Run for It All

by Carolyn LeVine Topol

  “You’ll do fine. Who knows, you may even whip my butt.” Even through the phone, David could hear his tension.

  “I doubt that. You’re the best distance runner I could ever imagine.” Although David wasn’t intending to give Kevin empty compliments, he wondered if it came across that way.

  “You give me a lot more credit than I’m worth, but I’ll take it.” Kevin paused a moment. “Look, David, I’d better go. My homework won’t magically do itself.”

  “Yeah, I get it. See you tomorrow. Bye.”

  “Bye.” Kevin disconnected and David followed.

  He was beginning to understand the stupid phrase “the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.” The tension between Kevin and David didn’t seem to be waning, and David had no idea how he would ever get the chance to show Kevin how sincere he was with his apology if they never seemed to be able to agree to spend some time alone.

  Before he could beat himself up any further for screwing up the best thing that ever happened to him, there was a knock on David’s bedroom door. “Come in; nothing private going on in here.”

  “That’s an interesting way to invite someone in.”

  David ignored his father’s lame attempt at a joke.

  “I was wondering if there’s anything you wanted to talk about.”

  Staring at his father, David shook his head, having no idea what prompted the question.

  “Steve just got an interesting call from Kevin.”

  That got David’s attention. He immediately focused on his father but remained silent, waiting to hear more details.

  “It seems he first wanted to briefly discuss some strategies about who was to run which races on Saturday.”

  “Oh, I see.” David didn’t realize he could feel even more dejected than he already had.

  “After they spent about sixty seconds on track team business the tone seemed to change on Steve’s end.”

  David stared at his hands, the window, anything but his father. He wasn’t ready to give away just how upset he was.

  “From the responses Steve was giving, Kevin must have been asking about you. Steve may have mentioned your ongoing time spent in your room rather than anywhere else.”

  “Please tell me that’s all he said.”

  “Steve’s pretty good at keeping things general. He sure as hell didn’t mention how you’ve appeared extremely down and depressed, especially after your nightly conversations with Kevin.”

  “Dad? How did you know?”

  “I’m not blind, David, and neither is Steve. We can see what’s happened. Although we won’t get in the middle, we both hope you can figure this out.”

  “You’re not the only one who won’t get in the middle.”

  Rob’s brow furrowed. “Who are you talking about?” Before David could answer, his father offered a half smile. “You mean Jesse, don’t you?”

  David nodded.

  “I can understand her feelings. She is Kevin’s sister, and that places her in a very awkward position.”

  “I know. It’s unfair asking her to intervene, but I’ve been feeling desperate.”

  “I’m sure she supports you in every way she can. Jesse’s proved to be a good friend.”

  “She has.” David looked at his father. Feeling tears forming, he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. “Dad, do you mind. I’d kind of like to be alone.”

  Nodding, Rob squeezed David’s shoulder. “Okay, but don’t become a hermit.” Just before walking out the bedroom door, David’s father turned around. “Remember, if you need to talk, Steve and I are here for you—no judging anything you say. And you can always Skype with your moms if you need them. We won’t feel slighted.”

  “I’m keeping my moms out of this. They can’t do anything to help, and it’ll only worry them.”

  “It’s your decision, David.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I needed to hear that.”

  “Anytime.” After the door closed, David picked up his cell phone and plugged it into its charger.

  He thought about watching television but opened up his laptop instead. If he couldn’t go out with Kevin, he could at least study the track footage Steve posted for the team to review, and learn from, in preparation for their upcoming races.

  After watching one 5,000, with Steve’s accompanying commentary, he heard another knock on his door.

  Sighing, he closed the laptop and got up to open the door himself. “I’m coming.” David wasn’t sure he could deal with another pep talk to lift his spirits. For the time being, he was only interested in wallowing in his solo pity party. At least he wasn’t burdening anyone else with his whining. Plenty of guys had worse to deal with.

  “What’s up?” David opened the door and his eyes widened. “Huh?”

  “That’s one hell of a greeting.” Kevin grinned at him.

  David was still shocked to see Kevin standing in his apartment—at his bedroom door. “I don’t understand. I thought you had too much homework to deal with so you couldn’t go out.”

  “We both know that was bullshit.”

  Looking directly into Kevin’s eyes, David chose to remain silent rather than comment on the obvious.

  “After we hung up tonight, I felt like crap.” Kevin took a step into the room. “I spoke to Steve, and although he didn’t come out and say it, I could tell he thought I was being a drama queen. All of us react in different ways to things we’re afraid of or are out of our control. I blamed you for closing me out, and then I realized I was doing the same thing right back. It sure doesn’t make a shitload of sense, does it?”

  Shaking his head, David acknowledged his agreement. “No, it doesn’t. But why are you here?” Wanting to protect himself from reading too much into Kevin’s visit, he waited for the answer before allowing himself to let his hopes get too high.

  “I asked Steve if I could come over to talk with you privately. I didn’t want to meet in a public place. He said he and your dad would be cool with it as long as I wasn’t planning an overnight. I laughed when he said it, but if it hadn’t been a school night it may have been a consideration.”

  “You were so angry with me—rightfully so.”

