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I roll my eyes. “Yeah, I’m into that stuff.”
Heath just nods thoughtfully. “Doesn’t it get uncomfortable, though? I mean…do things get all…squished?”
I let out a breath of laughter, shaking my head. “Trust me, nothing getssquished.The lingerie I wear is designed for men. Or, people with penises, I should say. It’s plenty comfy.”
“Really?” Heath suddenly looks incredibly intrigued.
I nod. “Yeah. Like, right now I’m wearing lace boxer briefs.”
“Can I see?”
“Seriously, Heath?” Declan says with an exasperated shake of his head. “You didnotjust ask my brother to see his underwear.”
Heath just shrugs. “What? I’m curious.”
I let out a chuckle and decide to indulge him; partly because I’ve always liked how completely unabashed Heath is, and partly because I can’t resist an opportunity to tease my brother. I unzip my jeans and pull the fabric aside, revealing the red lace covering my hip and upper thigh. I keep my crotch mostly covered—that would probably be going a little too far, I think.
Heath nods in approval. “Red. Very sexy choice.”
“Jesus Christ,” I hear Dec mutter.
“So, are you, like, all smooth down there?” Heath asks, ever curious. “That’d look better, right?”
“Yeah, I do prefer a smooth finish, although I was doing that way before I started wearing the lingerie.”
Heath’s face screws up, as though he’s not sure he wants to know the answer to his next question. “So…do you have to wax and shit?”
I shrug. “I used to. But a little while back I got laser done. Hurt like a bitch at the time butsoworth it.”
“Huh. Maybe I should do that…”
“No,” my brother declares, his voice firm. “No way are you doing anything like that. You’re perfect the way you are. Now, here—take the baby, and for the love of god stop asking my brother about what he does with his junk.” Dec shoves Caplin at Heath, who looks a little startled at the outburst, but nonetheless calmly takes the baby and once again settles him against his shoulder.
“I should be going anyway,” I say, suddenly feeling a little awkward. “I really want to beat the rush hour traffic.”
I bid farewell to my brother and his husband, and then hit the road for home. Although this time, for the first time ever, the farther I get from New York, the more it feels like I’m heading in the wrong direction.
On New Year’s Day,while Ellie and I were taking a much-needed break from certain…activities, I took the opportunity to get in touch with both Principal Gregson, and Ross Kenning to discuss the issue of the leaked video. Neither had even heard the story at the time, and I was glad to be able to break the news personally. Both had assured me my job would be secure, but even so, walking into work on Monday is a nerve-racking experience. I know I have nothing to be ashamed about, but that doesn’t make the thought that some of my players may have seen that video any less unsettling.
When I get to my office, my spirits are lifted almost instantly as I spot Cass waiting for me with coffee and a paper bag that I know will contain an almond croissant.
I hold a hand to my heart and offer a wry smile. “You braved the stench of the locker room for me? I’m honored.”
“You should be. I wouldn’t put up with this for just anyone.”
I chuckle and let us both into my office. They take the chair in front of my desk and set the coffees and paper bag on the desk’s surface.
I take a moment to hang up my coat before sitting at my desk chair. I remove the wool hat I’m wearing and replace it with my Carmichael Rugby cap.
“Thanks for this,” I say as I bring the coffee to my lips, my tone more sincere now. “I really appreciate it.”
Cass offers a soft smile. “I thought you might need it this morning. How are you doing?”
I sigh. “Well…Ellie and I are finally officially together, so that’s awesome. But she lives in a different state, so that sucks. Ross and Gregson have assured me my job is safe, so I’m relieved about that. But there’s still a video of me getting off in makeup and lingerie floating around out there and I have no idea who’s seen it.”
“You don’t have anything to be ashamed or embarrassed about,” Cass says fiercely.
I nod. “I know. And I didn’t keep this aspect of my life secret because I was embarrassed. It’s just…I liked having the separation, you know? Now it feels like everything’s bleeding together.” I sigh, shaking my head. “It’ll be fine. It’s just something I have to get used to.”
