Before he had to endure waiting any longer, the gun went off. Kevin proceeded in his usual style and led the pack with David practically on his heels. David could feel John to his immediate right and heard him utter through practiced steady breathing, “Let’s fuck ’em all.” David smiled at the double entendre in his teammate’s words. Clearly Kevin had heard them too as he picked up the pace.
David’s eyes widened, focusing on keeping up with Kevin, who seemed to have wings on his heels. It was all David could do not to lose his position in the lead pack. David hoped Kevin hadn’t increased his speed too soon. They needed to pace themselves for the distance they were running.
For a while David allowed himself to pretend he was running alone, as he did every morning on the streets near his apartment. He imagined himself gliding past his favorite coffee house, the one he and Kevin liked to visit at least once or twice a week. David then envisioned his fathers cheering him on, and knowing his mothers were doing the same despite their distance. Not too many kids had two parents who completely supported and loved them unconditionally, but David really lucked out—he ended up with four, although it had seemed like an uphill battle to get them all on the same page until recently.
Feeling his legs carrying him faster than expected, David let himself go. He followed immediately behind Kevin as the pair moved farther from the pack. David sensed they had left John behind, but he couldn’t think about him. It was David’s race to win or lose, in the same way it was Kevin’s. David had the urge to look at the small row of university scouts but knew it would destroy his rhythm, so he held his eye line and continued.
When they reached the final two laps, David’s legs felt like every muscle from his ankles to his waist was burning. He hoped his hamstrings would hold out until the end.
There it was, the placard indicating he was beginning the final lap. All David could see was Kevin, who continued to run faster and faster. Using the practiced breathing and focusing techniques he learned from his coach, his pop, David pushed himself to stay close, but Kevin was practically flying around the track. Kevin seemed to have a bigger kick than anyone had realized, and he was using it when it counted most.
Feeling like he was going to collapse, David kept thinking of the finish. He knew he wouldn’t cross first, but he didn’t want anyone else catching him and passing. It didn’t take any looks over his shoulder for David to feel another runner coming close. He just hoped it was anyone except one of the Trumbull Academy runners.
The screams and cheers from the spectators grew louder, and David heard the unmistakable ring of cowbells clanging, encouraging the athletes to finish faster. With one last effort, giving his body all he could, David pulled closer to Kevin, now several meters in the lead. Watching Kevin cross the finish line, David followed suit only eight paces behind. When he heard the runner nearest him cross just behind he looked to spot a guy he knew was from the Farmington High team. John crossed fourth, just a split second after their opponent. Several moments later, the Trumbull twats all crossed as one group, in fifth, sixth, and seventh places.
They had done it. Kevin, John, and David had given the bigoted bastards a run they would never forget. Although they didn’t sweep the top three positions, it didn’t matter. They had shown the judgmental trio who the better athletes were.
After enjoying a group hug, Kevin, John, and David looked up to find themselves the target for a large group of their teammates, accompanied by parents, coaches, and Jesse bringing up the rear. Everyone held up their smartphones, taking video and still shots of the three runners, all wearing broad smiles.
David felt a shoulder brush up against his. When David turned, standing near him was the guy David suspected was the leader of the Trumbull Academy pack. He whispered through still labored breathing, “I almost caught you, and then you would have gone down, fag. Beware the next race; you won’t be so lucky.”
Before David could follow through on delivering a right cross to his nemesis’ face, his dad and a couple of coaches, including Coach Wilkins arrived.
“Hey, you’re the reporter on the news.” The Trumbull jerk, whose name David never bothered to learn, stood tall and smiled. “How about a shot of me and my buddies. We ran a good race. We’ll win next time.”
The Trumbull coach rested a firm hand on the kid’s shoulder. “I doubt there’ll be another race. You were in on a pass, but with footage like this, using your own words, you’ll never run for me or any other coach again.” David watched as the Trumbull coach brought his dad closer. “I’m glad you recognized Robert Martin, reporter for our local affiliate. He recorded everything, and oh, he happens to be David’s father—the young man who has consistently crossed the finish line ahead of you.”
Without thinking, the moron blurted out, “Fuck you, faggot.”
Rob smirked. “The video is still running.” He then turned and grabbed David in a huge bear hug. “You were amazing. I’m so proud of you and Kevin,” he quickly looked over David’s shoulder, “and Steve.”
The medal ceremony seemed to go by in a flash. It was great standing next to Kevin on the winner’s podium once again. When the ceremony ended, Steve patted Kevin on the back. “Kevin, now we all know why you’re the team captain. You ran your fastest time ever.”
Kevin didn’t hide his pleasure at the praise he was receiving all around. “Thanks, Coach Garrett. It felt great. I’ve never had that much energy at the end of a 10,000 before.”
“It showed. After you give your admirers a little more time, go shower and join the team. The bus will head home, and then the entire team will go out and celebrate all our medal winners.”
Kevin nodded and continued to thank everyone for their congratulations. After a few moments, David approached. “Maybe we should head into the locker room.”
“Not so fast, son.”
David, Kevin, their families, and coaches all stopped to look at the man addressing them.
