by Mary Smith
I take several deep breaths as I make my way to Ms. Houses’ office. I’m not going to be nervous. There’s no reason to feel that way. But, a part of me is. I think everyone gets antsy when trying to change their lives.
“Kian.” Ms. Houses stands and greets me with an extended hand. “I’m sorry to make you come down on such short notice.”
“It’s no problem at all.”
“Take a seat and we’ll get started. I promise not to keep you too long.” She smiles.
Ms. Houses is an attractive woman. She’s older than I am, and I can tell she’s had some plastic surgery done, but she’s in front of the camera from time-to-time, and I understand trying to hold onto youthful looks. Her blonde hair is recently dyed since the last time I saw her because her roots aren’t showing. She’s tall and thin, straight as a board. I’m not even sure she has hips bones.
“Please, take your time.” I take a seat in a comfortable leather chair next to her.
“Well, I know Kyson is going to be landing soon and I’m sure you and your brother have plans.”
I nod with a grin. It’s as far from the truth as one can be. When Kyson comes home, he goes straight to Meadow’s house. I can understand because they’re young and in love. It’s sweet.
“I took your resume and removed your name along with last job, which happens to be for one of the key players on this team, and showed it around to the others in this department.”
“Um...okay.” I find the act she did strange, but after a second thought, I realize she’s trying to hire me without bias. “You didn’t want people to know I was Kyson’s brother.”
“Don’t take offense by it.”
“I don’t; I promise.” I give her a reassuring smile.
“Anyway,” she claps her hands together. “I’m taking another position with a hospital in their PR department.”
“Oh, well, congratulations.” Why is she telling me this?
“You will be taking my place.”
My mouth falls open, and there’s no air left in the room. “Ms. Houses,” I find my voice. “I’m not sure I’m qualified for your position. I appreciate the offer, but I applied for a junior PR.”
She laughs. “Those are fresh out of college, still doing keg stands, kids. The Bears want someone responsible, mature, and qualified. Like I said, I showed your resume around, and they liked you.”
I’m not sure what to say. I want to say thank you. Are you kidding me? And you’re an idiot for trusting me.
No.
Stop.
Wait.
This is exactly what I need. This is the change I told myself I needed. It’s right here staring at me, and I’m not going to let it go.
“Ms. Houses, thank you for this opportunity. I’ll gladly accept the position.”
“Good, because you start tomorrow.”
Takeout doesn’t seem right to celebrate. I text Kyson who is over the moon for me. I tried to call Tim, but it went to voicemail. I don’t want to celebrate alone, but I’m not going to be the third wheel of Kyson and Meadow’s love fest either.
I change into some dark jeans and an ivory cable-knit sweater and black boots. I stare at myself in the mirror, and I don’t think I look forty-one. However, there are times I don’t feel it either, but I am.
And I’m starting anew.
I shake my head. If I keep this up, I’m going to start saying affirmations in the mirror every time I pass one. I don’t need to do that. I’m a strong man. I just landed a great job with excellent pay and insurance. I’m sort-of seeing a nice guy, and my brother’s happy.
My life is perfect.
Wait...sort-of seeing?
How do I define my relationship with Tim? I’m too old to define anything besides my alcohol intake and hours of sleep. However, things with Tim are going so well. But it’s too fast. I need to stop overthinking everything and enjoy what is happening in the here and now.
I grab my keys, phone, and am about to walk out the door when there’s a knock on it. I’m not expecting anyone, but when I open it, a smile is on my face instantly.
“Tim. What are you doing here?”
“Are you going somewhere?” He quickly furrows his brow.
“Well, I was going to dinner.” Tim’s face turns sad. “Alone,” I quickly clarify. “I was going alone to dinner. Kyson is with Meadow, and I figured you were getting ready for the next game.”
His normal expression is back. “I didn’t mean to come off offensive. I’m sorry.”
“Come in, please and don’t be sorry.” I step to the side and Tim walks in.
