by Carol Lynne
“Partial ACL tear,” Bobby mumbled. “But I went to a doctor yesterday and he signed a release. It’s just gonna take me some time to see if I can build my speed back up.”
Chet jumped up from the stool so fast he knocked it over. He ran his hands through his hair and began pacing the kitchen. “You didn’t tell me.”
“No, I didn’t.” Bobby had the good sense to look shamed. “I need to play. I need that scholarship if I’m going to get my degree.”
Once again, Chet tried to separate his personal life from his career as a coach. The lie hurt more on a relationship level, but the news was devastating to the coach in him. “Do you know what’ll happen if you reinjure it, or worse, tear it completely?”
“Yeah, I know.” Bobby stood and righted Chet’s fallen stool. “I may be a hell of a lot younger than you, but I still understand how getting drafted works. We both know my chances are slim either way at this point. Even if I were lucky enough to get picked, it’d be far down in the draft.” Bobby shook his head. “That’s not the way I want my life to go. I’d be a fool to take a small salary and still be expected to hide my sexuality.”
“If you have the surgery now, there’s still a chance you’ll rehab and be well enough to show the scouts what you can do before the draft.”
“But then I’d lose my scholarship.” Bobby reached out and placed a hand on Chet’s shoulder. “I want a real life with a real partner, and I can have that with a degree. In my opinion it’s a much better choice than a lonely existence as a pro.”
Chet couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You’ve worked your whole life to go pro. Why would you give up on that dream now?”
“Because it was never my dream, it was Dad’s. I knew the first time Mom drug me with her into the food pantry in town so we’d have something to eat that I wanted to grow up and help people like my mom and dad.” Bobby tugged on Chet’s arm until Chet turned to face him. “You and that degree mean more to me than playing football.”
Torn, Chet weighed the options. “Just live here, and I’ll pay for your school then. That way you can have the surgery and still have a chance at the pros if you change your mind.”
“No. It’s not the way I was raised. Did you know that when my dad was laid off from his job he volunteered to paint the food pantry that was helping us get by? You know why he did it?”
“I have a pretty good idea.” Chet had had a great deal of respect for Bobby’s father.
“Because he said Sikes men always paid their debts, if not in money, then in hard work. I’ve never forgotten that. It’s the reason I worked my ass off to get the scholarships. I may not be able to pay for college, but I can damn sure give something back if they’re letting me go for free.”
Chet respected Bobby’s position, but he couldn’t do nothing and take the chance he’d get seriously injured. “I have the money to pay for your school. Hell, pay me back after you graduate if it’s so important to you.”
Bobby’s arms slipped around Chet’s waist. “I’ve already let my dad down in so many ways. I just don’t think I can do it again.”
Chet enveloped Bobby in a hug and kissed his forehead. “If you really think your dad would rather you play hurt than take a loan from someone who loves you, you’re wrong. He wanted nothing more than to see you succeed, but not at the risk of your health. Fathers aren’t like that, and your dad was no different.”
Bobby stepped out from Chet’s embrace and looked him in the eyes. “If I have a release, will you let me play?”
“Am I answering as your coach?”
“Yes.”
“You’ll have to fight Colson Farley for the position.”
Bobby nodded. “Okay. That’s what I needed to know.”
Bobby started to sit at the island once again, but Chet pulled him up short. “Now that football’s out of the way, I think it’s time we talk about what happened the other day.” Bobby started to open his mouth, but Chet stopped him with a finger against his lips. “And about the lies. Unfortunately, I have to be in a meeting in forty-five minutes. Why don’t you come over for dinner later, and we’ll hammer out what the hell went wrong.”
“You mean I have to go all day feeling this way?”
Although Chet was still angry, his feelings for Bobby hadn’t changed. “Will a kiss get you through the day?”
“Maybe. If it’s a really good one,” Bobby added with a grin.