“I’m from UConn, and I have a couple of friends here visiting from USC and UCLA. You two boys seem to be on all our lists for distance runners.” The scout looked at his iPad and then looked back at them. “Kevin Ringer, you sure fit your name, kid. You’re a junior, right?”
Kevin nodded but remained silent. “You’ll be hearing from me, and probably these two as well. Don’t sign anything without making sure you consider your loyalties to your state.”
The scouts from California both chuckled. “No undue pressure. Remember, we’re your guests, and we’ve sent countless runners to the Olympics.”
Following another short chuckle, the UConn scout turned his attention to David. “Young man, if you keep running like you did today, and especially yesterday, we may need to talk to you before you graduate. You’ve got natural talent, and there’s no need to waste it by running locally for the next two years.”
David’s eyes widened, but he wisely remained silent.
“My son is a gifted runner. When you’d like to talk to him just contact me, and we can sit down and decide how to proceed.” Rob handed all three scouts his business card. He wrote his private cell phone number on the back.
Steve accompanied the boys to the locker room. “So, Kevin, how’s the arrangement with John being on the team going to play out?”
“What arrangement, Coach? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Kevin spoke quietly and looked toward John.
“Yeah, Coach, no idea what you mean. I’m on the West Hartford team, and I plan to continue to earn my place as one of your 5 and 10K runners.”
“Sounds like a win-win plan to me, boys. Now get showered. Coach Wilkins is getting the rest of the team on the bus, and to avoid any problems in the locker room, I’ll wait here for you guys to finish.”
Steve was smart and intuitive. It’s what made him a good writer, a good coach, and a good parent. Evidently having heard about his dad’s opportune video, Steve was protecting the boys from any retribution. He was hovering, but David wasn’t about to discourage him.
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Chapter 34
DAVID WATCHED the oversized wall clock hanging above the teacher’s desk in his social studies class. It was the last class of the week and David couldn’t wait for it to end, as he was exhausted. Normally exhausted meant the week had been rough to navigate, but this week had been anything but difficult.
Immediately after the team’s celebratory dinner at a local Italian restaurant known for its brick oven pizza, David and Kevin had hopped into Kevin’s car and taken off. “Where are we going?” Kevin drove safely, but David noted a grin on his face that was a cross between amusing and intriguing.
“If I told you, there would be no reason to check out your reaction when we arrive.” Kevin tilted his head as he continued to face forward, watching the road as he drove through their town.
David’s brow furrowed when soon after, Kevin pulled the car into the parking lot adjacent to his apartment building. “You’re bringing me home? I’m not sure this is what you’d call a great surprise. You need to work on your spontaneous romantic inclinations a bit more.”
“Do I?” Kevin chuckled. “We’ll see what you say after we head upstairs.”
Walking across the threshold of his own home, David’s eyes widened. Draped across his bedroom door was a banner that read, Happy Birthday to the track superstar of the year!
“When did you get a chance to put this up?”
“Let’s just say, your fathers have some good connections, not to mention friends with a spare key who they trust to take in their mail when your dads are on vacation.”
“So much has happened lately, I almost forgot about my birthday. It’s still a couple of days away.”
“When I talked to your dads, we agreed you should have a special evening to celebrate, just for us, especially since they’re getting married next weekend.” Kevin pushed David’s bedroom door open, gently moving the banner to the side but leaving it hung in place. Following Kevin into his room, David spotted a large bouquet of red roses in a vase on his desk with a gift-wrapped box resting next to them. “By the way, in case you were wondering, your dads decided to do a little prewedding/post–track meet celebrating themselves. You probably noticed they didn’t really eat much at the pizza palooza we just engaged in.”
“I did.” David laughed. “I just attributed it to them making sure they’d fit into their tuxes next week.”
“Yeah, well I’m sure that came into play, but they’re going out to that fancy seafood place in town.”
“The one where dinner lasts nearly three hours and the bill comes to more than most people’s paychecks?”
“Yep, that one.” Kevin faced David and rested his arms over his shoulders, drawing him closer. “They’re heading there right about now, so they won’t be home for at least another two to three hours.”
“I see.” David smiled, trying to look coy, but knowing he was hungry… and not for more pizza. “Should I open my birthday present first, or did you have something else in mind?”
“The present can wait. After all, it’s not your birthday until Tuesday anyway.” Kevin pressed his lips to David’s then separated them far too soon. “I think we have much more important matters to attend to first.”
“You get no argument from me.” David didn’t wait for Kevin this time. He held Kevin close, backed him to the bed, and smashed their lips together as he pushed Kevin onto the bed. There was no need for any further discussion. He had waited and hoped to have a night like this after the meet was finally behind them, and David wasn’t going to let another minute pass without getting as close as possible to the guy who had become the center of his life.
Wrapped in each other’s arms, passions and heat building, David lost himself in every touch, every kiss, and every stroke Kevin lavished on him. David didn’t think it was possible to feel higher, hotter, or more in love than he did at the moment. Emotion charged his body, and he felt so alive. Every sensation felt exaggerated in the best possible way. From the sounds Kevin was making, David knew Kevin was experiencing the same feelings of love, both physically and emotionally.