“I brought this.” From behind his back, he pulls two grocery bags. “A little birdie told me that you received a huge job today, and I want to make you a celebratory dinner.”
My cheeks hurt from my smile. “I would like to help make the celebratory dinner.”
“Great.” Tim nods.
I shut the door and lead us to the kitchen. He puts the bags on the kitchen island and beings unloading a delicious load of vegetables and chicken breasts.
“I need to tell you I’m sorry about not really talking to you while on the road. I’ve been focusing so hard on my notes and such for the games; I didn’t want to be distracted until I was more comfortable on TV.” He steps up to me and grabs my hands. “I want to thank you for all your support. Those sweet text messages and our talk the other night meant a lot to me.” He kisses my lips. “I’ve missed you.”
My cheeks heat up a bit. “I missed you too.” I can’t remember the last time I blushed.
“Let make a great dinner together and enjoy our night.” He pecks my lips again and turns to the food.
Over the next half hour, and a tall, full glass of wine for each of us, the food is prepared and put in the oven. Then we’re sitting on the couch talking about Tim’s first experience on air.
“I was a wreck. My hands were shaking so bad.” He chuckles. “The second night I was fine and all the post interviews were better too than the first night. By then, I think it was just pure adrenaline, and it kept me talking. I did my best not to think about who’s on the other side of the camera, you know?”
“I do.” I nod. “But, you did great.”
“Okay, enough about me, tell me about the interview with Amber. She’s a tough cookie. I’ve had to deal with her a few times through the years.” He swallows back the last gulp of wine.
“She’s like that because of her position. I’m worried I can’t be tough like her, but I did well before when put in this type of position, and I persevered. I know it’ll take time to get into my groove.” I wink at the last part.
“I’ve seen your groove; I like it.” He chuckles.
I toss my head back with laughter. I tug on his hand and pull him closer to me, kissing his lips hard. “Thank you for caring.”
“I’m supposed to care about my boyfriend. Like you do me.”
I gasp. Literally, gasp. He said boyfriend, right? Right?
“It’s too soon to say that, isn’t it? Oh man.” Tim sighs and shakes his head as he places his wine glass on the coffee table. “I’m sorry; I don’t mean to push. Damn, I always do that.” He stands and walks away.
“No. Stop. Wait.” I jump up and grab his arm, turning him to me. “I like it. I mean, yes. No, wait.” Now, I shake my head. “I’m trying to say you didn’t say it too soon. I was just thinking today how much you meant to me, but I thought it was too fast.”
“It is fast. Very fast,” Tim confirms. “But, it’s a good fast. I’ve never felt this comfortable with someone like this. Ever.”
Our lips touch and a fire burns between us. I could bend him over the couch right now and not give it a second thought, but the oven beeps, letting us know the food is finished.
“At least I know what we’re doing for dessert,” Tim teases and walks into the kitchen.
“I’ll get the table ready,” I announce and begin grabbing up items, hoping my hard-on goes away, and I can enjoy the fabulous sm
elling dinner.
Tim plates up our food as I pour us another glass of wine and set out the silverware and napkins. He sits down next to me, and his face is glowing.
“What?” I ask, pulling my chair in.
“Nothing. Well, actually,” he tilts his head from side-to-side. “I’m happy. It’s been so long since I’ve been this content about my life. I really worried about retiring and then being on TV. Of course, the panic mainly comes from worrying if I sucked and got fired. I really don’t have a plan B.”
“You have nothing to worry about then, because it’s all going to work out just fine.” I cut into my juicy chicken and take a bite. “Wow, this is amazing.” I don’t think delicious or mouth-watering even touches the way the chicken almost melts in my mouth.
“I’m glad you like it. I wanted to make your favorite meal, but I don’t know what it is, yet.” He seems embarrassed at not knowing.
“You know, I don’t think I really have a favorite meal. I just love food, especially anything you cook.”
Tim smiles and we go back to eating. We make small comments here and there, but we’re both enjoying the food. As always, since we’ve been eating together, we clean up together.
