Page 126 of Dickathlon

“You don’t seem to understand, Declan. You can’t hide anywhere. You’re the tallest person at the party. In any case, Merry Christmas, guys.” Freddie raised his glass to clink them against ours and we all had another sip.

“You taking care of my apartment?”

“About that.”

Uh oh.

“I kind of met someone and we’re moving in together next month.”

“Oh wow, congratulations. Who is she? Ow!” Ty had punched me in the arm. “What was that for?”

Ty just shook his head as Freddie continued, “Uh, it’s actually a he.”

Oh.

“It’s been a little confusing.”

“Tell us about it!” Ty added. “That’s amazing to hear though. I’m happy for you. We’re happy for you.”

“Y-yeah. I’m happy. Don’t worry about the apartment. It’s a hot market. I can easily sell it.”

“Thanks, Declan. I was worried it was short notice. I know we’re kind of taking things quickly, but when you know, you know, right?”

I nodded in agreement, though I was curious how long Ty’s future speech about his hunch concerning Freddie’s sexuality would be.

“You’re gonna sell the apartment?” Ty asked.

Shit. I should’ve asked him first. Think, Declan, think!

“Well…we’re in Chula Vista now. Even if I don’t live there long-term, I’ll still be training there. And you worked it out with Woodward to coach there for a while, right? Ma-maybe we get our own place there? Off campus.”

I glanced at Ty, hopeful I hadn’t overstepped. We hadn’t discussed beyond Chula Vista yet.

“Like, move in together?!”

“Let’s be real, Ty. We’ve been living together for months already.”

“I know. But it’s been your dorm or mine. Not ours. That’s a big step.”

“I can slow do-”

“No!” He jumped into my arms, spilling both our drinks. “I want to live with you.”

“Well, alright then,” I said. “We can start looking for a place next week.”

“Thanks, Freddie!” Ty beamed, pulling Freddie into our hug.

“I, uh, I’m not sure what I did, but you’re welcome?”

We let go of each other and I watched as Ty double checked his outfit for spillage.

“When do we get to meet your mysterious stranger?” I asked.

“Well, he, uh, has a son.”

“Oh?!” Ty and I said in unison.

“Yeah, so, it’s a little early for all that kind of stuff. We’re trying to keep it as slow as we can despite moving in together. I know I was so adamant I was straight with you, but something clicked with Dante, and it’s been a lot to process. His son was actually a patient, that’s how we met.”