As they reached their climaxes almost simultaneously, David breathed out, “I love you, Kevin.”
A smile spread across David’s face as Kevin whispered less than a second later, “I love you, David, and I’m so glad you’re not leaving.” Hearing Kevin take in a slow breath, and feeling his heartbeat returning to normal, their bare chests still pressed together, David remained quiet, sensing Kevin wanted to say more. “David, you inspire me. I ran for it all today; I ran for us. I watched you on Saturday and knew with thoughts of your perfect race in mind I could run my race today.”
Running was such a significant part of Kevin’s life—his world. David felt overcome by Kevin’s admission. This declaration meant more to him and was a better birthday gift than anything that might be awaiting him in the gift box on his desk.
“I’m glad our parents are cool with us being together. I know some parents don’t let their kids stay home alone.” Leaving their embrace, as both reluctantly knew they would inevitably need to, David pulled his jeans back on as Kevin began putting on his T-shirt.
“When your dad called my mom to ask about what she thought about the idea of leaving us alone, she gave him her philosophy and he apparently thought it was a good idea.”
“I know. I remember when Dad spoke with my moms on one of our Skype sessions. Dad told them if he left us alone here, they would all know I was in a safe and secure place, with the ammunition available to act safely,” David smiled as he held up a condom and then tossed it back into his night table drawer. “I thought my moms would accuse my dad of being totally insane, but instead instantly agreed.” David looked at Kevin. “Makes me wonder what kind of crap they had to go through to get time alone with the people they cared about, the people they loved.” Biting his lip, David looked at Kevin and was glad to see him smiling back at him.
“So, are you going to open your present?” Kevin pointed toward the box as he finished straightening the blanket covering the bed.
“I guess so.” David wondered if anything could top the birthday gift Kevin had already given him. David’s life had changed in the best possible way, and Kevin was undeniably one of the most significant reasons. After picking up the box, he untied the ribbon and then tore off the paper. The first thing he spotted was a gift card to a store that sold the best running sneakers in the entire state, but then he felt something even smaller underneath. Tossing out a scrunched up wad of tissue paper, David lifted out a car key and a disc-shaped key tag both hanging from a small carabiner. He held up the gift card first. “Does this mean you’re going to go with me to make sure I pick out the best running shoes around?”
“Absolutely!” Kevin grinned. “And what do you think of your other gift?”
“I’m not quite sure I understand. I’m taking driver’s ed this summer, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t buy me a car.” They both laughed.
“I didn’t. But your dads agreed to get you a copy of a key to their car, and I added the final piece.”
“Awesome!” David gripped the car key, looking forward to driving his dads’ car as soon as he got his learner’s permit. He then looked closer at the small disc. “Hey, it says something.”
“Read it.” Kevin stood in front of David, biting his lower lip.
“It says DM & KR on one side and on the other Racing for it all TOGETHER!”
“So what do you think?” Kevin started to nibble on the edge of his thumbnail.
“It’s really cheesy.” David tried to keep the smile from spreading across his face, but he was clearly never going to be a good poker player. “I love it!”
“I hoped you would; hell, I knew you would. You’re such a major sap—probably what I sensed in you from the first time we met. It’s one of the things I love best about you.”
“I still can’t believe you were ever with a total player.”
Kevin rolled his eyes. “Neither can I. But in my defense, he
was hot.”
David tilted his head.
“But not as hot as you.”
“Good answer.”
The entire night had been perfect. Although wedding preparations took up the rest of the week, a small birthday dinner at David’s favorite burger place with his dads, Kevin, Jesse, and Craig, had played a close second.
David couldn’t wait for the small wedding and hoped it would be exactly what Pop wanted. Steve had waited a long time for Rob to propose, and to mean it; he deserved a good start.
For his birthday, David’s dads surprised him with a proposition. Standing up at David’s birthday dinner, holding his glass of club soda and lime, Rob made a toast. “To David, who has taught me this past year about being part of a family, something I never dreamed I’d have, and for that I am so very grateful to my wonderful son. I know my work got in the way more than it should have, but I also know he’s got the writing chops to make some noise in the world of news reporting himself.”
David furrowed his brow wondering where his father’s line of thought was going. It was starting out as a very strange toast.
“As a special gift,” Rob said, looking at Steve and winking, “his pop and I wanted to give him the chance to show his own writing and reporting skills with an internship at the TV station where he and my future husband will write a series on the life of teen athletes, incorporating their celebrations, challenges, and stresses.”
David’s eyes widened; he was dumbfounded.
“Well, what do you think, Davey boy?” Craig sat back in his chair, one arm resting around Jesse’s shoulders. He popped a french fry in his mouth. “Are you going to make the jocks of the world famous?”
Jesse elbowed him gently. “Both male and female?”
“Wow” was all David could say.
Steve laughed out loud. “With that kind of eloquence, we’re going to have a long and difficult summer ahead of us.”
Everyone joined in the laughter.
David finally found his voice. “Amazing. I can’t wait to start!” Rising from his seat, David hugged his dad and then his pop.
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