d get together.” Besides, he wasn’t jealous.

  “You’re not pissed? I didn’t want you to find out this way,” Devlin said.

  “You’re not my boyfriend. I wish you the best with Raji and hope it lasts forever.” He massaged his forehead. The feelings surprised him. He’d expected to be angry when he found out Devlin had moved on, but he wasn’t. A weight, one of the many, lifted from his shoulders. “If you’re good, then I am, too.”

  “Damn, Dane. You’re mature. I’d be upset if I knew you were with someone. It’s selfish, I know,” Devlin said. “I always kind of hoped you’d be hung up on me—like I was the one that got away.” He sighed. “Just be advised. A gay man on my baseball team, a gay man who is out, seems to be the tipping point for the coalition. They’ve attacked before, so be aware, okay?”

  “I will and you, too. I’ll touch base with Tanner.”

  “Keep an eye on your car. I’d hate to get paint on a perfectly good Beemer.”

  “Me too.” He couldn’t imagine cleaning graffiti off Tanner’s ’Vette, either. “Call me or the desk if there are more developments.”

  “You bet,” Devlin said.

  “Thanks.” He hung up and bowed his head. Jesus fuck. He dialed Tanner. The call rang through to Tanner’s voicemail. Dane pounded his fist on the desk. He hated to wake Tanner up, but this was important. He tapped the icon for the call again.

  After the fourth ring, Tanner answered. “Hi. You don’t need to wake me up. I’ve got the alarm.”

  “I believe you.” He couldn’t hide the tension in his voice. “I didn’t call for that.” Besides, he wasn’t Tanner’s father.

  “You’re angry.” Tanner sobered. “What’s wrong?” he asked, more awake.

  “Can you get a ride to the ballpark? Would you let a friend of mine drive you to the stadium?” Dane asked.

  “I could, I suppose, but I have a car. Why?”

  “Someone defaced the parking lot of the stadium and painted all over the statue. Hate speech.” Dane stared out of the window at his own car. At least they had security cameras in their parking lot and a healthy relationship with the police. If something happened, they’d know and the situation could be rectified quickly. “I’m worried that when you go to the stadium, you’ll be attacked,” Dane said. “It’s dangerous.”

  “I’ll need a ride home,” Tanner said.

  “I’ll get you.” He didn’t have to think twice. He couldn’t leave in time to deliver Tanner to the Wildcats facility, but he could retrieve him.

  “Dane.”

  “I protect my own.” He’d surprised himself with his defensive streak.

  “Your own? I belong to you?”

  “Do you not want to?” Dane asked. I’ve overstepped my boundaries, haven’t I?

  “I like being kept by the doctor,” Tanner said. “But I didn’t think you cared that much.”

  “I do,” Dane said. “I’m going to call my friend Lindsay. He’ll give you a ride.” His friend owed him a favor or two. “Once I’m sure he’ll be there, I’ll text you with the kind of car and what he looks like.”

  “You don’t have to do this, but I appreciate how much you care,” Tanner said. “Thank you.”

  “I’m hoping it’s a one-time graffiti incident, but with the fliers and other shit happening, I don’t want to take any chances.” He suppressed a groan. “I want you to be safe.”

  “You trust Lindsay?”

  “I do. He and I met at the October Faire after I moved here and have been tight ever since. He’s part of the newspaper staff, so once I tell him about the graffiti, he’ll be right on the story.” Dane nodded, not that Tanner could see him. “He’s smart and will help.”

  “All righty.” Tanner hesitated. “It’ll be okay.”

  “I hope so.” Am I acting like a father figure? Kind of looked that way. Do I care? Part of him did, but the rest didn’t. Tanner’s safety was the most important. “I’ll see you at the end of the second game tonight. I won’t miss it.”

  Tanner snorted. “I’m looking forward to seeing you. I never thought you’d come through, but I’m glad.”

  “Good. Until later,” Dane said.

  “Until later.” Tanner laughed then hung up.

  Dane typed a message to Lindsay and made a mental bet as to how fast Lindsay would reply. He’d make sure Tanner was taken care of—even if it meant calling in favors. If he could prevent Tanner from being assaulted, then all the better.

  Lindsay replied slower than he’d expected.

  Will do. Was heading to the stadium for the story. Glad to help.

  Within seconds, he sent another text.

  You’ve never called in a favor. Must be a hot guy. I’m jealous, but happy for you.

  Dane sighed and debated what to say in return.