“Do you want to watch a movie?” I suggest.
Tim steps up closer to me and holds my hands. “Now, we can be like teenagers and make out like crazy in front of the TV, or we can skip the movie that neither one of us wants to watch and just go to your bedroom.”
I grab his face, pulling his lips to mine. We both chuckle as we kiss, knowing what the next step is. Tim pushes me back until I bump into the counter. We’re still smiling as I wrap my arms around him, and my hands move down to his firm ass. Our bodies flush together, I feel myself growing harder, as is Tim. He pops the button of my jeans and unzips me. I’m so hard and constricted in my jeans, the relief is welcoming, and his strokes bring me pleasure.
Suddenly, a gasp stops our motions. In the doorway stands Meadow with her hands over her eyes. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.”
I quickly stuff myself into my jeans, zipping up. “Meadow, it’s okay,” I reassure her.
“I saw your penis.” Her eyes still covered, Kyson appears behind her.
“What’s going on?”
“I saw your brother and Tim. I’m so sorry, guys.”
“Meadow, they’re clothed.” Kyson pulls her hands from her eyes. “You’ll survive.”
“I’m so sorry.” She apologizes again to each of us.
“It’s fine, Meadow. I figured you two would be busy all night. What are you doing here?” A change of subject will hopefully wipe away the awkwardness.
“We came to get you for dinner,” Kyson explains. “We thought we could all celebrate.”
“Um...thank you, but Tim cooked us dinner.” I smile at Tim and then back at Kyson. “I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. We should have called, but we…” Meadow trails off. “Got busy.”
Kyson chuckles. “That’s code for sex, if you two didn’t catch on.” Meadow slaps his shoulder, making Tim and I laugh.
“Ouch. They were doing the same thing,” Kyson almost whines rubbing his shoulder.
“We weren’t having sex. Yet,” Tim clarifies.
“Well, I’m still sorry we interrupted.” Meadow gives us a sad smile.
“It’s fine,” I tell her.
For a few seconds we all stand there in strange silence, and I try not to think that Meadow actually saw my penis. “Do you two want a glass of wine or something?” I can’t stand the silence anymore.
“No, I think we’ll leave you two guys alone and go back to my place. Kyson, you can talk to Kian later.” She tugs on his arm.
“Whoa, wait, what’s going on?” My interest piqued is; why does Kyson want to talk to me.
“You’re busy,” Kyson states. “We’ll talk later.” He takes Meadow’s hand and turns to leave.
I glance at Tim, who shrugs. “Go talk to him. I’m not going anywhere unless you need me to.”
I give him a peck on the lips and go grab Kyson and Meadow before they leave. “Stop.” I call as they open the door.
“Kian, it’s not a big deal.” Kyson sighs. “You’re on a date.” He lowers his voice trying to be kind to Tim’s feelings. “It can wait.”
“I want to know now.” I cross my arms. “You’ll worry me if you don’t tell me this instant.” I look at both of them.
Kyson glances at Meadow and then back at me. “Okay. Meadow and I are taking the next step in our relationship.”
I pause before I either get excited or panic. I know Meadow doesn’t want to marry and have kids. In fact, Kyson’s the same way. He’s been that way since he was a teenager. The only other thing it could possible would be…
“Oh God, are you moving in together?”
“Yes,” they answer in unison.
“Yes!” I push my fist in the air and hug Meadow first and then Kyson. “I’m so thrilled.”
Meadow smiles while Kyson looks baffled. “I didn’t think you’d be this happy,” my brother says suspiciously.
“Well, I mean, I’m a little sad because we’ve lived together most of our lives, but I think this is fantastic for you both. Plus, it’ll be great for me.” I hug him again to show him love and reassurance. “You two belong together.” He hugs me back this time.
“Thank you.”
I slap his back and step away. “Now, you both need to go celebrate, and we’ll talk all about it later.”
Kyson smirks. “So, is this your polite way of kicking us out so you can have sex?”
