Make sure he’s worthy.
But can you make sure we get some one-on-one time too? Thinking about next year’s plans.
I need my best friend.
Jamie Carter 11:41 AM
Absolutely.
On the way to the airport, I keep working through Ethan’s notifications. His Instagram is a mess – I delete the app for the time being and tell him to have Jack hire someone to deal with the account.
“You can do that?”
I laugh, realizing just how little Ethan knows - or cares - about social media.
“Youshoulddo that. They’ll monitor comments and delete and report as needed. You can also work with them on some more consistent content, if you want.”
He side-eyes me. Ofcoursehe doesn’t want that.
I return to his texts. They’re mostly under control, although there are a few that I swipe left to delete. I notice one from Sam Montgomery thanking him for the interview and asking if he’d be open to a longer sit-down over the summer.
Then, I get to one from Coach. Thinking about our conversation in the hotel room last night, I’m hesitant to open it, but even more hesitant to let Ethan tackle it alone. I open the text, bracing for the worst.
Coach Ramsey 12:03 PM
Very proud of you, Ethan.
And sorry I didn’t handle our conversation earlier this year very well.
I’d love for us to meet tomorrow to discuss ways the organization can better support you.
That brings me up short – what conversation? I hand the phone to Ethan, knowing he’ll want to respond.
“What’s he talking about? What conversation?”
His cheeks turn pink.
“Uh, probably the one where he called me a homophobe and asked if I hate gay people. If I had to guess.”
My eyes widen at this new piece of information.
“He saidwhat?”
Ethan is typing, though the tips of his ears are still pink.
I’d always suspected Coach had stepped in when Ethan was at his worst, but I’d had no idea he’d done so much. Still, when I think of the results, I can’t exactly regret his choice.
“Hey, will you come with me?” Ethan asks, as I notice we’re nearly at the airport.
“Hmm?” I’d been distracted by my thoughts, not sure exactly what he’s asking.
“Coach wants to meet with me tomorrow. I think it’ll be fine, but I’d love a little backup, just in case.”
“Oh. Yeah, of course.”
“Besides, if hereallywants to discuss supports, you should be there, too.”
“You don’t think that’s what he really wants to talk about?”