  Sandra knocked on the door. “Doc? We open soon and you’ve already got patients lined up in the parking lot.�
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  “I’m almost ready.” He texted Tanner concerning Lindsay then slid his phone into his pocket. He grabbed his stethoscope and dressed in his lab coat. He’d been told countless times he could be too bossy. He tried too hard to protect people. If he had a child, he’d end up smothering the kid so much he’d push him or her away. His mother, then his exes, Luis and Phillip, might have been right—to a degree. Dane had become a doctor to make the world better. Ashton claimed Dane held on too tightly. How could he stand back and allow a group of bullies to mistreat his friend/lover? He’d slept with Tanner once only, but he’d formed a bond with him. He shouldn’t be having a sexual relationship with Tanner. He knew the rules. But he’d fallen for Tanner Fox. How could he keep his hands to himself now?

  Chapter Six

  Tanner stood in the locker room and debated his next move. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get his head in the game for the second one of the double-header. He understood why Dane couldn’t come to his rescue and drive him to the stadium—the man had to work. No shame in that. And Lindsay hadn’t been a bad person to assist him. A bit chatty for Tanner’s taste and more interested in the story than anything else, but not bad. There hadn’t been any chemistry between him and Lindsay—not that he wanted there to be. He’d rather have had Dane there.

  Then there was the graffiti. He’d seen the words spray-painted onto the asphalt. He saw how the statue had been defaced. Gay go home. Pussy cats. Why would anyone be so rotten? So they didn’t like him being homosexual. So what? He wasn’t flaunting his sexuality. Why did his personal situation have to be so important?

  Part of him didn’t see the need to freak out. No one had come looking for him. No one had tried to do anything to him. Yes, Dane had acted pre-emptively, but Tanner wasn’t in danger—not yet.

  Who was he kidding? Tanner knew better. The feeling in the stadium changed through the course of the first game. A new electricity sizzled in the air and it had nothing to do with the play on the field. He’d seen Daly and Selzer in the stands. How could he miss them? They were the only ones in the empty section.

  Zeppelin stopped beside Tanner. “Do you always stare at your locker?”

  “No.” He chuckled to hide the tension within him. “Just lost in thought.”

  “I see.” Zeppelin sat on the bench then tapped Tanner’s thigh. “We change into our color blast uniforms. That’s how we do it when there’s a double-header.”

  “I know.” He’d read the email briefing. “Coach spoke to me.”

  Zeppelin removed his jersey. “You got quite the response today. Ladies love Foxy.” He tossed the soiled garment into his locker. “Looks like we’re going to have a bigger crowd for the next game—because of you.”

  “I hit one homerun.” Tanner shrugged and unbuttoned his jersey. “It wasn’t much.”

  “We won because of your homer. Add the two bloopers and stolen base…yeah, you’re important.” Zeppelin raked his fingers through his hair. “You’re getting hot. We need your hot streak.”

  “I’m more relaxed.” Kind of. Part of him couldn’t wait for Dane to arrive. Their night of passion had removed some of his pregame jitters, but the rest of him couldn’t deny the stress. A group of people didn’t care how well he hit or if he’d been great in the outfield—they wanted him gone because he was gay.

  “None of that relaxation came because of a certain doctor?”

  “I told you I’m gay,” Tanner snapped. “And you knew it because you brought it up first.”

  Zeppelin’s eyes widened then narrowed. “I didn’t want to believe it.”

  “Believe it.” He changed out of his soiled jersey and into a fresh T-shirt. He wanted to shower before the next game. “Does my being gay bother you?” He knew the answer, but he wanted to hear Zeppelin’s rationale.

  “Hell yes, it bothers me,” Zeppelin growled. “You’re the reason we had the fucking coalition show up here. Are you looking at my ass? At the asses of everyone here?”

  He should’ve known Zeppelin would have a conniption. “I’m not stark-raving. I can handle myself. I’ve got a boyfriend, so no, I’m not checking out the asses of everyone here.”

  “I’ve been naked with you,” Zeppelin shouted.

  “We’re all naked at one time or another with each other. Big deal. I’m not going after your ass. I’ve got a guy and I’m not looking for a date.” He grabbed the shower gel and towel from his locker. “I’m focused on my stats on the field, not in the bedroom.” He strode away from Zeppelin. Jesus. He hadn’t done anything wrong.

  “The coalition was right,” Zeppelin spat. “You’re trying to infiltrate everything.”

  Tanner stopped in his tracks. He’d had enough. Where was Zeppelin getting this line of reasoning from? Tanner faced him. “When we take the field, the stands are filled with kids and families.”

  “No shit.”

  “Those people want to see a game, not know our ideology.”

  “I know that.” Zeppelin notched his chin in the air. “But they want to know we stand for something.”