Chet started slow, nibbling Bobby’s bottom lip before seeking entrance. With a moan of acceptance, Bobby’s lips parted and Chet’s tongue teased its way inside. He eased his body closer and settled his hands on Bobby’s ass, taking time to knead the twin globes through the thick nylon of Bobby’s shorts. Damn, he wished he had more time before his meeting. He used his tongue to play with and tickle the inside of Bobby’s mouth for several minutes before pulling back. “That damn mouth of yours is going to be the death of me,” he panted.
“Naw, you’re still too young to die. I know you think of yourself as an old man, but you haven’t even reached your prime yet.” Bobby touched the short hair at Chet’s temple. “Do blonds turn grey?”
“Yeah, but the way I’m going, I’ll lose my hair before it has a chance to turn.”
Bobby grinned. “Actually, I like your gracefully receding hairline.”
Chet chuckled and leaned in to nip Bobby’s neck. “Thanks for noticing.” He started to take a step back, but Bobby held on tighter.
“Your age has never bothered me, so why does it seem to bother you so much?”
Chet had never told Bobby about his parents, but maybe it was finally time. “My dad was twenty-seven years older than my mom.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Anyway Mom decided about eight months after I was born that she hadn’t lived enough, so she left my sister and I with my dad and took off. Guess that’s why I’m a little touchy about our age difference.”
“That’s bullshit. You don’t actually think I’m gonna take off like your mom did, do you?”
Chet shrugged. “You’ve barely had time to stretch your wings. How do you know what you’ll want five or ten years down the line?”
Bobby didn’t jump right in with a comment like Chet had expected. Instead, he took several moments before answering. “I can understand why you’d worry, but I really don’t think you need to. I mean, I don’t have a crystal ball or anything, but I’m not the kind of person who enjoys going to bars and stuff. Even in Arizona I didn’t really party with the other guys.”
Everything Bobby said sounded too good to be true. Chet wondered if Bobby was simply telling him what he wanted to hear. Chet thought of the conversation he’d had with Julian. Was it possible Chet’s past was the main obstacle in his relationship with Bobby?
“I don’t think you give me enough credit,” Bobby said. “I know I’ve done some things to let you down recently, but really all I want is a regular life.”
“But you were meant for so much more than this,” Chet tried to argue.
“No I wasn’t. Like I told you, my fate was sealed the first time I went to the food pantry with Mom. I couldn’t believe how many people were there that I knew.” Bobby swallowed, enthusiasm for his chosen profession evident in his expression. “Good people, Chet. Men who worked with my dad stood in that line. I could see the shame in their eyes. They’re the people I want to help, not some multi-billionaire playboy who’s just after the fanfare that comes with owning a professional football team.”
While Chet commended Bobby for his way of thinking, he was also afraid the young man was being too idealistic. “You’re one person, babe. I’m not sure what you think you can accomplish but you could do a lot of good with the money the NFL would pay you.”
“Why’re you trying to talk me out of doing something I want to do?”
“I’m not. I just don’t want you to settle for a normal life when you could do so much more.”
Bobby stepped back, pulling out of Chet’s arms. “I thought
you’d understand.”
“I’m trying to.” Chet reached for Bobby but he took another step back.
“Will you still drop me by the house?” Bobby asked.
Chet knew he’d taken another step back in Bobby’s eyes but wasn’t sure what to do about it with only a few minutes before he’d have to leave. “Yeah. Let me get my bag.”
* * * *
After a short warm-up in the exercise room, Bobby headed to the field for his first official practice. He still wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing, but he still had until the start of the first official game to make up his mind.
“You’re practising for real?” Chase said, jogging towards him.
Chase’s smile was infectious, and Bobby found himself grinning from ear to ear. “Thought I’d give it a go.”
Chase settled in stride beside Bobby. “You mind if I walk with you?”
“Not at all.”
Chase gestured towards a small group of players. “You met Farley yet?”
Bobby shook his head. “I’ve watched him, but I haven’t met him. You?”
