The End Zone (Atlanta Lightning 2)

Okay, well, clearly I couldn’t let that go. Darren couldn’t be more fun than I was. I’d always been a fucking blast, thank you very much. “Fine, but we have to wait until after dark, Troublemaker.”

“Aw, don’t worry. It’ll be okay, Angel. I promise you’ll have fun.”

“I hope you plan on buying me dinner first. If you’re getting me to break into my friend’s house, I should at least get food out of it.”

“I’ll buy you all the dinner you want. I’ll even spring for the TP. Wait, though. You realize I’m letting you drive my Aston fucking Martin right now, don’t you? I’m pretty sure that’s better than a meal.”

“This doesn’t count because it happened before said breaking and entering.”

“Spoken like a true lawyer.”

“Thank you.”

We drove to a restaurant and had dinner. Afterward, we went back to Darren’s place, watched some SportsCenter, and hung out until we could head to Anson and West’s. Darren messaged Elias to let him know what we were doing, and Elias was actually able to disable the alarms for us so they didn’t go off. He kept the cameras rolling for fun.

Darren and I wasted entirely too much toilet paper on their house, the porch, and the trees. The nerves in my gut soon faded, turning into excitement as we laughed and snuck around their property. It was more fun than it should have been, and when Darren tried to wrap me in paper, we fell to the grass, cackling.

When was the last time I’d laughed so hard? Enjoyed something so much? I was a pretty easygoing guy who lived an easy life. When I wanted to do something, I did it. I wouldn’t call myself boring or say I lacked experiences, but…Christ, I was toilet papering a house, with a professional football player.

I cracked up again.

“What’s so funny?” Darren asked.

“I just can’t believe I did this. West is gonna kick my ass.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you, Angel.”

“What, big, strong straight man must protect the gay?”

He rolled over, a bit of panic in his eyes. “I didn’t mean…”

“I’m giving you shit.” But it was sweet he cared so much.

“I just…didn’t always do or say the right things. Before Anson came out, I probably contributed to his fear of doing so. I don’t want to be like that. It’s important to me not to be like that.”

“Aw, my little troublemaker has a big heart.”

“You’re dumb.” Darren stood and held his hand out for me. I took it, and he pulled me to my feet.

“I know you are, but what am I?”

“Stop stealing my lines,” he replied as we made our way back to the car.

He drove us to his house, and when I got into my rental to leave, I realized how much I didn’t want to go.

“I can’t believe you toilet papered my house.” West shook his head, but a small smile curled the corners of his lips. We were in his office at You Belong. He and Anson had come home yesterday, and we were meeting up now before I headed back to San Francisco.

“You went to Europe without me. You deserved it.”

“I just got married. I was supposed to pack you along? Plus, you’re rich and your husband has moved to London. You can go anytime you want.”

About that…I guessed I should tell West the truth.

He frowned, reading me too well. “What’s going on with you, Jeremy?”

I sighed, leaning back in the chair. He was going to be pissed I hadn’t told him. He probably wouldn’t understand, but then, maybe he would. He hated being away from Anson.

“Bobby and I separated. It was a mutual agreement.”

West’s eyes widened. “What? When?”

“December.”

“Jesus Christ. Over six months ago? What the fuck, man?”

I countered with, “Look how long you hid Anson from me!” which I knew was a ridiculous argument and not the same thing at all.

“I had to. That wasn’t my story to tell. Anson was closeted.” West rubbed a hand over his face. “Shit. I’m sorry. I had no idea you guys were having problems. Before I had my own, you were my definition of what a relationship was supposed to be. You could have come to me. I would have been there for you.”

“I know.” And I did. “It’s weird because I’m sad…but I’m not. Or I’m sad for the wrong reasons. It feels like a failure on my part. I don’t want to fail. But it was time. Bobby and I both knew it. I love him dearly, and he loves me. He’s always adored me, you know that, but…I wanted more. The distance was getting to me, and Bobby likes his freedom. I always thought I did too, but…”

“Maybe there’s a chance you could get back together? You might be able to work things out.”

That was it, though; I didn’t want to. Bobby didn’t either. We were better off as friends. “We signed divorce papers right before I came here for the wedding. We’re not in love with each other. We were more…in love with the idea of each other.” I wasn’t sure if that made sense, but it was how I felt.