  “We’re examples to those kids and families and to the community,” Tanner said. “Really, they don’t give a rat’s ass about our philosophies—as long as we don’t parade them all over everywhere.”

  “Which is why you should be gone. We don’t need gay players.”

  His anger hit the limit. “First off, no one knew or cared about my sexuality back in Gary. They gave a damn about my playing. That’s what should define my stint in Cedarwood. I’m a good baseball player and an asset to the team,” he said, doing his best to keep his voice even. He wouldn’t give Zeppelin the honor of being yelled at—not now. “Second, you and anyone else have no idea how many of those kids and fans need role models. For some, we’re the only ones they have. They want to see strong, ethical players on the field. Some of them need to know it’s okay to be themselves. They need positive role models in sports. I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished. If I can show a kid who loves baseball but is scared to come out…if I can show it’s okay to be him or herself, then I’ll do it.”

  “You’re encouraging them to be freaks.”

  He hadn’t heard a thing Tanner had said. “You’re hetero. To me, you’re the freak.” Fuck. He hadn’t made any sense with that and he’d lost his cool. “Stop calling everyone you don’t agree with a freak.”

  Zeppelin’s eyes narrowed. “You’re messing those kids up.”

  “I beg to differ,” Tanner said. “Kids who are gay need role models. They need to know they’re normal. My best friend committed suicide because he thought he was a freak. Because people like you drummed that into his head. He was gay, not abnormal. Not being accepted at face value is the abnormality.”

  Zeppelin’s lip curled in a sneer, but he said nothing. A couple of other players stood at his flanks and one eased up next to Tanner, but no one spoke up.

  Jesus. If he had to stand up to all of them, he would. “I’m gay,” Tanner said. “I’m in a relationship and not interested in chasing any of you. I am interested in being teammates and playing for a league championship. I’d like to have a long and storied career in Cedarwood. If you have a problem with homosexuals being on the team, then speak up but know I’m not going anywhere.” He’d lied about the relationship thing and had gotten ballsier than he’d intended but fuck it. He’d been mostly honest.

  Zeppelin shook his head. He left Tanner at the entryway to the showers. Paul Black, the catcher, and Andy Keene, the right fielder, joined Tanner in the tiled room.

  “Good job standing up to him,” Paul said. “He needs to be reminded we’re a team and not here to be his backing ensemble.”

  “Plus, it’s nice to know you’re committed to the team,” Andy said. He grinned and stepped into the first stall. “I heard about you before the trade. We’re going to have fun in the outfield.”

  “Thanks.” Tanner stripped and made his way into the second stall. He turned the water on. He liked the cam
araderie they’d formed. “I’ve got high hopes for the rest of the season.”

  “Very cool,” Paul said. “Oh and for your information, I’m glad we’ve diversified. You’re right. We should be role models for everyone—not some.” He stepped under the spray in the third stall. “My knees hurt like a motherfucker. I both love and hate double-headers. There’s no time to regroup.”

  Tanner smiled and lathered his washcloth. He’d finally started to feel like he belonged on the team. “I’m glad we have some time between games, though. I’ve played for some clubs where they finish one game and launch right into the next. No break or change of clothes. It sucked.”

  “The hell you say,” Andy said. “How do you rest up? Shower? Weren’t you drained?”

  “Oh yeah, we were ragged by the seventh-inning stretch and you rested when you got home.” In his case, when he reached the apartment and passed out from exhaustion. Those had been the few times he’d been able to sleep through the noise from the restaurant below. Tanner cleaned up before rinsing. “It only happened twice. I think the players’ union put the nix on it.”

  “Good.” Andy finished his shower. “My wife, Kellie, and I are throwing a barbecue on Tuesday, since it’s our day off. Bring your boyfriend. It’s a good time and we need the release.”

  “He makes the best pulled pork with pineapple glaze you’ll ever eat,” Paul said. “I could devour all of it without guilt.”

  “I’ll mark my calendar.” He’d have to make an excuse why Dane couldn’t come along—they weren’t a couple—not really. But he’d attend. Why not? Maybe he could convince Dane to join him.

  “My neighbor, Clay, owns the diner in town. He usually brings fried chicken that’ll melt in your mouth.” Andy ducked under the spray again then turned the water off. “It’s legendary.”

  “You’re making me hungry,” Tanner said. He laughed and shampooed his hair. “I’ll have to find more than a snack between games.” He might even try to call Dane.

  “Good.” Andy wrapped up in a towel. “When you’re both dressed, we’ll meet on the field for some warm-ups.” He left the shower.