The End Zone (Atlanta Lightning 2)

He laughed. It was strange, when you were feelin’ someone the way I was him, the way their happiness became yours. That was what happened then. I felt better because he did. Love was some weird shit.

“I think I can make that happen.”

I leaned down and kissed him, just as Mia honked. “My fucking sister. I better go.”

The second I got in, she started to pull away. “Being late isn’t going to be a good look today.”

“We’re not gonna be late. Chill out.”

“How are you feeling? How did it go with Jeremy?”

“Good. I came twice.”

“Jesus Christ, D. I don’t want to hear that shit. Plus, stop. You don’t think I know you by now? You’re deflecting because you’re scared.”

Sometimes it was a curse to have Mia as a sister, but most of the time, it was the best. “It went all right. We got home and talked some more. He called West, and we video chatted with him and Ans, got their advice. Jeremy’s worried I’m going to resent him, that he’s going to ruin my life or something.”

“It’s a valid concern.”

“Tell me how you really feel.”

“It’s because I love you and I’m always on your side, even in this. Just…talk to him if things do start to crop up between you.”

I nodded.

We were quiet the rest of the way to the management offices. We went through security and made our way up to a room that was already full before we arrived. Everyone was seated at the long table, around the two ends and on one side, leaving the other side just for Mia and me. We were definitely outnumbered.

“I don’t remember Anson having to do this,” I mused, not because I wanted to throw my friend under the bus, but because this felt awfully dramatic.

“Anson came to us first. Anson was the only one at the time. Also, you asked for this meeting,” Ronald, the team owner, said.

Shit. He had a point there.

“How’s the arm?” Coach asked.

“Good. Team doc says I’m healing well. This won’t hold me back.” I sat down, Mia beside me.

“So it’s true? You’re gay?” Linda from PR asked. Linda didn’t play.

“Nope, bi.” I figured that was the easiest label to use. I was attracted to women. I loved and was attracted to Jeremy. It fit. “But yeah, I’m with him, and that’s not changing. I don’t care what the repercussions are.”

“Darren…” Mia warned.

“I’m sorry, but it’s true. I’m over this being a problem for people. Why does anyone else care who I love?”

“No one cares, son,” Ronald said, then, “let me backtrack. There are people who care, and that’s a damn shame, but no one in this room does. Not in the way you’re thinking. You’ve been with me your whole career. We’ve watched you grow. You’re like family in a lot of ways. We support you and want you happy. On the other hand, this is business. This is my business, and what your heart tells you doesn’t always go with what’s best for the team.”

Mia reached over and placed her hand on my thigh in support. I was shaking. Were they telling me I needed to pack my bags at the end of the season? I figured I had more of a chance to stay in Atlanta than another team taking me post-shattered arm and with a boyfriend. At least in Atlanta, I had played there my whole career, and they’d supported Anson.

“Don’t blow smoke up our asses, Ronald. We’ve worked together too long for that. What are you saying?” Mia asked.

“No decisions have been made, and I’m letting you know we support you. We stand by you, but ultimately, we’ll always do what’s best for the team. I’m not saying that means keeping you or going a different direction. I’m saying when the time comes, the team will always come first, and it’s not personal. My suggestion is as soon as you can, get that arm strong. Work your rehab to the best of your ability. Do your thing. Tell your truth, though clearly the timing could be better, but also keep your head down and focus on your recovery. Don’t let shit get into your head, because it’s going to be out there, Edwards. The best thing you can do for yourself is stay out of trouble and heal that damn arm.”

That was…the best I could expect. I didn’t want to be traded because of my sexuality—that was wrong; it was bigotry—but I didn’t want to be kept for it either. I didn’t want them to keep me because they were afraid of how it would look to trade me. I wanted to be judged on my game and what was best for the team. “I plan on it. Thank you.”

They had Mia and me stay a while longer. We had to hash out details for my…fuck, for my coming out. It was all coordinated with the team and media in mind. Even though I sure as shit liked to be the center of attention, I didn’t want to do some big public thing. Especially not since I was supposed to be keeping my head down.