“They were okay,” Shaw teased.
“No one asked you,” Jonathan surprised me by joking back.
It had been two weeks since we’d gone to the art gallery, and things were great between us. I couldn’t say anything had changed when it came to Jonathan and his brothers, but I’d been honest with him and told him how I felt. That was really all I could do. How he moved forward, or didn’t, was up to him.
This was the first game my family could make it to. Our friends had decided to come as well, including Brooklyn, Kira, and Ali, so we’d had a huge crew there cheering us on. It was the best feeling, playing with my boyfriend, the guy I was in love with—but didn’t have the balls to tell him yet—while the people who were most important to us had our backs.
I couldn’t say I wasn’t disappointed that Jonathan hadn’t at least invited his mom. His discomfort with his brothers made sense, but his mom? Sometimes it made me feel like he was embarrassed of me, and that…well, it fucking sucked.
Okay, so maybe things weren’t perfect. They were still messy, and we had shit to work through.
“You’re a strong hitter. Have you always played?” Mama asked Jonathan.
“No, ma’am—I mean, Gloria. This was all Danny. I’m thankful he keeps me on my toes.”
My family laughed. “He’s good at that.”
“Oh, um…did you meet my brother? This is Will, and his boyfriend, Jameson.”
“I did,” Mama replied. “Elijah introduced us. We were chatting about trying to get the families together sometime. I would love to meet your mom and your other siblings too.” Because of course she would mention them.
“Uh, yeah, I—”
“What about me? Do I not count anymore? Did you see that catch I made?” I interrupted them. I didn’t want Jonathan to have to fumble his way through some kind of excuse. Mom and my sisters didn’t seem to catch on to what I was doing, but my boyfriend and his brother did. Will frowned, and Jonathan’s gaze darted away.
“Of course. I notice everything you do,” Mama replied. My sisters gagged, and I’d effectively changed the subject.
My family couldn’t stay, so they said their goodbyes, hugging me, Jonathan, and Elijah before they were on their way. We’d already packed up. Most of the team had dispersed. Mark and Jonathan were sitting on the bleachers, chatting.
“I’m gonna run to the bathroom,” I called to Jonathan, who waved to tell me he heard.
It was a short walk to the building. I went in, took care of business, but when I came out, Will was lingering around. “Hey,” I said.
“Hey. I, um…listen, I wanted to say I appreciate everything you do for Jonathan. I know it’s been rough on him—sometimes I think more than I realized. My dad…he did a number on him. I wish he’d go back to therapy, but…well, that’s not my decision to make. But yeah, thanks. He’s happy in a way I’ve never seen from him. He’s involved in ways he’s never been, and that’s because of you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. I…I care about him.” I sure as shit wasn’t going to tell Will I was in love with Jonathan before I told my boyfriend. As much as saying the words stressed me out, I also wasn’t sure he was ready to hear them.
“I can see that. Not gonna lie, it worried me at first, but somehow, you guys fit. You’re good for him, and give him some time, okay? I know he’s weird with the family stuff. It’s hard for me to understand sometimes, because I always felt like the black sheep, but I see now that Jonathan did too, only he never shared it with anyone. He’s trying to find his place, and I know he will. Just…stick by him. I’m not sure Jonathan has ever let himself truly depend on anyone before, but he does with you.”
I stood there, dumbfounded. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to be that for Jonathan and more. I wanted him to have everything.
Will shrugged. “Anyway, that’s all.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yeah,” Will replied. “I can see that.”
He turned to walk away, and I said, “Hey, Will?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re a good brother. I hope you know that.”
Appreciation shined brightly in his eyes. “Thanks. That means a lot to me, man. And you’re a good boyfriend.”
I chuckled. “That means a lot to me too.”
We made our way back to our friends. Jonathan was still talking with Mark, though they were standing now. As soon as I approached, Jonathan wrapped an arm around me, tugging me close and kissing the top of my head.
And it was…perfect. He was what I hadn’t known I needed. I could be patient on the other stuff. Being with him was reward enough.
We’d taken my car to the game, so I drove us home afterward. “I can’t believe next weekend is our last game,” I told him.