After the game clock strikes zero, my entire team rushes the field, piling on top of me.
I glance at the stands, like I’ve been doing all game, and see Nate and my entire family jumping up and down. Even my dad and brothers. I laugh to myself because the Boston fans around them look like they’re about to attack them.
We did it. We’re above .500, and we’re going to keep winning, I know it.
Back in the locker room, the mood is pure joy. We clean up, get dressed, hug it out, and say our goodbyes. It’s just after 11:30, and we’re all ready to pass out.
I watch the team board the team bus to the hotel. I am grateful that Coach gave me the green light to stay with my family this weekend instead of staying in the hotel with the team.
I head outside, heart still racing, and spot my family waiting near the car. They all rush me, showering me with praise.
“You killed it!” yells my mom
“Another game over the century mark!” says my dad
“Fucking monster out there!” says one of my brothers.
But I fade out their voices and only see Nate.
I walk up to him and, without a word, lean in for a kiss. He looks surprised, but meets me halfway.
“Don’t worry, babe,” he whispers. “No one’s watching.”
I smile. “I couldn't care less who’s watching.”
We all pile into my parents’ car, and I wave at the team loading the bus. I don’t care if I’m missing that ride. I’m exactly where I want to be.
Nate
It’s been ten days since Carter and I left his parents’ place early Monday morning. Now it’s Wednesday, November 21st, and the cold has finally kicked in. I miss the days of wearing khaki pants and tank tops, but hey, at least I still get to stare at Carter in his tight skinny jeans. Damn, his ass looks so good in them. He always compliments mine, but he seriously has a great ass too.
He played so well against Boston a few weeks ago and brought that momentum to last week's, week 11, game. The Hawks brought home another win, and Carter was so happy.
I’m still so glad I got to meet his family. They’re incredible. His friends, too. When we got back to his parents’ house after the game, he told me what that defender said, who was some old teammate of his. It was gross, but Carter wasn’t even mad. It’s like something’s flipped in him. He’s lighter and more confident in himself.
He keeps telling me how pumped he is for our actual date this Friday. Like, real date; dinner and then a night out at a gaybar, probably the one Paul works at. But this time, Paul’s coming as a friend, not a bartender, and Mel’s joining too.
Carter keeps calling it a celebration, as if kissing in public will be this big coming-out moment. I told him that’s not really how it works anymore, but with social media these days? Who knows. Carter spoke with the Hawks' Public Relations Department and General Manager, ensuring they were aware that there would be no press release or coming-out event. Knowing they had no choice in the matter, they agreed with Carter and wished him luck.
***
Today, Mel, Carter, and I are meeting with our financial advisor to review the numbers.
Over the past ten days, we’ve toured three rental properties in New York City, all between 1000 and 1200 square feet. I didn’t fall in love with any of them. I told Carter that I want to look at other rentals, and now we’re considering the one on Christopher Street, which is 1,800 square feet. It’s been on the market for a while, so we’re hoping they might offer to rent their property at a reduced rate or, at the very least, a two-year lease with a discounted rate.
Carter’s in the shower now, and it’s around 11 a.m. The snow from the last couple of days has already melted. Mel’s on her way over to hang before our 1 p.m. financial meeting. We’re figuring out how much we need, how much we can spend, and what’s worth splurging on. A higher-end espresso machine? Fancy signage? Fancy marble tables? It’s a lot. That’s why this guy is coming: to make sense of it all.
Carter and Mel seem so ready to invest, like really ready, but there’s still a limit in my mind. I don’t want to take advantage of their generosity. What makes it easier is that Mel and I havebeen getting more gigs lately, especially after the Boom Lounge event. I’ve been saving every penny. It won’t make a dent compared to what they can contribute, but it’ll make me feel better about myself.
Carter jumps out of the shower, towel around his waist. “Babe, are you gonna shower?”
I glance up. “I’m good. I showered last night.”
He grins. “I also showered last night, but you don’t shower in the morning?”
I laugh. “You haven’t caught on to my routine yet. I only shower at night or in the morning. I only shower twice a day if I hit the gym.”
Carter raises an eyebrow and smiles. “So, you excited to meet our little nerdy accountant friend? Or a financial advisor or whatever you wanna call him?”