“Tried. He didn’t seem interested in talking much after he found out I lived in BK. That’s okay. My mom told me not everyone’s intelligent or tolerant.” Chase grinned.
“Your mom?”
“Yeah. Mom moved us to Cattle Valley when I was eight. It was right after I told her I was going to marry my best friend Sam. Sam’s folks didn’t take the announcement as well as Mom did. So she moved us from Ohio to Wyoming just so I’d never have to go through that again.” Chase rolled his eyes. “Sounds totally stupid, I know, but that’s the way my mom is. She’s always put me first.”
By the time Chase finished his long-winded explanation they were on the field. Chase stopped and dropped down on the thirty yard line. “Wanna warm-up with me?”
Bobby looked over towards the other players. He wasn’t sure whether or not it was cool for him to work out with a freshman, but so far Chase had been the only player who’d approached him. “Sure.”
He sat next to Chase and began stretching despite his earlier workout. A shadow fell over him and Bobby glanced over his shoulder. “Hey,” he said, staring up at his competition.
“Did the Prince finally decide to come down from his castle and play with us peasants?” Colson Farley asked.
Bobby couldn’t blame Farley for the jab, he deserved it. “I’ve been healing from an injury, but I finally got my release, so here I am.” He started to explain further, but Chase’s earlier comment about the way Farley had treated him came to mind. Instead he returned his attention back to Chase. “Wanna run some sprints with me?”
Chase glanced from Farley back to Bobby with a satisfied smile. “Sure.”
Bobby got to his feet and held out his hand to bring Chase up. They walked over to the track without looking back. Chase’s low laugh sounded more like a giggle as he started a slow jog. “You’re bad,” Chase said.
“Naw, I’m just giving him back a little of what he gave you.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean why?” Bobby readied himself for his first sprint. “I like you, kid.” He took off as fast he could safely run, feeling good for the first time in a long time. Maybe his body was finally starting to heal properly.
Chase ran up on Bobby’s side. “Give me all ya got,” Chase said, pulling ahead.
Bobby bit the inside of his cheek and pushed himself to the limit. Don’t buckle, he silently begged his injured knee. Twenty yards later he noticed Chet standing in the centre of the track with his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face.
Bobby slowed to a stop and walked the last several yards to stand in front of his coach. Despite his personal relationship with Chet, he knew it was important to show the man the proper respect in front of the team. “Coach.”
Chet glanced at Chase. “Why don’t you get with Coach Lange. I think he has a new play he wants to go over with you.”
“Sure thing, Coach Sloan.” Chase waved at Bobby. “Thanks.”
Bobby nodded, knowing he was about to get an earful from Chet.
“What was all that about?” Chet asked.
“Nothing, just warming up with Chase.”
Chet shook his head. “What’d you say to Farley?”
Bobby stared at Chet. Throwing Farley under the bus was out of the question. “He asked why I was suddenly practicing, and I told him I’ve just been released from an injury. Why?”
“He’s pissed. I’m just trying to figure out why. I’m also trying to figure out what the hell you’re doing racing Chase. Are you trying to push your body to another injury, or are you so wrapped up in impressing Chase that you’ve lost your mind?”
Bobby was guilty of running to impress but it wasn’t Chase he needed to prove something to. It had been a stupid move and he knew it. “You want me to go smooth things over with Farley?”
“Yeah.” Chet’s voice dropped. “Although he’s a good enough kid, he likes to talk. The last thing you need is someone spreading rumours about you.”
“Right.” Bobby gave his coach a nod before crossing the track to the field. He found Farley and waited until he was by himself before approaching. “Hey,” he said, announcing himself. “I just want you to know I’m not here to steal your position. I just want the chance to play.”
Colson snorted. “Yeah, right. Not only are you Bobby Ray Sikes but everyone knows you’re fucking the coach. How confident would you be if you were in my position?”