  “We were both being drama queens. You were the first to admit it, and then I was paying you back. I’m not proud of my reaction to your apology, and my recent actions as some sort of screwed-up payback, but I hope you’ll accept an apology equally as genuine from me. I’m so sorry I closed you out to punish you. It was stupid and childish. Even Jesse called me on it, and she usually stays out of my personal life.” Kevin took a step farther into the room, closing the door behind him.

  David’s breath hitched. He wanted to reach out and grab hold of Kevin but knew he had to wait. David didn’t want to risk asking for too much too soon. He was just relieved to share a space alone with Kevin. It had been too long. David hoped the heat he could feel building was mutual, that Kevin felt the same way.

  David didn’t have to wait long to find out. “I missed you, David. I really missed you.”

  “Me too.”

  Before either could say another word, Kevin closed the gap between the two and wrapped his arms around David, holding him in a tight embrace and then pressing his lips against David’s. David instantly responded, opening his mouth to invite Kevin’s tongue inside.

  Holding on tight, David relished the feel of the two exchanging each other’s feelings and tastes again. He never wanted to let go. But reality intervened all too soon, and Kevin broke their kiss. Kevin released only one of his hands to stroke David’s cheek gently, maintaining their embrace with his other hand. “I’m really falling for you faster than I expected.” Kevin whispered in David’s ear and then nipped at his earlobe. David shivered in response, his senses keyed up as he felt his passion building.

  David rested his head against Kevin’s shoulder and nodded.

  “You too?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I know you’ve never, well, had a real boyfrie
nd before. I don’t want to rush you into something you’re not ready to deal with.”

  “I want you in every way I can have you.” David’s own admission surprised him. He hoped he wouldn’t come to regret his confession.

  “Good to know. I do as well, but we shouldn’t go too fast.”

  “Not sure how slow I can go.” David felt his need and desire taking charge of his emotions.

  Kevin guided them toward David’s bed. “You won’t have to go too slow. Let’s show each other how we feel as best we can with your dad and Steve just down the hall.”

  David nodded. He would have agreed to anything Kevin suggested in that moment no matter who was in the apartment or how close they were.

  It took only a moment. Kevin was able to deftly unbutton and unzip David’s jeans. He then unfastened his own. Taking David’s hand, Kevin placed it at the edge of his own briefs. “Do you want to? It’s okay if you’re not ready.”

  Without more than a split second’s hesitation, David slid his hand down, under the edge of Kevin’s underwear. Touching someone else’s penis for the first time was both scary and hot at the same time. Kevin was already hard; David was in the same state.

  Kevin mimicked David’s actions. When David felt Kevin’s hand begin to stroke him, he followed suit. They brought each other higher and higher until David couldn’t hold back anymore. He tried to keep his eyes open. Looking into Kevin’s hungry gaze was intense. Without thinking, David closed his eyes, and with a restrained gasp allowed himself blissful release under his boyfriend’s ministrations. David heard a deep moan as moisture from Kevin’s own release covered David’s hand.

  Gently removing his hand, Kevin reached across David to grab a few tissues from a box on the nightstand. He quickly wiped off his own hand and then David’s. Kevin tenderly kissed the tips of David’s fingers and then kissed his lips.

  “Kevin.” David whispered between kisses. “I—”

  Having tossed the tissues on the floor, Kevin held David tight as they lay on the bed, pants still left unzipped. “It’s okay, I know.”

  “Do you? I’m not sure, but I think I, well, I care about you more than I thought I could.” David wasn’t sure if this was what true love felt like, but if it wasn’t, he was sure it had to be damn close.

  “I feel the same way, David.” Kevin rubbed his hand over David’s arm. “It took me a while to deal with my wounded pride, but I’ve wanted this for a while and I’m glad we finally got here.”

  David nodded. He still couldn’t believe the night had turned out so perfectly. “How long can you stay? I mean, I know we have school tomorrow and you have to go home soon.”

  “We do, but I have time to hang out a bit.” Kevin smiled and David returned it with one of his own. “I’m kind of hungry. Got any dessert?”

  “Plenty. Steve not only cooks like Bobby Flay, but he can make desserts like a pastry chef.”

  “If you’ve already eaten, I understand.”

  David shook his head. “I was feeling kind of down, so I skipped dessert, but I think I’ve got my appetite back.”

  “Obviously in more ways than one.” Kevin winked and David could feel the blush instantly rise in his cheeks.

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “Great, let’s eat!”

  “Are you okay seeing my dads? They’ll be out there.” For the first time since Kevin appeared at his door, David realized his fathers would still be awake and would probably be fully aware of what had happened behind the closed door.

  “I’m pretty sure they knew I wasn’t coming here to play poker or discuss track strategies.”

  “Oh shit!”

  “Hey, relax. They were cool when I arrived. When the time comes for us to need more privacy, we’ll certainly make sure it’s not somewhere where our parents are only a room away.”

  “Does that mean we’ll be together for a long time?”

  “That’s my plan, and it had better be yours.” Kevin looked David directly in the eyes.

