Love Match (Love Match 1)

The British press always had a field day during Wimbledon, printing the most lurid tales they could muster, accompanied by whatever revealing pictures they could find. They appeared in an even greater frenzy than usual, and as Luke got out of the car, all he heard was a cacophony of sound.

He refused to run, and walked calmly inside the clubhouse, ignoring the questions screamed in his direction, the manic camera shutters. Once inside, it seemed eerily quiet. A staff member approached with a frozen smile on her face.

“Mr. Rossovich.”

“The one and only.”

“There’s quite a commotion surrounding you today,” she noted.

“You don’t say.”

Her smile didn’t fade and her clipped, British accent was nothing but polite. “Not to worry, we’ll ensure that your match isn’t disrupted by all this nonsense.”

“Thank you.” Luke smiled and continued down the hall to the locker room before he paused and turned back to her. “Because it is, you know. Nonsense.”

“Of course! Silly gossip, Mr. Rossovich. We don’t pay it any mind.”

“Glad to hear it.” Luke turned the corner and headed into the locker room. He was meeting Mike for a practice session, unless Mike had other plans. Luke hadn’t heard from him, so he assumed they were still on. As the door closed behind him, silence suddenly enveloped the room, chatter ceasing as all eyes turned.

Luke looked around at his colleagues. His friends. Some of them looked away; others peered at him with open disgust. Luke dug down deep inside himself and smiled widely. “You shouldn’t believe everything you read.” He strolled casually to a locker and dropped his bag.

If he pretended nothing was wrong, maybe they’d buy it.

Then Mike was there, standing by his side. “Don’t worry, Luke. We know those newspapers are out to lunch. They can do anything with that Photoshop these days.” He clapped Luke on the back. “Ready for me to kick your ass?”

“Ready as always.” Luke smiled, genuinely this time. The locker room came to life once more, everyone going back about their business. Luke could still feel hot stares on his back, but he ignored them once more.

The officials kept the press away from their practice court, so Mike and Luke were able to get in a good session. Luke waited for Mike to ask about Jesse, about what was really going on, but he didn’t. They just practiced as usual, as though the media weren’t splashing that picture of Jesse in Luke’s arms all over the world.

When they took a break, Luke found he couldn’t think of anything to say. He hated lying to Mike, especially since Mike had always been a loyal friend. Always. Luke cleared his throat. He had to say something. Yet no words would come.

Finally, Mike put him out of his misery. “So, about that picture. About what they’re saying …”

“Yeah?” Luke held his breath.

Mike was quiet for a moment. “You’d tell me if it were true, right? We’ve been friends all these years; it’s not like it would matter. You’d tell me if you were gay.”

“Of course.” Luke’s throat felt like sandpaper and his stomach churned.

“Because it wouldn’t be a big deal. To be honest…I used to wonder sometimes. About you and Nik.”

“You did?” Luke couldn’t keep the note of surprise from his voice.

Mike shrugged. “There was just something about the way you two were together. Not all the time, just once in a while. But you were dating Alex, and I figured I was just imagining things.”

Luke was pretty sure he was going to throw up. He took a deep breath. “You weren’t imagining things.”

Mike blinked in surprise. “Wait, are you saying…you are? You’re really gay?”

Luke nodded jerkily. “I am.”

“Wow.” He shook his head. “I thought I was being crazy. So you and Nik …”

“Yeah.”

“Wow.” Mike was repeating himself.

“It doesn’t change anything, right?” Luke’s heart pounded double time in his chest.

“No, of course not.” Mike picked up his racquet and smiled quickly. Maybe too quickly. “Doesn’t change anything. Come on, let’s play.”

He headed back to his side of the court, and they practiced for a bit longer. Luke mechanically returned shots and tried to pretend that everything was normal. After practice, Mike said he had some errands to do, and they didn’t go for their customary snack. Luke told himself not to read too much into it, but it was difficult.

Back at the hotel, he battled the urge to call Jesse’s room. He wasn’t sure what time Jesse was leaving; for all he knew, Jeff and Jesse had gotten a flight quickly and were already gone.

After an hour, Luke popped two sleeping pills and welcomed oblivion.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

It was another day before Luke could contemplate checking his messages. Most were from reporters he had no desire to speak to, but then he heard his mother’s familiar voice.

“Luke, it’s Mom. I heard the rumors on TV and I saw the picture on the Internet. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I hope you and Jesse are doing okay. I hear that you’re denying everything but…I don’t know, dear. Maybe it’s time to be honest. It’s up to you and Jesse, of course. Whatever you decide, you know I’ll support you. Call me when you can. I love you.”