It was the first time someone on the team had mentioned his relationship with the coach. Were the players talking about Chet behind his back? Bobby wanted to jump in to defend the man he loved, but he knew it would only make the situation worse.
Unsure of what to say, Bobby shrugged. “Forget it. I was just trying to smooth things over so we didn’t butt heads all season.”
When Farley just continued staring at him, Bobby turned and walked away. He couldn’t care less if the asshole liked him, but disrespecting Chet was something else. Bobby jogged over to Peter Lange, the offensive coach who was currently running drills, and fell into line. He may not be able to outrun Colson Farley, but he’d still give each practice everything he had.
* * * *
Chet looked for Bobby after practice but he was nowhere to be found. He knocked on Julian’s door and stuck his head in. “Have you seen Bobby?”
“Yeah. He told me to tell you he’d meet you at your place.” Julian stood and grabbed his gym bag.
“Thanks.”
Chet started to leave when Julian stopped him. “There’s already some bad blood between Bobby Ray and Farley.”
“Yeah, I kinda noticed. I’ll talk to Bobby about it this evening.” Chet hated to do it, but Bobby needed to understand he was the new guy.
“Yo,” Julian said, calling Chet back once again.
“What?”
“From what I could tell earlier, the issue’s Farley’s to get over, not Bobby Ray’s.”
“What do you mean? What issue?” Chet asked.
“Farley knows about the two of you. I heard him talking shit in the locker room earlier. I shut it down, but it’ll no doubt start up again.”
“Thanks.” No wonder Bobby hadn’t stayed around to wait for Chet. He went back into his office and shouldered his duffle before heading out to his SUV. He noticed Farley in the parking lot talking to a few of the other players. It took a lot of willpower to get into his vehicle without causing a scene. “Shit,” he mumbled once he’d closed the SUV door. One of his jobs as a coach was to make sure his players were a team on and off the field. The bad blood already brewing between Bobby and Farley could mean trouble if it wasn’t nipped in the bud. Unfortunately, it sounded like Farley was in the wrong in this particular situation, but if he tried to talk to the junior running back it would no doubt come off like he was playing favourites.
Chet pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards home. He’d known from the start dating a player
would land him in hot water, so why the hell was he surprised the water was already starting to heat up?
* * * *
Chet took the hamburgers off the grill and slid them onto buns before carrying the platter to the outdoor table. “Come and sit down,” he told Bobby.
Bobby turned off the hose he’d been using to water Chet’s flowers and joined him. The scene was so incredibly domestic it warmed Chet’s heart. He watched Bobby pull out a chair and sit down, watching every move. Why couldn’t a future with Bobby be easy?
Bobby cleared his throat. “Are you mad at me?”
“No,” Chet said honestly. “I was just thinking about how good—natural—it felt to have you here like this.”
“It’s everything I’ve ever wanted,” Bobby whispered.
Chet picked up his burger and took a bite. He gestured to Bobby’s hamburger which was still sitting untouched. “Eat up.”
Bobby pushed his plate towards the centre of the table and leant his muscled forearms on the mosaic top. “If something was to happen, and I lost my scholarship, could the money go to Chase?”
“Why Chase? What’s going on between the two of you?” he asked, jealousy getting the better of him.
“Nothing outside friendship. I’ve watched him, and I can tell you he’s better than Koby. But he’s working a full-time job and trying to practice. Soon he’ll also have classes to worry about. How long do you think he’ll be able to keep it up? He’s the one who has the ability to go pro. He loves the game like I never have. He’s the one I’d pin my hopes on if I were you.”
“You make it sound like I want you to go pro for me, but that’s not the case. I just don’t want you to give something up because you’re afraid of it.”
“Afraid?” Bobby sighed and reached for Chet’s hand. “There are only two things I’m afraid of—losing you and not graduating. If I can somehow manage to accomplish those two things I’ll have achieved everything I’ve dreamed of. Football is just a way to get what I really want out of life.”