  “No more hiding from my fears or behaving like a coward. From now on I’ll be there for you, for us. I swear.” David stood up and zipped his pants. David experienced an overwhelming feeling of relief knowing he meant every word he had just pledged to Kevin. They were a team in more ways than one, and David would not risk losing Kevin ever again.

  Chapter 22

  “I CAN’T believe the meet is tomorrow. I hope my legs don’t give out underneath me.” David was shoveling the last bites of his breakfast into his mouth. Steve had insisted on making him healthy, well-balanced breakfasts during the entire week before the meet to keep David in optimum physical condition. Unfortunately it meant David had to wake up fifteen minutes earlier each day, but he was beginning to enjoy the extra pampering and attention. An added bonus, making it even more worthwhile to lose those precious minutes of sleep, was that he also got the chance to have some downtime with his father despite the pre-meet week from hell.

  “Did you finally grasp those concepts you were working on for your math test today?” Rob asked his question and then popped a big forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

  “I think so. I’m pretty sure I can get at least a B minus, which will keep me in the clear for team sports qualifications.” David shook his head and grinned.

  “What’s up, kiddo?” Rob furrowed his brow.

  “I still can’t believe I’m actually thinking about a sport. A year ago all I thought about was how to make straight As.”

  “Making straight As is nothing to sneeze at. Your moms always e-mailed me your grade reports over the years, and I don’t mind telling you it gave me plenty to brag about.”

  “But, Dad, the point is, all I did was study and hang out with a couple of friends. We stayed in a lot unless we were going out for coffee. Although Mom and Mama tried to encourage the whole exercise, stay fit thing, I never really paid attention.”

  Rob smiled. “And now?”

  “And now I couldn’t imagine a day without running at least a couple of miles, even dealing with the boring treadmill when the weather sucks.”

  Steve chuckled as he finished his breakfast and took his plate to the sink. He glanced at David over his shoulder. “Something tells me this good mood isn’t only about track. I have a feeling it has a great deal to do with the captain of the team.”

  David felt his face heat up. He knew it was ridiculous to deny his feelings. Once track practice was finished, he and Kevin had spent time alone together every day the past week. Ever since they had completely reunited, David had been on cloud nine, and he had no intention of screwing anything up, causing that to change.

  “I see you’re not challenging Steve’s assumption.” David’s father patted him on the shoulder. “I might be more concerned if I hadn’t gotten to know Kevin during the past couple of months. He’s a good kid.” Rob looked at David. “Actually he’s a young man, like you are now, isn’t he?”

  “I’m not going to answer that, Dad. Let’s just say a lot has changed since I arrived in Connecticut. Although I thought it would be miserable, this arrangement has worked out pretty well all around.”

  Rob nodded and didn’t press David for any further details. One of the nice things about living with his fathers was the relaxed feeling he had when sharing—or in this case not sharing—all the personal details of his life. He continued to think of Steve as one of his fathers despite his developing relationship with his dad; it seemed natural. David wondered if his comfort with his dads was because they were gay guys too, or maybe just that they were guys, but his fathers knew when to stop asking questions and to let David lead any conversations of a personal nature.

  “SO, DAVID, you ready for our first real meet? This one’s not an exhibition. It’ll be held at the local university since they have an indoor track. This time of year, New England isn’t conducive to outdoor track and field competitions, yet these early meets set the tone for what’s to come in the spring as well as setting the qualifying times for bigger
meets later in the school year.”

  “You know, Steve, I’m almost afraid to admit it, but I think I’ve got this one. We beat Farmington High and Trumbull Academy in the exhibition, and I’m running even faster and stronger now.”

  “Trumbull is tough, and I hope you won’t hold the actions of a few of their former team members against them. They have a good team, and their coach followed through on his promise to permanently remove from the team the jerks who cornered you and Kevin in the locker room.” Without batting an eye, Steve cleared the plates sitting in front of Rob and David. He placed them in the dishwasher and then turned his attention to David. David’s father also looked at him, both obviously waiting for a reaction.

  “To be honest, knowing those homophobic bullies were removed from the team makes me feel better.” David sighed. “And even though John hasn’t said or done anything to step out of line, either during practice or the school day, I still don’t trust him. Something is just off about him, but I can’t figure out what it is. Kevin’s opinion is that I’m overthinking it, but there’s something bothering me about that guy.”

  Steve handed David his jacket as he responded. “You don’t think Kevin may have a point? After all, you did have a pretty intense reaction to the locker room attack. Your earlier reaction was completely understandable, but John has been a model of good behavior ever since he came to West Hartford High.”

  “I know you’re right; you and Kevin are both probably better judges than I am.” David stood from the table and put his jacket on. He then turned and picked up the backpack he had conveniently left behind his chair when he sat down to eat breakfast.

  Rob looked from Steve to David. “You don’t sound at all convinced. This may just be the reporter in me, but what aren’t you saying, David?”

  David snorted. “Maybe I’ve inherited some of your professional instincts now that I’m working as a reporter on the school newspaper, or, more likely, I’m just a drama princess working on becoming a drama queen, but there’s something about John Lewis that doesn’t ring true. It’s as if he’s hiding some mysterious piece of himself just under the surface, and it’s going to come out at the worst possible moment.”