Before I can get a chance to slap his other shoulder, Meadow grabs his hand. “Bye, Kian.”
I softly chuckle, watching them leave. I take a deep breath. Kyson’s right; I’m excited. For him and me. This is a big step for both of us, and I’m ready for it
Tim wraps his arm around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder. “I eavesdropped.”
“It’s okay. I would have told you.”
“Dare I say you’re overly happy?”
“You can because I am. It’s time for him and me to be on our own.”
“I happy for you both.” He kisses the side of my neck and pops my jeans’ button. “But, I still owe you dessert.”
My head falls back as he strokes me. I moan as his grasp tightens around me.
“Where’s your bedroom?”
“Down the hall on the left.”
I know I have to work tomorrow, but I don’t care right now. Right now, I want to be with my boyfriend.
Chapter Six
I sip from my coffee mug, dressed, minus my jacket and tie, which is hanging around my neck, as Tim comes around the corner. “I really didn’t mean to spend the night, but I’m not sorry waking up with you.” Tim kisses me deeply. “I’m glad I get to see you off on your first day.”
I chuckle as Tim ties my tie. I lift my chin as he tightens it around my neck. “Thank you, and for your information, I wanted you to stay.”
He kisses me softly on lips. “I have to go too.”
“I’ll see you later.”
“Hey, text me and let me know how your day is going.”
I nod and we kiss again before he heads out.
I can’t believe how much my life has changed in just a couple of weeks. Nothing should move this fast, right? However, he seems to be on the same page I am. He calls me his boyfriend. I think of him as my boyfriend. Why am I fighting this?
I try to push it all out of my mind as I finish my coffee, grab my jacket, and head out to my car. This is a new day and the new beginning for me, and it’s exactly what I want.
Amber smiles at me. “See, it’s simple.”
We have spent most of the morning going over the Bears’ computer programs and files that need the most attention. Everything is extremely organized, and I like it because it’s easier for me to follow along. There are several other members in the department, but my assistant, Ion Haver, is going to be my right hand beca
use he seems to know it all.
“It is,” I say and finish my current project.
Amber took me around the other departments, and I met with everyone, doing my best to remember all their names. There’s a lot to take in, and I’m doing my best to keep up. The last department she took me to, and one I will be working with quite a bit, is the media. The cubicles are low and the reporters are in a one row. Of course, my eyes land on Tim first. He smiles when I come in with Amber.
She introduces me to everyone, and I shake their hands, but when we get to Tim, he tells her we already know each other.
“Oh, you do?” Her interest is piqued; I can see it all over her face.
“Yes,” I simply say. I’m not sure how they would react to me being gay and dating Tim. Hell, I don’t even know if there’s a policy against it with the Bears. “Kyson first introduced us.” I’m hoping the answer satisfies her curiosity.
“How sweet.” I know I can hear a tone in her voice, but I’m glad she drops it as she begins to introduce me to more people.
When we make it back to her office, she states I can go to lunch if I want. Lunch? I’d been so nervous about this morning, I didn’t pack anything, but I knew there were nearby food places. I nod and about to head out the door when there’s a knock.
“Come in,” she calls out.
In walks Kyson and Tim.
“Hi, guys.” Amber smiles. “Come to steal Kian away from me?”
The guys chuckle.
“Only for lunch,” Kyson answers.
“He’s all yours.” She waves us off, and we walk out together.
Kyson asks how my day is going, and I tell him everything I’ve been doing since I came in. It sounds like a lot more complicated than it is.
We walk down the street to a small diner a lot of players go to. We slide in a booth, Tim sitting next to me, Kyson across from us. I ask Kyson about practice, and he just nods.
“It’s good, but Coach is acting all strange again.” He shakes his head.
I don’t think Coach Long is a strange character. If anything, he has the strong, silent personality down to a science. The one thing I do know he loves his daughter and niece, but never mentions his wife at all. I don’t if anyone from the Bears has even met her.